Cam Pape

Cam Pape originally applied to work on Saturday as a cashier in one of The Cumberland branches, but was offered a full-time job.

His career has continued to develop and he is now working in the building society’s risk management team.

Describe your role at The Cumberland…

In First Line Risk, I’m part of the team responsible for helping the business identify and manage things that could pose a risk to our business and people. I don’t do this on my own. We have a great team and lots of support. We also spend time looking at how we can best provide for our vulnerable customers and offer support to make managing their finances easy with us!

How has your career developed The Cumberland?

I applied for a job at Maryport to work on a Saturday but was offered a full-time job at Silloth. I couldn’t drive, but I figured it out. I worked in a branch for two years, and it was great. I learned a lot and it gave me a good grounding for my future at The Cumberland.

I was ready to try something new and moved to customer care, becoming a specialist for Risk and Vulnerable customers. If any colleagues needed help or advice on this, I would be the point of contact.

I enjoyed the risk part of the role, and wanted to learn more about it. I enrolled on an Open University course in my own time, and studied more about risk management and how this is implemented in an organisation.

Then a job opened up in the team; I applied, got the role, and love it.

Did you always want to work in this field?

To be honest, at school, I wanted to be a vet. I love animals and did my work experience at a veterinary practice. It was great, and I really enjoyed it, but after seeing an operation, I decided it might not be the right path for me.

What guidance do you have to young people who aspire to work in a role like yours?

The Cumberland is supportive in all areas, everyone is friendly. A role like mine is perfect for someone who is inquisitive. You’re always looking at different aspects of risk and what you can do to prevent it. Being open-minded is vital.

We’re a small team, but we’re mighty. You need to be able to roll up your sleeves and get involved. Ask for help, there is no such thing as a stupid question.

What advice do you have for someone applying for a job at the Cumberland?

If you have the drive to succeed and put in the hard work, you can really progress at The Cumberland. When I worked in a branch it was a good grounding, learning a lot about how things work and our processes.

When I head to work in the morning, I look forward to getting there so I can be the best version of myself.