Tell us what are you working on at the moment, and explain how the lockdown has affected the way you carry out your work?

I am currently working on the Viral Vector project for Cobra Biologics in Keele. Even with the lockdown rules being in place, I have been attending the site on average 3 times per week as we are in the final stages of a facility fit out.  The Keele Site is directly involved in activities critical to the COVID 19 response, specifically working to produce a vaccine candidate. Therefore, our project team has been issued with ‘Essential Works’ letters allowing us to travel to site when necessary.

Working on site has required numerous changes to allow the construction to continue as safely as possible. As a team we are in regular contact with each other but spread the visits to site across the team to avoid too many people being on site at any one time.  

When working from home I have been balancing my workload whilst helping my wife home school our two girls.  I’ve needed to be available throughout core hours of the day, but have completed admin work early and late to ensure everything is up to date and my efficiency remains high.

How are you coping with lockdown?

The entire situation has been challenging; from managing social distancing and safe systems of work on site, to ensure we can complete the facility in timely manner. Managing risk to myself and reducing the possibility of bringing the virus home to my wife and children.  Entertaining and home schooling two active girls. Being more distant from my teammates and relying entirely on media meetings rather than regular face to face meetings.

However, we have changed our norms, developed new ways of working to ensure BES can offer the same quality service and deliver a high specification facility even earlier than planned. I am privileged to be in a position where the work I am involved in is able to make a difference and help others. We may not be on the front line with our NHS hero’s but behind the scenes we are putting infrastructure in place to help people going forward.
  
What do you do in your spare time - maybe you picked up a new hobby?

Usually, I coach 2 girls’ football teams, under 7s and under 10s – it takes up a lot of my time but it is all worthwhile. Of course, that’s not possible at the moment.  I understand that these are difficult times but I am trying to make the most of the slower pace of life, enjoying evening family walks in the sunshine and a chance to spend quality time together as a family.