The UK’s Security and Resilience sector provides solutions to some of the greatest challenges we face today, from cyber security to the products and services which address the threats of terrorism and all other aspects of national security.
For International Women’s Day 2019, we talk to Elizabeth Sheldon, who is the Chairman of Evidence Talks, a Digital Forensic Technology and service company. She is also the Honorary Vice President of Security for ADS.
Elizabeth shares how there are many routes into our industries, including less traditional ones.
What inspired you to work in the industry?
I had the best possible inspiration to start work in this industry – it was by accident! I met my current husband and he persuaded me to go into business with him. That was in 2002 and I have loved every moment since then. We work with some amazing people who work hard every day to keep our nation and citizens safe from harm. It is a fast-moving sector with exciting technologies evolving and some interesting problems to solve through our research and development arm.
What would you say to other women and girls who may be put off joining the industry because of its male-dominance?
There is no doubt that the security sector is still male dominated but is it changing. There are more women at the top and this will assist in encouraging women to start a career in the security sector. The security sector is broad and entry points can be in more traditional areas for women such as HR or finance. It is easier to shift across to other areas from within a business. Dame Stella Rimington rose to be Director General of MI5 from 1992-1996 and she started in that world as a librarian!
What has been your most memorable or proudest moment?
My proudest moment was when I was chosen as CBI First Woman of Science and Technology in 2017, but I am exceptionally proud of what we do at Evidence Talks, developing technologies and solutions at the cutting edge of digital forensics.
Read about more on International Women’s Day.
