Dan Howlieson
Programme Manager - Transformation at Cumberland Council
Key Details:
| Current industry | Public Sector & Defence |
|---|---|
| School attended | William Howard School |
| College/training provider attended | William Howard School |
| Year completed GCSEs | 2012 |
| Favourite lessons at school | Design and Technology, PE, Science |
Q&A
— Give a short overview of your career journey after school
— What do you love about your job?
I absolutely love my role as Programme Manager - Transformation at Cumberland Council because it gives me the incredible opportunity to drive lasting change for the people of Cumberland. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing the work I do—leading multi-million-pound transformation programmes and collaborating with passionate colleagues, elected Members, and partners—directly shapes a brighter, more sustainable future for our community. I thrive on the challenge of rethinking how we deliver services, pushing boundaries with innovative, customer-focused solutions, and seeing the tangible impact of our efforts in building a fairer, healthier, and more inclusive Cumberland. It’s a privilege to be at the heart of this transformation, making a real difference that echoes far beyond the projects themselves.
— What piece of advice would you give to young people about finding their best next step?
If I were to offer one piece of advice to young people about finding their best next step, it’d be this: stay curious, ask questions, and remember that you’ll get out what you put in. My journey through two apprenticeships taught me that the more I leaned in—probing, exploring, and digging deeper—the more I discovered about what truly excites me and where I can make an impact. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo or seek answers; that’s how you uncover opportunities that fit you. Put in the effort, show up fully, and you’ll find that the path ahead becomes clearer—and more rewarding—than you ever imagined.
— What three essential skills do you think have helped you to be successful in your job?
Listening, Aiming High, Teamwork.
— What advice would you give to someone considering working in your industry?
If you’re thinking about stepping into local government in the UK, my advice is to dive in with an open mind and a hunger to make a difference—because that’s what fuels this industry. It’s not always glamorous, and the financial challenges can be tough, but the chance to shape services that touch people’s everyday lives, from health to housing, is unbeatable. Be ready to juggle big ideas with practical realities, and don’t shy away from asking questions or challenging how things are done—curiosity will carry you far. You’ll get out what you put in, so bring your energy, build relationships across teams, and embrace the messiness of change. It’s a place where you can grow, learn, and leave a real mark on your community.
— What is the best piece of advice you have been given that has helped you on your career journey?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is that you are the master of your own destiny—and it’s been a game-changer for my career journey. Hearing that sparked a lightbulb moment: I realised I didn’t have to wait for opportunities to land in my lap; I could chase them down and shape my path. It pushed me to set my sights high, whether through apprenticeships or stepping into a role like Programme Manager, and trust that with grit and focus, I could get there. Knowing I’m in charge of where my career takes me has kept me motivated, proactive, and ready to seize every chance to grow and make an impact.