Lewis Osborne

OFTEC

Give us a brief description of your background

I previously worked for OFTEC in the training department, liaising with approved training and assessment centres located throughout the UK and Ireland and assisting with the development of training and assessment materials.

Following this I spent 11 years in the motor trade working for a Ford/Citroen/Peugeot main dealer in my local area. My role here was workshop controller which primarily consisted of controlling the working loads of the technicians in the workshop and ensuring that customers vehicles were completed as required.

I have now been back with OFTEC for two years working as a Compliance Officer. My main duties are reviewing photo evidence from technicians following rectification works identified through field inspections and handling complaints from consumers. The compliance department is a small team of which I am supervisor to one administrative staff member.

Who/what inspires you?

I always try to be the best version of myself and achieve the maximum I can no matter what the challenge or goal. This applies to both my work and personal life.

What does the word leadership make you think of?

Leadership for me does not necessarily mean directing people on what/how to achieve a certain task. Leadership is importantly also about supporting/mentoring and leading by example.

How do you feel about taking part in the Future Leaders programme?

I am excited to see what this programme has in store and am keen to learn new skills and techniques to assist with becoming a better leader going forward.

What do you think are the keys to a sustainable future?

I feel buy-in and cooperation from everyone and being accepting that change is required is the key to a sustainable future.

This process has already started and needs to be continued despite challenges that may need to be overcome along the way.