PA to Senior Learning & Development Partner | The Royal Bank of Scotland


Debra started her career in the hotel industry with Forte Hotels, taking up a variety of customer facing roles, before moving into Conference & Banqueting. In the years that followed, Debra moved to a corporate environment organising in-house corporate events before finally moving into event management with a number of organisations. In these roles, Debra was responsible for multiple global corporate events; working to tight deadlines, constantly changing logistical aspects including venues, client demands, budgets and environments.

After many years in the events industry to achieve a more sustainable work life balance, Debra changed direction in her career transitioning into the PA role.

For the past 10 years, Debra has worked for a variety of global organisations, always within the HR function supporting at Director Level. Debra has been at for 5 years working within Group HR Functions.  Debra enjoys the variety in her role and the culture at RBS.

Debra has recently launched a PA Network at RBS. The aim of the network is to bring the PAs together from across the Bank; to learn from one another, to share experiences, information and best practice and offer customised development and training. The network will help to reinforce the value of the PA role and will help support the ambition to be number one for customer service, trust and advocacy by 2020. From a standing start in January the network now has over 500 members across the bank.

Outside of work, Debra supports various international animal rescue charities. Last September, Debra was part of a committee who successfully organised the “Inspiring Leadership Trust Annual Fashion Show & Gala Event” at the Corinthia Hotel, London. The Inspiring Leadership Trust (ILT) is a charitable trust; the objective is to support vulnerable women and young people around the world.

In her spare time, Debra is an avid Afternoon Tea fanatic and is working her way through the Top 20 best places for Afternoon Tea in London. Debra also enjoys spending time with her husband, friends and family and her two cats, Harley and Miracle.