Get to know the UKRN Team – Barbara Perata-Smith

Have you ever wondered who the UKRN team are? Well, it’s probably about time we introduced ourselves! Over the coming months, we will continue to share a little insight into each of the UKRN team members (don’t worry, there is only 8 of us!). We’ve asked each of the team to answer a few questions about themselves, UKRN and regulation of course!

Previously, we’ve had Kev Smith, Attricia Archer, Charley Grady-Pearce and Carey-Ann Jacques but next up is – Barbara Perata-Smith!

  1. Tell me a bit about yourself

I am originally from a small town on the Ligurian riviera, in Italy, but I attended university in the UK, where I have lived since I was 19. My educational and professional background is in the arts (I have a Master in Design from the Royal College of Art) and I worked in the sector for several years before joining the Civil Aviation Authority and becoming an ‘accidental regulator’. I have two teenagers at home, Francesca who’s 18 and Harry, who’s 17, and a three-legged black Labrador called Boomer (all together now: awww!). I enjoy yoga and running.

  1. What attracted you to UKRN?

While at the CAA, I was responsible for leading the design and development of the organisation’s first environmental sustainability strategy in a while. I joined the UKRN as the Net Zero Lead, because I wanted to gain more exposure to the work other regulators do across the sectors, beyond aviation and rail which are the areas I have had experience in so far, and expand my knowledge of environmental regulation.
P.S. I will let you in on a secret: this is my second secondment with the UKRN, having joined them for the first time in 2016.

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

While at the CAA, I was part of the team that coordinated the emergency response that was triggered by the collapse of Thomas Cook, in 2019, and I worked with colleagues to ensure that passengers that were left stranded abroad could return home safely.
And as for the UKRN, during my first secondment I led the work that developed the UKRN strategy, which brought a more cohesive approach to policy-making and engagement.

  1. What 3 words best encapsulate regulation for you?

Enabling, accountable and innovative (regulators don’t get enough credit for driving innovation, both in their organisations and in the sectors!)

  1. What 3 words best describe you away from the day job?

Musical, nature-loving and foodie

  1. What is your favourite film and why that choice?

I actually have a top five list for most things (a hangover from having read High Fidelity #iykyk), so it was difficult to pick just one. I have broken the rules and selected two: Shine, which tells the story of the pianist David Helfgott, because it is moving and uplifting, but also 101 Dalmatians, as I grew up with Disney movies and I love dogs.

  1. What 3 countries/places have you enjoyed visiting the most and why?
  1. I honeymooned in the Maldives and was blown away by the white beaches and the crystal-clear waters, swarming with colourful fish. It is one of the few places in the world where light pollution is still relatively low, and I remember gawping at the brightest Milky Way I had ever seen.
  2. As a young teenager, I used to ski semi-competitively, so I still love mountains, in particular the Dolomites, where I spent many happy holidays hurtling down ski slopes.
  3. And finally, I love London! It is one of the first places I visited as a child, and I still find inspiration and awe in the beauty of its architecture and the diversity of its communities.
  1. What advice would you give to your younger self?

I consider myself quite courageous, and having emigrated to a foreign country at 19, I tend to embrace and adapt well to change. But I am on the quiet side so I would tell my younger self not to worry about not being the life and soul of the party. There is a place in the world for those who are of a more contemplative nature.

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

Purposeful, creative, climate-focused

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