Get to Know the UKRN Team – Nihar Shembavnekar

Continuing our series where you get to know more about the UKRN team, we are pleased to welcome one of our latest recruits – Nihar Shembavnekar who joins us on secondment from the FCA.

We’ve asked Nihar to answer a few questions below to tell us a little about himself, and you can also connect with Nihar on LinkedIn here

  • Tell me a bit about yourself

I enjoy reading – crime fiction and history in particular – as well as watching cricket and films/TV and listening to music. I have somewhat eclectic tastes in these areas and often find myself enjoying a film or book that few people like! Further, I like to keep fit by working out in the gym and going on long walks. I also enjoy trying new restaurants and theatre productions from time to time and exploring bits of London that I haven’t been to – all in all, making the most of what this wonderful city has to offer.

  • What attracted you to UKRN

UKRN’s collaborative and cross-cutting regulatory ethos appeals greatly to me. Having worked for the FCA, the CMA, and Ofgem, I have often felt there is a gap in joined-up thinking and system-wide planning across UK regulators, and this is a space which UKRN is increasingly making impactful contributions to.

  • What achievement has given you the most pride in your career. And also, in your time at UKRN.

In terms of my career so far, I would plump for the 2022 NHS workforce projections report which I led and managed in a previous role at the Health Foundation. The report set out my team’s projections of future demand and supply of staff in the NHS nursing and general practice workforce up to 2030. It was highly impactful and well received by the government, coming as it did at a pivotal point in time for the NHS towards the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.

  • What 3 words best encapsulate regulation for you

As an economist, I think about regulation as being a tool that can shape incentives, public service delivery, and economic growth and productivity (okay, that’s more than 3 words so I have italicised 3 themes)!

  • What 3 words best describe you away from the day job

Friends and relatives have described me as independent, diligent, and approachable. And more, but I will stick to 3 words this time!

  • What is your favourite film and why that choice

This is really tough – I have favourites within each major genre. If I really had to pick one, I would recommend one of my favourite Bollywood films called 83. It’s a unique sporting underdog victory tale – who doesn’t like those! – and a cricketing one at that, which makes it irresistible for me. I’ve watched it several times and keep returning to it from time to time, as it never fails to motivate and inspire.

  • What 3 countries/places have you enjoyed visiting the most and why
    • Tanzania’s wildlife reserves – the Serengeti and Ngorongoro – are absolutely magical for nature lovers. I visited as a child with my parents and sister, and I’d love go back one day!
    • Goa in India is a heavenly location with a superb mix of sandy beaches, delicious seafood, and relaxing hotels and villas. I have been multiple times with family and friends and I am keen to add to these visits.
    • The south coast of France – a stretch of coastline so beautiful that it once mesmerised me when I’d taken the wrong train and delayed my getting to where I needed to be. It was completely worth the delay given the pristine beauty of the French Riviera!
  • What advice would you give to your younger self

Stop worrying and thinking overtime about the future. Enjoy the present and really soak it in – you only live once! And some tongue-in-cheek hindsight wisdom: AI is going to take everyone’s jobs one day in any case, so just make the most of each day before that happens…

  • When your career is nearing completion or you get to retire – what 3 words would you like your career to be remembered by

I would like to be remembered for being someone whose career was inspiring, pathbreaking, and contributing positively to society.

We really hope you enjoyed getting to know Nihar more. Look out for our next featured team member shortly!