International Women's Day 2024: Andrea Bowes

A senior leader overseeing the digital innovation which helps officers keep our communities safe has spoken of her journey, for International Women’s Day.

Andrea Bowes joined the Force last year as part of our commitment to provide the digital solutions required for modern policing.

Her role as Enterprise Architect takes the practical requirements of officers and staff and applies innovative solutions through the technical expertise of our Digital and Data Directorate.

Following a psychology degree at university, Andrea was intrigued by an IT career, starting with a job in a systems quality assurance position.

Roles in IT support, platform development and digital transformation followed.

For International Women’s Day this year – with the theme of inspiring inclusion - she says girls and women considering a career in the Digital, Data and Technology sector should absolutely pursue their goals.

"Having ‘fallen’ into IT after university, when I started out I would work in teams where I was the only woman - but I never took that to mean I couldn’t do the job.

"And in the past five to seven years I have seen a change where more women are coming through to the digital, data and technology side, which is now more accessible and more promoted.

"The whole field has expanded so much and is still growing with areas covering data science, artificial intelligence, user experience, low code / no code development, app development, data visualisation and dashboard development and so much more."

Andrea worked in both the private and public sectors prior to joining Lincolnshire Police, and her role helps to implement innovative solutions for both officers and staff.

She says: "The term ‘digital, data and technology’ is relatively new, and I see my role as making technology and data useable for everyone.

"An Enterprise Architect is the bridge between the ‘business’ and the tech teams, making sure that our products and systems are fit for purpose and helping the organisation meet its aims and objectives.

"When I have met people who have shown an interest in these types of jobs I ask ‘what is your passion? What problems are you trying to solve?’ Ultimately, it’s about helping people and that’s what we’re here to do in the Force."

Andrea believes that there are really positive opportunities for women who wish to pursue a role in digital, data and technology at Lincolnshire Police.

She says: "My advice would be to find your passion - and follow it."