Public Servants Serving Our Society: Bekah Cioffi

Bekah Cioffi

Hi I’m Bekah Cioffi and I’m Head of Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Science and Evidence in Welsh Government. I have three degrees in marine biology, including a doctorate and am passionate about improving the sustainability of our oceans and the sectors that rely on them so future generations can enjoy the beauty and wonder of our seas.

What I do day to day

I provide scientific advice to Welsh ministers and policy officials on developing new legislation, establishing and monitoring management measures, but also for EU exit negotiations on fisheries quota and access.

A second aspect of my role is collecting and analysing the data required to support that advice. This involves setting up contracts, commissioning surveys and projects, and managing their delivery to fill evidence gaps. This evidence is used to ensure we’re sustainably harvesting our oceans and not over exploiting them, monitoring seabirds, marine mammals, and bluefin tuna, which are increasingly coming into our waters with climate change, and reporting this evidence to feed into international monitoring efforts.

I also work with stakeholders and the different fisheries administrations across the UK to make sure that Welsh interests are represented and that we collaborate wherever possible to deliver value for money for the people of Wales.

Why being paid properly matters

There’s always so much going on, and there’s never enough people, time or money to do what needs to be done. The budget cuts over the last few years have hit everyone. However being paid below inflation year-on-year without any chance of performance related bonuses has affected morale in the public sector, leaving a feeling of being overworked and undervalued.

I know that no one goes into the public sector to make money but when  you’re doing four people’s jobs and the chronic stress is intense and never-ending, it does make you wonder if it is worth it. I think a lot of people have been going off on stress or moving roles to areas that are better resourced because it’s just too much.

You want to be enabling to ministers and help them deliver their policies effectively, but if you don’t have the people or the money it’ can be really challenging to do that well. That said, I like being in a position that can make a difference. I like the variety of my role and providing a public service but I would like my pay to be in line with inflation so that it continues to reflect the work that I do.

Why being in a union matters

I joined Prospect because I feel passionately about human and civil rights as well as inclusivity and diversity. I also do not believe that discrimination, harassment, bullying have any place in work – There’s is just no reason for it. I don’t think anybody should be in that position, but if they are that they should feel supported to challenge that unwanted behaviour, which is why I Rep.

As a Rep I feel I am able to influence decision making, by reviewing policies before they come out, get my voice heard and drive change that can benefit the wider Welsh Government and the staff who works here.