Get to Know the UKRN Team – Andrea Cornish

• Tell me a bit about yourself

Well… where do I start?! I always find this type of question difficult.

I was born in the London Borough of Southwark, spent most of my childhood in Surrey, and now happily call Sussex home, where I live with my husband, our two grown-up children, and our black lab, Dexter. My daughter Ellie is 24, my son Bobby is 22, and Dex is 7. As much as I love them all equally… Dex is my favourite child (don’t tell the others!).

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me planning some kind of get-together, catching up with friends and family, or trying to keep active. I joined a local slimming group before Christmas and am delighted to have lost 2 stone so far, so I’m hoping the “trying to keep active” part will continue to improve!

Among my friends and family, I’m known as the person who gets things organised. Whether it’s a surprise party, a special celebration, or a last-minute get-together, I’m usually the first to volunteer. I love any excuse to throw a party, decorate a hall, or dress up in fancy dress.

I’m also passionate about supporting two charities that are very close to my heart. Organising and taking part in fundraising events is something I genuinely enjoy – it’s always great fun, brings people together, and helps raise money for some truly worthwhile causes.  My favourite event so far has been a skydive from 13,000 ft, which my daughter has now also completed.  However, she also took part in a bungee jump – which I just couldn’t bring myself to do as I don’t trust a large elastic band!  Makes no sense after jumping from a perfectly good plane, I know!

• What attracted you to UKRN

After leaving the healthcare service due to redundancy, I was looking for a new opportunity. The UKRN Administrator role appealed to me because of its variety and the chance to work in a sector that was new to me. Since joining, I have been impressed by the team’s knowledge, commitment and enthusiasm, and I am looking forward to developing my understanding of the regulatory sector while contributing to the organisation’s work.

• What 3 words best encapsulate regulation for you

Accountability, fairness and protection

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

Family-orientated, thoughtful and organiser

• What is your favourite film and why that choice

The Grinch/How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It became a family favourite when my children were young and holds so many memories.  Every Christmas, we would sit together watching it, while they laughed, joked and happily stuffed their little faces with popcorn!  Even now, my daughter insists we watch it every year because “it’s tradition”.  My son, however, would rather spend the time watching West Ham!  The film always reminds me of those special family moments.  

• What 3 countries/places have you enjoyed visiting the most and why

The Maldives – We visited Meeru Island for our 25^th wedding anniversary and I can honestly say it is the most beautiful place I have ever seen.  The trip was even more special as the children were with us and got to experience somewhere truly magical.  I’m now trying to convince them all that a return visit would be the perfect way to celebrate my milestone birthday next year!

Devon, UK – I have so many precious memories of our first family holidays in Devon. The children loved playing on the beach and joining in with the evening kids’ club discos, and it was wonderful to see them having so much fun. We are very lucky to have such a beautiful coastline within driving distance, even if it is quite a long journey! I’m also quite partial to a traditional cream tea.

Lanzarote – Our family has a holiday apartment on a small resort in Puerto del Carmen which we visit twice every year.  It’s somewhere that feels like a second home, with guaranteed sunshine, lovely food, and the chance to spend quality time together.  It’s comfortingly familiar and great to catch up with the other owners and staff who have become friends over the years.

• What advice would you give to your younger self

Life is too precious, so try not to spend too much time worrying about what others think.  Have confidence in yourself and stay true to what matters most to you.  The people who truly matter will appreciate you for who you are.

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

Dedicated, respected and compassionate

(Although I live in the hope, I will win the lottery and get to retire early!)

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