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Your curiosity will shape our future

Meet Becky Shearsmith, Head of Information Security Advisory and Assurance

“It’s incredibly rewarding to educate colleagues”

When did you start working for LV=?

I started working for LV= in 2012 when I was 17! I started work in the retentions team within sales and service. Since then, I’ve worked in technical assistance, underwriting, financial crime and now information security. 

What did you do before coming to work for LV=?

Before working at LV= I worked part time in a clothes shop whilst going to college to study cabin crew (which I originally wanted to do!). 

What does your day-to-day role look like?

Day-to-day varies a lot in my current role, it can range from providing security awareness to colleagues to assessing our contracts with our third parties to reviewing our overall security strategy.

What advice would you give someone looking to do a job like yours?

Be eager to learn. Information security is an incredibly fast-evolving area. New vulnerabilities, attack types, and technologies emerge regularly, making it essential to stay up to date. A desire to learn and keep yourself informed is crucial for anyone in this profession.

Network and collaborate. This is a collaborative field, and building a strong professional network will enhance your knowledge, job opportunities, and access to resources. 

Communicate effectively. Within security you need to be skilled at communicating complex issues to a variety of stakeholders, including non-technical personnel and leadership teams. Clear communication is essential to align security strategies with business objectives and to ensure that everyone understands their role in maintaining security.

What have you enjoyed most in your role so far?

The variety of tasks and challenges, along with the opportunity to meet new people and create connections. The diversity of work keeps things exciting, as no two days are the same. Whether it's implementing new security requests or working on long-term strategic initiatives, the constantly evolving landscape ensures that there’s always something new to learn. This variety not only keeps me engaged but also pushes me to expand my skills by adapting to different situations.

It’s incredibly rewarding to educate colleagues about the importance of security, helping them understand that it's not just a technical issue, but a shared responsibility that impacts everyone across the organisation. Watching people become more security-conscious and proactive, knowing that I played a part in that change, is extremely fulfilling.

What makes you proud to be part of LV=

There are several things that make me proud to be part of LV=, especially the brand and the incredible people I work with. Being part of a team that not only supports one another but also knows how to enjoy the journey is something I truly value. It’s inspiring to be in an environment where collaboration and a sense of humour go hand in hand with achieving great results. That positive culture, combined with the strength of the LV= brand, makes it a place I’m genuinely proud to be part of.

What other role within LV= could you see yourself doing?

I’ve always had a strong focus on risk management, as it has been a key aspect of several roles throughout my career. Because of this, I could see myself working within the risk function at LV=, where I could continue leveraging my expertise in assessing and mitigating risks. At the same time, I’m passionate about engaging with people and communicating ideas, which makes me think I might also enjoy a more sales-focused role. Being able to combine my risk awareness with a customer-facing position could be an exciting way to apply my skills while continuing to interact with and influence others.

For a work meeting, what’s your drink of choice?

Water from my Stanley cup! Although I do get constant jokes and comments about carrying it around everywhere (it has even been called my emotional support water bottle). 

Outside work, what do you enjoy doing?

I like going on holidays and visiting new places, I find taking time off work and not getting on a plane difficult! I also love finding new places to eat and drink and socialising with friends.

Fancy joining our customer service team here at LV=? Take a look at our current vacancies.