Meet the Board – Jane Cooper

What is your role as an ALARM Board Director and what are your responsibilities? 

My current role on the ALARM Board is as President Elect. I am spending until June 2025 shadowing Karen Locke, President, as part of the Board’s succession planning process. This enables Karen and I to work closely on the Board’s activity and development and support one another. I am also the Board portfolio holder for risk & resilience as my background is risk and business continuity at Shropshire Council. The portfolios are allocated to Board members by matching skills and experience to required Board resources. 

How long have you been a Board director and what brought you to the role? 

I have been a Board Director for almost three years and my journey to the Board came about through two areas. I have been a member of ALARM for 16 years and throughout that time have been an active member of the Midlands ALARM regional group. I have been on the Midlands Steering Committee for many years undertaking the role of vice chair and chair during that time. This provided great insight into the workings of ALARM and how I could contribute to the ongoing activity of ALARM.   

Just before becoming a Board member, I was asked to lead the working group to develop the Back-to-Basics Business Continuity publication.  I really enjoyed working with colleagues across different ALARM sectors with subject matter expertise to collaboratively develop the guide. It was also a great learning opportunity to be involved in producing a publication. 

What do you enjoy most about being a Board Director? 

There is so much I love. Putting my skills and experience to good use to make a difference to the Board’s forward planning is just one facet. I love the camaraderie of being on the Board and it really does feel like a family. Don’t get me wrong, it is hard work and a big commitment, but one which pays dividends in personal development and experience.   

What skills and learning have you taken from your role as Board Director? 

There are many skills that Board Directors develop. Understanding relevant parts of company law, investments and financial management of the company’s assets, collaboration (especially with ALARM’s sponsors), and working together to develop and deliver the forward plan for the benefit of the membership. 

What is your role in your day job and what are your responsibilities? 

My day job is Risk & Business Continuity Manager for Shropshire Council, where I have worked for 26 years (16 years in my current role). My team and I support the implementation and embedding of our risk management strategy across the organisation. We are also responsible for the business continuity management arrangements of the Council.  

What is the one piece of advice you would offer someone entering your profession? 

Not sure I could provide just one piece of advice! Make yourself visible, knock on those doors and be tenacious. Lead the process. You are in an advantageous position of oversight through having touch points with every part of your organisation, so use that to your advantage to drive change, and embed and implement best practice. 

What would you say to someone considering getting involved in ALARM? 

Just do it, you won’t regret it! The networking, collaboration and support available is phenomenal and not something I have experienced in any other organisation. We are a friendly bunch and committed to our roles on the Board, so would love to chat to you about getting involved. We often have projects that need to be delivered, so please put yourself forward – you never know what it might lead to. 

Come and find me at the National Conference in Manchester. Just message me through the ALARM app or via email.