LIFE IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

JEFF LAWRENSON

Jeff Lawrenson

• 1969 – 1973 SALFORD UNIVERSITY (STUDENT)

• 1973 - 1989 MERSEY & WEAVER RIVER AUTHORITYNORTH WEST WATER AUTHORITY

( ASSISTANT ENGINEER – EXECUTIVE MANAGER)

• 1989 – 1996 NATIONAL RIVERS AUTHORITY( SENIOR MANAGER)

• 1996 – 2011 ENVIRONMENT AGENCY(REGIONAL FLOOD RISK MANAGER)

From 1994 Regional Flood Risk Manager

Responsibilities• Committee• Annual Works Programme• Capital• Maintenance• Flood Warning• Development Control• Staff Resources / Manpower Planning• SCE

Key Events

CUMBRIA FLOODS• CARLISLE Nov 2005• KESWICK / COCKERMOUTH Jan 2009

REGIONAL BASE CONTROLLEREMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL

Reflections of Life when I started

• Jobs were plentiful• Training was plentiful• Funding was plentiful• The role of Engineer to the

Authority was respected• Work was relaxed (9-5)• Not many floods

Reflections of Life when I started

• Design was in house• Construction was in house• Engineers complained that they

were underpaid and misunderstood

• No e mails• 3 Day Week / Fuel rationing

Reflections of Life when I finished

• Jobs were in short supply• Training was restricted• Funding was in short supply• The role of Engineer to the

Authority had disappeared• Work was demanding (flexi +)

Reflections of Life when I finished

• Design was externalised• Construction was externalised• Frameworks in fashion• Engineers complained that they

were underpaid and misunderstood

• Frequent Floods

Some other changes

• Media and PR• Public Engagement (EDD not DID)• Public Funding• Procurement – adversarial contracts• H S & W• Emergency Planning• Environmental

In Future

• Public Funding• Resources (Size of Organisation)• VFM• Change (gradual, event driven,

political)• Skills & Expertise• Educated Client

Tips for a successful career

• Own your own development• Retain Work life Balance• Change or accept• Take your work seriously, not

yourself• Be positive – Be happy

Carlisle

Irishgate

Willowholme

• Other 2005 Photographs

The Answer