What is your name? Mónica Martínez-Avilés
What UKAS department do you work in? Training and Advisory and AFLA
What is your job title? Assessment Manager (within AFLA) and Training and Advisory Support Manager
How long have you been with UKAS? Ten months
What do you like most about your job? While the accreditation arena can be challenging at times, the rewards of the job are so much greater. As a Lead Assessor, I have been able to witness our customers vastly improve their processes from one assessment to the next and have been able to genuinely celebrate with them the advancements in their work. As a tutor, I really enjoy being able to empower our customers to be proficient in managing their accreditation by understanding the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Hailing originally from Puerto Rico, I have lived in the USA, NZ and recently moved to the UK. I spend my leisure time travelling around the world with my husband, experiencing a wide variety of cultures. A big part of these cultural immersions definitely includes tasting different cuisines and the odd glass of wine.
Why is accreditation important? Accreditation provides a world of confidence as it protects the health and wealth of the economies that subscribe to it. Therefore, the more we empower our customers to be proficient in managing their accreditation, the more value accreditation can bring, and the safer products and services will become.
What’s your most memorable moment at UKAS? After having worked with them for more than six months, the most memorable moment at UKAS so far was when I was able to meet my colleagues in person.