Eric is the second civil service fast stream secondee to clamber the stairs of the old Bristol cork factory we call home. Here for six months to learn about life in an small supplier to government; the world of digital democracy and civic tech; and importantly, to discover the varied ways our users across government interact with our software, with citizens and with each other.

Here we take time to ask a few words of the man himself
< swivels chair around, puts on serious face, holds out microphone >

So Eric…

What’s your name and where are you from?A photograph of Eric standing in the Delib office

Eric Lui – and I’m from Northwood Hills…(near Watford)

What’s your professional background?

I’m in my second year on the Civil Service Fast Stream graduate scheme. So far I’ve had the opportunity to work in the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Defence and also the Department of Education doing a variety of commercial, finance and policy roles. Before that I had a stint working at an Apple store doing training and tech support. I love social activism so I’ve also done some volunteering for the Global Poverty Project.

What made you want to be seconded to a digital company/ Delib?

I am passionate about getting the public invested in politics and participating in democracy. Delib definitely ticks those boxes and even better it does it using innovative and forward thinking technology! Government is working hard to be more open and transparent and I think the applications created by Delib can be an essential tool in achieving this. What better way to learn than by working directly in Delib! I look forward to getting stuck in and participating in the digital democracy revolution.

What are you most looking forward to learning about?

Most definitely the culture and the working practices of a digital company, the ‘agile’ way of doing things effectively and efficiently. It will be fascinating to see how things are done outside of Government, especially in the digital space where I think it still has a lot to learn. I am a bit of a geek as well so getting some exposure to the development side of things will be exciting. Hopefully aside from learning I can also contribute too and bring some of my experiences in Government into Delib.

Your house is on fire, what do you save?

Myself and my spectacles because I’m as blind as a bat without them.

Biscuits – dunk or leave unsullied?

Dunk away! My preferred dunker is the hobnob, aka. the SAS of the biscuit world due to its high tolerance for multiple dunks.

Favourite band and / or artist?

The XX, love moody atmospheric baselines. Recently I’ve also taken an affinity to artists wearing cool hats, Pharrell Williams and James Bay.

Bristol – historic, vibrant city or regional backwater?

Vibrant definitely. I’ve timed my secondment perfectly with summer so I’m looking forward to exploring the waterfront and all the festivals!

Anything else to add?

Yay to having Macs at work. I’m winning already!

We’d like to welcome Eric to the Delib team and hopefully we’ll be able to share our enthusiasm for participation in all its forms over the coming months.