International Women’s Day 2024: Beverly Bowles, Head of Cyber

为了2024年国际妇女节, we’re featuring some of the hardworking and talented women behind the scenes at ScotlandIS.

Read the below interview to find out more about Beverly Bowles, the Head of our Cyber and IT管理服务集群s.

描述一下你在博天堂入口大学的角色.

I am the Head of Cyber and project manager for the IT Managed Services Provider project.  My work involves looking for opportunities for cyber service and product companies to establish and develop their business, students to develop their skills and find job opportunities, 以及在博天堂入口发展网络产业. I have helped to develop a network with managed service providers across Scotland and together we have created, launched and have over 20 signatories to an ITMSP Best Practice Charter that sets out the standards customers should expect from their provider.  

Can you tell us more about your background and how you ended up in this role?

I was a police officer for 28 years and got involved with the Cyber Crime Harm Prevention team where I worked with public, 私人和3^rd sector organisations to promote cyber security and online safety.  I was then asked to join the Policing in a Digital World Programme to implement the Police Scotland Cyber Strategy, with a specific focus on working with UK Government to develop the Cyber Prevent Strategy (ensuring Scotland-specific legislation, 包括条例和惯例). Upon retiring from the Police, I took up the role of ITMSP Project Lead role within ScotlandIS.

What is the best part about your job in STEM?

The best part of my role is working for an organisation that has developed an incredible network and is focused on doing the best for all of the people and organisations involved in tech in Scotland. The range of projects and initiatives we are involved with is really exciting and inspiring, and it has really pushed me to use my experience and learn new skills to deliver on my own programmes. 

What has been your experience as a Woman in STEM?

我在STEM领域的经历喜忧参半. 我经历过性别歧视, 厌女症和被忽视, 尽管我有知识和经验, but I have also had incredible opportunities and met amazing people that have helped me to learn and grow. My current role is the most fulfilling job that I have had as a Woman in STEM, where I feel supported and encouraged and able to be proactive and creative for the benefit of the Scottish Tech Sector.

What are some of the biggest challenges you see in the sector for diversity?

I see a few big challenges: lack of representation in leadership and decision making roles can make it difficult to see where there are opportunities for you in the workplace; retaining skilled staff when there are better opportunities in other organisations or in a different country; lack of mentorship to help build confidence and understanding of your role and building a supportive network where you feel part of the tech community Scotland. Although we do have an established tech ecosystem in Scotland, we need to have a more joined up effort to understand and map all of the elements within it from education and recruitment through to research, 发展和资助.  A holistic view would bring greater opportunities, and help policy development and investment in key areas. 

Why do you think it’s important that we have greater gender diversity?

Diversity is key to bringing a variety of perspectives, ideas and experiences together which can foster and promote innovation and creativity. Organisations with a diverse workforce can better understand and adapt to the needs of their employees and customers, 提供更具包容性的产品和服务.   

Is there a Woman in STEM that is an inspirational or influential figure to you?

我的励志人物是玛吉·提特马斯.   

She has had a remarkable career in law enforcement and industry, and is now using her experience and influence as part of NCRAB and in support of those who are new to the tech sector. 她的关系网和影响力令人向往. 

有趣的事实