Digital & Innovation

Melanie Hockenhull

Company:

Avanti West Coast
Job title:

Head of Sustainability

Day to Day tasks

To develop and deliver Avanti’s sustainability strategy, Our Responsible Plan. On a day to day, this is incredibly varied, from attending meetings with industry stakeholders including the DfT, to working across departments to develop climate adaptation strategies, to working on projects to reduce our energy use.

Skills needed for this role

e.g., written and verbal communication, research skills, stakeholder relationships, data analysis

Strategic thinking, strong communication skills and a real interest in sustainability, both environmental and social. Key is the ability to make and maintain relationships across all levels of an organisation and with external stakeholders.

My working environment

I work across the west coast mainline, regularly travelling for events and meetings. Because of this, I also enjoy a few days working from home to catch up on my workload!

Pathways into this role

Very varied – I originally trained and qualified as a lawyer, before moving into social sustainability work. My background isn’t environmental management, so I’m currently completing an MSc in climate change: science, society and technology. A more conventional path might include undergraduate study in environmental sciences or geography, but sustainability is about showing aptitude to continuously learn and build relationships.

Education

e.g., GCSE

I have GCSE’s, A-Levels, a law degree and am currently studying for an MSc. Generally, a degree in a sustainability related subject is favourable, but experience and attitude is just as important.

Best and worst things about this job

Best thing – the variety and the people I work with. I work in a great team and have the opportunity to work with people in many different areas.

Worst thing – the scale of the challenge. It can be daunting to think how much work needs to be done, and so passion and commitment needs to be balanced alongside keeping work fun and interesting.

Data Analyst

Robert, LNER

Robert keeps LNER's systems and data secure, protecting against cyber threats and making sure customer and staff information stays safe. He monitors activity across the network, investigates suspicious behaviour, and works with teams across the business to improve digital security.

Robert didn't start his career in cyber - he began in IT support and gradually moved into security after taking some online courses and gaining industry certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CISSP. He joined LNER as a junior analyst and worked his way up.

Now, he enjoys the fast pace of the rail industry and the chance to make a real impact every day. For Robert, it's not just about technology - it's about protecting people and helping the business stay one step ahead.

Digital Product Manager

Robert, LNER

Robert keeps LNER's systems and data secure, protecting against cyber threats and making sure customer and staff information stays safe. He monitors activity across the network, investigates suspicious behaviour, and works with teams across the business to improve digital security.

Robert didn't start his career in cyber - he began in IT support and gradually moved into security after taking some online courses and gaining industry certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CISSP. He joined LNER as a junior analyst and worked his way up.

Now, he enjoys the fast pace of the rail industry and the chance to make a real impact every day. For Robert, it's not just about technology - it's about protecting people and helping the business stay one step ahead.

Coder

Robert, LNER

Robert keeps LNER's systems and data secure, protecting against cyber threats and making sure customer and staff information stays safe. He monitors activity across the network, investigates suspicious behaviour, and works with teams across the business to improve digital security.

Robert didn't start his career in cyber - he began in IT support and gradually moved into security after taking some online courses and gaining industry certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CISSP. He joined LNER as a junior analyst and worked his way up.

Now, he enjoys the fast pace of the rail industry and the chance to make a real impact every day. For Robert, it's not just about technology - it's about protecting people and helping the business stay one step ahead.

Web Developer

Robert, LNER

Robert keeps LNER's systems and data secure, protecting against cyber threats and making sure customer and staff information stays safe. He monitors activity across the network, investigates suspicious behaviour, and works with teams across the business to improve digital security.

Robert didn't start his career in cyber - he began in IT support and gradually moved into security after taking some online courses and gaining industry certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CISSP. He joined LNER as a junior analyst and worked his way up.

Now, he enjoys the fast pace of the rail industry and the chance to make a real impact every day. For Robert, it's not just about technology - it's about protecting people and helping the business stay one step ahead.