Sean, Head of Statutory Operations

I joined VCA in 2010 on the Graduate Scheme as an Automotive Engineering graduate. I worked as a Type Approval Engineer in our Midlands Centre office before being seconded to our North American office in Detroit for three  and a half years. This was an amazing experience to work in a similar but very different country.  Upon returning I gained promotion to Principal Engineer in 2017 focusing on emissions standards before moving to Statutory Operations in January 2021 to become Head of Statutory Operations.  Now my focus is on developing the Statutory Operations team to deliver the upcoming GB Type Approval Scheme and provide the best possible service to the automotive industry.

What do I like about my job?

What drew me to VCA originally was the variety of the role.  I was working with multiple vehicle manufacturers and different technical subjects, giving me broad experience of the automotive sector.  Having done an automotive degree, I was keen to be part of the automotive sector in some capacity and this was an excellent opportunity.  I got to see pre-production vehicles from high-performance marques which I would not have been able to in another role.

What I like about the job now is the purpose behind what we do.  As a relatively unknown government agency we play a vital role in upholding safety and environmental standards which is very important for everyone in this country.  We are also supporting the automotive sector in the UK which contributes significantly to our economy and creates jobs everywhere.

What makes VCA a great place to work?

Whilst I enjoy the job itself, what keeps me going is the great people I am working with.  I have colleagues who are friendly and create that community spirit in our offices.  We also strive toward making things better and it is great working with them to fix problems and deliver a better service.

There are lots of benefits to working at VCA beyond the salary. The annual leave entitlement is generous, and we also get bank holidays and a privilege day on top of this for the Queen’s birthday each year. There are also excellent flexible working options to create a positive work/life balance.

Ian, Certification Department Manager

I joined VCA as an Administration Assistant (AA) in 1995 when I finished sixth form collage. My first role was within HR and Estates where I gained greater understanding about VCA people, roles and responsibilities. I then joined the Type Approval section in 1996/97 where I learned more about the operational and statutory functions VCA is responsible for. In this role I was introduced to VCA type approval customers, largely vehicle, system and component manufactures located all over the world.

From this role, I later gained promotion to Administration Officer and later again to Executive Officer within Type Approval Operations as a Technical Support Manager. In these roles. I spent time learning from Technical Engineers responsible for testing vehicles, systems and components to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN ECE) and EU legislation standards. My role was to assist with the Technical Clearance Process ensuring customer and VCA expected turnaround was achieved and without error. During this time, I met many VCA customers and learnt valuable knowledge about global automotive manufacturing and the global environmental and safety standards that need to be achieved to sell and register vehicles around the world.

In 2012, I gained promotion to Higher Executive Officer within International Operations where I managed Type Approval Certification teams based in Nuneaton and Bristol. The Type Approval Certification teams are responsible for the quality checking and issuing of documents such as certificates, test reports and manufacturer supplied information documents. This role later led to me achieving promotion in 2014 to Senior Executive Officer  responsible for UK and Southern Europe Type Approval Certification. This role is what I currently do now, the responsibilities, objectives, legislation, and team size have changed and grown as the VCA business has changed through some very interesting times.

What do I like about my job?

The variety of manufacturers, approval authorities, alternative government agencies, members of the public and global teams within VCA that I work with regularly. The Type Approval Certification team can and does make a difference within the automotive safety sector and economies in UK and around the world. Our team has a lot to be proud of.

What makes VCA a great place to work?

I will say the home and work life balance and the people that try to help and support each other makes VCA a great place to work.

Top tip for working at VCA?

Learn as much as you can about the whole VCA business, question what you are unsure of and explore the significance of your role within and outside of VCA in order to develop yourself further.

Stephen, Chief Compliance Engineer

I joined VCA in 2000 as a direct entrant after completing a degree in mechanical engineering. Having a very keen interest in all things mechanical and automotive, this turned out to be a fantastic decision! I spent the first few years at VCA travelling Europe testing vehicles for safety related subject such as crash, brakes and seatbelts. There were some amazing times (especially testing sports / prestige cars braking systems on test tracks) that will stay with me for the rest of my life, and I still feel lucky that I had the opportunity to do things that many people can only dream of. In 2012 I was promoted to Principal Engineer, where I was responsible for a major original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) type approval activity, along with taking the lead on implementing type approval for commercial vehicles.

In 2015 an opportunity arose to head the Conformity of Production (CoP) team for VCA. This was at a time of great change, and I have been lucky to shape the way that the CoP team operate globally, taking us to a position as one of the most respected in the world. I have seen the team grow significantly, and with the recent EU exit the team is set to grow bigger and bigger as we become responsible for delivering CoP to all vehicle manufacturers that sell into the UK.

What do I like about my job?

The diversity and the people make an already amazing role even better. There is always so much to do but a great team of people around you to help and guide you. Heading the CoP team means that I not only get involved in the policies and procedures that VCA and industry follow, but I am also very privileged to visit manufacturers around the world to see how they build their vehicles and components. The diversity I get to see from a child seat through to a supercar (via a double decker bus!) is amazing. Some days when I am at a manufacturer’s premises it is like being part of a documentary!

What makes VCA a great place to work?

VCA is a relatively small organisation and we operate as one family.

Although we are part of government, due to our size we all have the opportunity to make a real difference and have a say in what we do. Everyone is so approachable from the bottom to the very top, with one common goal to deliver the best possible service whilst maintaining the highest possible standards.

Top tip about working at VCA?

There are some incredible opportunities to see, and be involved in, the rapidly changing automotive world, so I would suggest getting involved in as much as you can. You will meet some great people throughout industry as well as internally who will help and guide you along the way so make the most of every moment!

Tracy, Midlands Certification Manager

I joined VCA as an Administrator, supporting a small team who would audit manufacturing premises to ensure continuity of manufacturing, one week before Christmas 2004. It was a good first week of my new life in the Civil Service, there were only 18 of us based on the Midlands Centre site and I got invited to the Christmas meal, so met all of my new colleagues in one go, who were very welcoming and friendly.  Over the course of the following few months, I underwent training with CoP colleagues at our Bristol office and learnt about legislation, auditing and the VCA Systems.

In July 2006, I achieved promotion and became a Type Approval Certification Manager, looking after the type approval needs of a myriad of manufacturers and engineers, managing multiple homologation projects with varying deadlines, including some large projects with very complex invoicing needs, and looking after a small team of two full-time and one part-time members of staff. My role encompassed training people in new systems including the technical teams, giving advice on paperwork and training new engineers on how to complete it, writing work instructions and assisting with processes compilation, dealing with enquiries from customers and members of the public, undertaking analysis of data and reporting on our KPIs regularly, plus administering and advising on, the tractor work worldwide VCA. This is where tractors can apply for a variety of testing codes, in addition to normal forms of testing, and are required in a number of other countries around the world, inside and outside of the European Community. Over the years, the VCA has grown, and Midlands Centre is now home to nearly 90 people, my team has grown and is now a team of six full time, one apprentice and two part time people.

What do I like about my job?

No two days are ever the same. The work is so varied and the questions asked always different, so even after 19 years of working for the VCA, I’m still learning new things, which makes each day very interesting. Managing a diverse team, full of personality and skill is very rewarding for me and I enjoy the daily questions and interactions we have together. Old legislation gets changed and brand new legislation comes in; new systems are introduced for us to use where we have the option to trial it and feedback our likes and dislikes, plus we have opportunities to get involved with VCA’s wider objectives and projects which develops skills and experience. We work with Approval Authorities and Technical Services in many countries around the world, and we adapt to manufacturer’s changing needs and requirements, making a difference to those we serve. I have had the privilege over the years to train many wonderful people and they have gone onto promotions of their own, some inside VCA, others into other government departments, so building strength for the future of the Civil Service, that is something I’m really proud of.

What makes VCA a great place to work?

The people. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. If someone has a query then you’ll find everyone jumps in and tries to help find a solution. VCA supports people’s ideas, invests in their training and provides wellbeing initiatives for all staff to participate in to support mental health, nutrition, wellness and menopause. We even have wellbeing rooms at both our Midlands and Bristol office. The work-life balance is also good with flexible working and the opportunity to work from home a few days per week, and the annual leave is great too.

Top tip about working at VCA?

Always ask if you are unsure about anything, as there’s always someone who will have the answer. Speak up – if you see something can be done better then we want to know about it. Build relationships across the agency, as these will stand the test of time and you’ll make some wonderful friends along the way. And finally, see how what you do, makes VCA the great place it is to work and in doing so, you’ll be able to assist in its growth and future.

Gary, Compliance Engineer

I joined the VCA as a Conformity of Production (CoP) engineer (now called Compliance Engineer) in May 2013. Before joining, I was a time-served fabricator/welder, working at a gold mine in South Africa in the early 80’s, manufactured numerous fabricated products, including large transformer tanks for power generating companies, and had a 23-year career in the prison service. Firstly, this was supervising young offenders in an engineering production environment; then managing prison industries at various locations, and finally the auditing of prison service standards and managing the secretariat before my establishment was privatised.

I had never looked at the automotive industry previously, and certainly had never heard of the word “homologation” or the VCA. The VCA recognised my engineering and auditing experience, and so a little later in life, I joined a very small team, based at our Midlands Centre near Nuneaton. There have been many opportunities for advancement, but I have remained in this role since 2013, where I’m in direct contact with auditing companies manufacturing a vast array of products for the transport industry, and in a host of places in the UK and overseas.

There are numerous challenges with my work in that the clients you work with have their targets to meet, their wage bills to pay and their responsibilities; and you will be expected to provide a fair, accurate, and timely service, as well as to try to keep abreast of the updated legislation, which was probably my greatest challenge on joining.

Over the years, the team and the requirements have grown substantially from what it was nine years ago. Throughout that time, I have been supported by all members of the VCA family in helping me to gain the experience and knowledge, which I am sure will be provided to you if you do decide to join us.

What do I like about my job?

I love the variety of products, production processes and companies that I work with. Many are similar but none are the same. I get to examine the production facilities of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) companies that build vehicles with thousands of staff using state of the art equipment; to two-person companies re-treading six tyres a day in an old farm building. I see high tech electronic companies producing PCB boards for use in transport applications, and I see a single person making trailers at his home. There is a massive amount of variation, and it makes it all easier when you work with the people here at the VCA. You are never short of getting help, advice and assistance from anyone within the agency. And I am an example of the VCA taking changing family circumstances into account in that I have been working from home since well before the pandemic hit.

What makes VCA a great place to work?

The variety or work in various locations and you will be hard pushed to find a more friendly and helpful team to work with. The agency has focus on providing a very good work-life balance and the opportunities for advancement are regularly available. The support for ongoing learning both internal and external is extremely good.

Top tip about working at VCA?

Never sit, say nothing and struggle. Our organisation is one of the most supportive environments you can wish for. Within the agency there is a vast resource of knowledge and experience, that in my experience, people are more than willing to share. I strongly advise you to use it.

Jo, Audit Administration Manager

I joined VCA in 2013 as the CoP (Conformity of Production) administrator and nine years later, I’m still here working in CoP. I started working as a contractor within the department, chasing expiring customers and processing their paperwork for clearance.  I was taken on permanently and since then, I have worked all aspects of the admin for the department.  I have been responsible for setting up new procedures and training my new colleagues within the department as it has grown over the years. When I originally started, there were three of us in the department. Over the years, this has grown to 10 of us and is still growing with the new GB Type Approval Scheme that is being introduced.

Over the years, I have done all aspects of the admin work, chasing expired customers, arranging audits. More recently, I implemented a new process to request and check the test data that is required to be submitted by legislation.  Now the new GB Type Approval scheme is our department is growing and changing and it’s an exciting time to be in VCA!

What do I like about my job?

I love the variety that comes with working in CoP. We always joke that no two questions are ever the same! The work we do is interesting and varied. It keeps me on my toes and I love the challenges that come with the work we do. Coming from a type approval background in my job before VCA, this has helped me tremendously with my work in CoP and seeing how we fit into the Type Approval process.

What makes VCA a great place to work?

I would say that VCA is the most family friendly place I have worked in, with the flexible working and the annual leave. The people are also a big reason that VCA is a great place to work. The friendliness and support of the people around you is essential to a happy working life. You will find this in VCA.

Top tip about working at VCA?

Take the time to see how your job and department fit into the type approval process; it will help you in seeing the bigger picture of what VCA does.

Stephanie, Certification Officer 

I joined VCA as a Type Approval Certification Officer in 2018 on a temporary agency contract for six months. Almost 4 years on, and with a permanent appointment under my belt, I’m delighted to say I’m still here.

The team I work with is responsible for issuing Type Approval Certificates to the global automotive industry. We review documentation produced by engineers and manufacturers and check for consistency and accuracy in both. By working in closely with our team of engineers we ensure that the certificates we issue reflect the high standards expected of this small, but highly respected, part of the DfT.

Certification is just a small part of our role. We are involved in many areas, including customer queries, invoicing and working with our various offices throughout the world.

I’ve learned a lot during my time here… and there’s lots more to learn. With the introduction of new legislation for the GB Type Approval Scheme, it will certainly keep us all on our toes.

What do I like about my job?

I enjoy my job for many reasons. It’s been challenging learning all our systems; processes and the legislation which drives all that we do. As an older member of the team, I have found that the experience I have brought from outside the agency has stood me in good stead. Now that my knowledge and confidence has grown, I love the fact that others come to me for my opinion and my help. I thrive on doing a good job and want to encourage those around me to do the same.

What makes VCA a great place to work?

Most people in the VCA will tell you that whilst they enjoy their job, it’s the people we work with who really make the difference. There is true camaraderie and even though the job we do is serious and important there is still time for a laugh. There is support for all aspects of life available and the time invested by people in groups like the Wellbeing team make all the difference. Their organised events like summer BBQ’s only help to draw us all closer together.

The generous annual leave and flexible working make for a great balance between work and home.

Top tip about working at VCA?

Never be afraid to participate. You have a voice and your Team and the wider VCA want to hear it.  We all have a perspective on how the work we do could be improved. Don’t keep it to yourself share it with others… it could make a big difference.

Alison, Audit Coordinator

I joined VCA in December 2018.  I have worked with in various administration roles prior to joining the company so came with a vast knowledge. I had been working as a manager in my last role and had decided that this was no longer for me. I joined the Conformity of Production (CoP) department as an audit administrator, working with the team to plan the audits globally and complete the clearance paperwork for the approval holders. This has proved very challenging through COVID-19 and I have had to work on new procedures and practices to accomplish this.

What do I like about my job?

Three years on and I am still learning new things.  I have a very logical brain and love the planning; it’s like fitting a jigsaw puzzle together.

What makes VCA a great place to work?

You are never just a number. Whether from your line manager or the HR department, your colleagues will always try to work with you and your personal circumstances. We also have flexible working patterns and excellent holiday entitlement.

Top tip about working at VCA?

Keep an open mind and be ready to embrace change.