Meet an employee from The UKSI

We caught up with Carolyne French, the Elite Desk Lead at The UKSI Limited.

The UKSI is an Armed Forces Covenant signatory and 2024 Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award recipient in the Highland RFCA area. UKSI first signed the Armed Forces Covenant in February 2022. The fire protection and security solutions provider is a member of HRFCA’s Highland Gold Network, which consists of the current 47 ERS Gold Award holders.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

“I am an outdoors and nature lover. I enjoy hiking, bagging Munros, and camping. I like to spend time with my family and friends and try new restaurants. I’m also lucky enough to have travelled the world.”

What was your dream job growing up?

“A fighter jet pilot.”

What did it then evolve into, and why?

“It then changed into hospitality management due to previous experience in the industry during school. I had weekend and part-time jobs within the hospitality industry and found it was something I really enjoyed.”

Tell us about your current job and employer.

“I’m currently part of the Elite Desk team at UKSI, which offers multi-site and national customers the choice to contract their fire and security needs to one provider. UKSI offers a single point of contact at our National Control Centre. A dedicated team instructs our regional delivery teams in order to provide a first-class service installing, commissioning, and maintaining fire and security systems.”

What are some of your proudest achievements?

“One of my proudest achievements has been providing my bone marrow to my brother via a bone marrow transplant to save his life when he had leukaemia.”

What advice would you give to young people starting out in the world of work?

“Do what makes you happy; life isn’t about climbing the career ladder.”

Are there any past or future events within your employer organisation that you would like to highlight?

“Every six months, a conference is held for our delivery centres up and down the country. Previously, we held one in Edinburgh and thanks to our Defence ERS Award we were able to host a drinks reception at Edinburgh Castle.”