Intelligence Review

I work within the intelligence services team at the FCA. Whilst I can't give an in-depth overview owing to the sensitive nature of the role. I deal with intelligence coming into the FCA and evaluate this and have to make decisions alongside my team what to do with it.

I have learnt a lot of new skills! Time management is one of the key ones here, there are a lot of different tasks and project going on (and an apprenticeship!), so being able to manage my diary has been very important. Networking within the organisation as well is crucial to gaining a better understanding of the finance industry as a whole.

I am really enjoying working in a fast paced team, where every day can throw you something completely different and there are often short term turn arounds for tasks. My apprenticeship programme is complimenting the work I am doing very well also and allowing me to challenge myself to go further in my day to day role.

The programme is very well structured, I have been slowly exposed to the finance/intelligence world at speeds that have been great and allowed me to build up a picture at the correct pace, without being overwhelmed! Training is frequent and always structured appropriately for what I am doing/learning.

I have received a lot of support from my employer! My line management have been absolutely excellent, along with my colleagues who are always on hand to support me for any questions/issues/tasks I may have. I have already been on a week long residential course, and it's great to know that the company are keen to invest in me as a person.

BPP have been excellent so far, my tutor/s is always happy to talk to me if I have any queries or issues. The lectures are also very informative and are great in preparing me for coursework submissions and have also given us a lecture surrounding the End Point Assessment, which is a way away, but still really useful!

Learning about financial compliance is really important for my day job, and therefore the qualification I am undertaking with the ICA is going to be a real help, especially working within financial regulation! Working on my different learning objectives has been interesting and learning how to evidence things is also crucial, especially in a role where there are potential legal repurcussions.

Yes there are absolutely loads! I have already signed up to the cricket team which is starting soon and also subsidised so we don't have to pay a lot. There are also plenty of other clubs and regular events hosted so there really is something for everyone to get involved in.

Yes

The FCA from day one have been amazing at supporting my learning and driving my career forward, the company and specifically my team have invested a lot of time into developing my skills so that I am up to speed. I know that this will continue and I will always be moving forward in my career.

The FCA is moving towards being data driven/led, so having a good understanding or willingness to learn about data is key. Also being keen to learn about the financial industry is important owing to the nature of the business. Finally being able to exhibit FCA values and demonstrate how you have shown these in the past.