"I used to work for the NHS and I thought there would be a lot of similarities to working at Cancer Research UK. However, the organisations are very different - I've found that there's much more of a corporate focus here at CR-UK. It's also better funded than I was expecting and there's a lot of scope for projects and initiatives.
I work at the Cambridge Research Institute, so obviously there's a very strong focus on science here. The scientists are measured on their research - not directly on people management. They don't always focus on the benefits of the 'softer' side of POD, for example Learning & Development, so you have to be diplomatic and use your influencing skills. It helps that there are speciality departments within POD who I can call upon for expert advice when I need to. In fact, I find that POD in London has a lot to offer me here in Cambridge - and vice versa."