David Rock

Current Role: Interim Estates Operations Manager/Head of Estates Operations at Waltham Forest College

In my current role at Waltham Forest College, I oversee the daily operations of the Estates Department, which caters to a diverse student body ranging from 16 to 19-year-olds to mature adults across various disciplines. I manage the Facilities Team, including maintenance, premises, general, and Estates Administration Officers, as well as the Security Team, encompassing the Security Manager, Team Leaders, and Officers. Additionally, I handle the management of the Catering and Cleaning Teams and their contracts, and I have an oversight role in the Health and Safety department. During the Head of Estates' leave, I also cover responsibilities related to capital and refurbishment projects.

This new role was created to allow the Head of Estates to focus on capital projects and a significant multi-million-pound refurbishment, while I ensure the operational efficiency of the estates team.

Recent Career Highlights

-Interim FM and Operations Manager, Staffordshire University at London Digital Campus: Managed operations and Facilities Management for the new university campus.

- Specialist Policing Project Manager, Police Digital Service: During COVID-19, the Prime Minister and Home Secretary instructed the implementation of a shared police and government communication strategy, resulting in the National Enabling Project. This enabled all UK police services, intelligence services, and other departments to share and collaborate on intelligence and information via the new National Management Centre, working with The Home Office and the National Police Technology Council. It was one of the most successful projects delivered on time and within budget in recent history. Notably, the NMC has already prevented many cyber attacks and other security threats to the country. I was headhunted for this position based on my extensive experience in police operations and services. Many team members were colleagues I had worked with within the Met Police. At the conclusion of this project, I was asked to remain as its Head of Estates [Estates Lead]. Unfortunately, the organisation corporately decided to go remote, thus no longer needing an Estates department, and I was made redundant.

-Interim Deputy Head of Estates and Facilities/Site Facilities Operations Manager, Barnet and Southgate College: Served until the Coronavirus pandemic.

- Interim Deputy Head of Estates and Facilities, The Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London: Managed during a period of restructure and refurbishment.

- Facilities & Senior Site Operations Manager, Southwark College London:Part of the National Colleges Group.

Early Career: Metropolitan Police Service (1999-2016)

From 1999 to 2016, I served in the Metropolitan Police Service. From 1999 to 2000, I was seconded as the Staff Officer to the Assistant Commissioner responsible for South London. From 2000 to 2012, I held various management positions in headquarters and local boroughs, earning a reputation as a problem solver. This led to a succession of senior police officers referring issues to me. In 2014, I was promoted to Head of Property and Facilities, primarily for HQ sites such as New Scotland Yard, Empress State Building, and Hendon Police Training Centre. I often represented the Director of Property Services on her behalf. Although I was directly involved as a project manager or the lead of many high-profile projects, I was awarded twice by the Commissioner for my endeavours. Notably, between 2010 and 2012, I was attached to the Operational Support Directorate for the 2012 Olympics. In this role, I provided operational property, security, and contingency planning to ensure a safe Olympics. In recognition of my contributions, I was invited to the VIP box for the opening and closing ceremonies and received a special Olympic medal presented by the Prime Minister at Number 10 Downing Street.

Prior Career: Civil Service

Before 1999, I was a career civil servant in several government departments, including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Government Communications Bureau, where I often worked overseas in various embassies.

Skills Summary

- Extensive experience in various roles within the Metropolitan Police Service and other public sector and Further Education (FE) organisations.

- Professional qualifications and memberships in IOSH (Managing Safely) and IEMA (Environmental Awareness).

- Dynamic, hard-working, and self-motivated with strong organisational and people skills.

- Open to employment opportunities in diverse areas, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability.