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, my role is to provide assurance to ensure that risks are being managed appropriately, preventing detriment to our Business, People & Customers. Alongside this my role covers Supplier Management and compliance with the Fraud & Financial Crime Policy & Consumer Duty.

How has your career developed at The Cumberland?

After leaving school, I applied for a vacancy at our Maryport Branch to work on a Saturday, in turn I was offered a full-time job at Silloth. I couldn’t drive at the time, but I figured it out due to the great opportunity. 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 in Financial Services.

I was ready to try something new and moved to customer care, becoming a specialist for Risk and Vulnerable customers.

I enjoyed the risk part of the role and was keen to learn more, then allowing me to make a real impact. I enrolled on an Open University course in my own time and studied more about risk management and how to implement within Financial Services.
Then an opportunity opened up in the risk team; I applied, got the role, and love it.

I've developed a lot within risk management, as a result, I received a promotion and was short listed for a value driven award. But development doesn’t stop there, more recently I received a certification through the Institute of Risk Management (IRM) to enhance my skill set, adding additional value to the business where risk management is concerned.

Did you always want to work in this field?

At school, I wanted to be a vet. I love animals and completed 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?

A role like mine is great for someone who is inquisitive. You’re always looking at different aspects of risk. Being open-minded is vital.

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. My previous roles where vital in understanding how our business operates and understanding our values to then live them.

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