How did you get started in your career and what drew you to TfL?
I started my career by studying MEng Computers, Electronics and Communications at the University of Bath for 4 years followed by a gap year with some travelling around the world.
Upon my return, I joined onto the TfL Surface Transport Electronic Engineer Graduate Scheme with 3-6 month placements over 2 years before securing a role within the Road Space Management Directorate within the Development and Research team. I was particularly attracted to job perks offered by TfL and the fact that they offered a good reasonable adjustment experience when I first applied.
What are your typical daily responsibilities?
I write technical specifications for, procure and test new traffic signal equipment that we may wish to use on street to meet operational needs. I also act as technical lead on a number of innovative technology projects within Road Space Management and meet with suppliers, customers to enable project delivery.
As part of my role, I also undertake site visits to complete technical designs and supervise contractors whilst on site to ensure works are completed to the required standard.
How do you manage your disability at work?
On a one-to-one basis, I can normally lip read provided there are no strong accents and clear speech, which is the majority of my work within TfL. For team meetings, I have a BSL sign language interpreter which enables me to partake and a telephone minicom to allow me to use TypeTalk (a voice to text relay service) to call people. I also use technology such as Office Communicator (a chat program) or email to reduce the impacts of my disability in my day to day work.
How has your employer helped you to do well at your workplace?
TfL have found and arranged a BSL interpreting agency which allows me to book them as needed through Access to Work funding. They also have started to provide corporate wide services which suit employees who are Deaf or hearing impaired such as a text based staff emergency service, chat based services to contact the HR & IT departments as well as run the Deaf awareness courses on a regular basis.
How would you describe the culture at TfL?
The culture at TfL is supportive of people with disabilities and is pro-active.