Rhona McMillan
West Calder
Summary
Confident and results-oriented project manager, project analyst, and governance lead with a proven track record of successfully delivering complex projects in both the public and private sectors. Skilled in risk identification and mitigation, implementing effective change management strategies, and ensuring strong governance practices. Recognized for exceptional communication abilities and engaging stakeholders at all levels, fostering collaboration within organizations. Thrives under pressure, excels at task prioritization, and consistently meets tight deadlines.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Governance Lead & PMO Analyst
DWP Synergy Programme
01.2024 - 12.2024
- Led governance and project management efforts for a cross-departmental initiative uniting DWP, MoJ, Home Office, and Defra to develop a common operating model
- Key Responsibilities:
- Maintained reporting timelines and cycles, addressing escalations as needed
- Supervised two Project Support Officers, ensuring high-quality deliverables
- Consolidated and quality-checked monthly reports to meet program deadlines
- Developed and maintained governance documentation to enhance standards and processes
- Reviewed and updated RAID logs, collaborating with workstream leads to address risks and dependencies
- Provided secretariat support for MoJ Portfolio Board, including preparing and circulating minutes within3 days
- Collaborated with finance partners to monitor budgets and escalate slippages where necessary
Project Support
Ministry of Justice, Community Accommodation Services Programme
05.2023 - 01.2024
- Supported the delivery of a program providing temporary accommodation and transition support for prison leavers
- Key Responsibilities:
- Managed project risks, timelines, and deliverables to ensure program objectives were achieved
- Monitored and updated RAID logs to reflect accurate project status
- Produced detailed performance reports and dashboards for senior stakeholders and board meetings
- Ensured GDPR compliance and proper government data sharing across platforms
- Collaborated with finance teams to measure benefits realization throughout the programme
Project Risk Control Manager
Ministry of Justice
11.2021 - 05.2023
- Managed risks and mitigation strategies for the implementation of a GPS electronic monitoring system to enhance offender management and victim protection
- Key Responsibilities:
- Assessed and mitigated project risks, ensuring adherence to the Project Delivery Framework
- Updated RAID logs regularly to address emerging risks and dependencies
- Prepared reports and dashboards for board-level meetings, ensuring data accuracy
- Maintained stakeholder engagement through regular consultations and updates
- Oversaw change management processes, documenting and aligning deliverables with stakeholder requirements
Senior Policy Advisor / Project Manager
Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra)
12.2020 - 11.2021
- Addressed post-Brexit challenges, managing UK exporters’ transition to new EU processes while resolving border issues
- Achievements:
- Built strong relationships with France, Ireland, and Netherlands, resolving112 border issues
- Delivered high-quality briefings and reports to ministers under tight deadlines
- Implemented a triage process to streamline exporter issue resolution
- Collaborated with Member States to resolve trade issues and escalated key concerns through appropriate channels
IT Project/Incident & Communications Manager
CGI
07.2019 - 04.2020
- Managed the successful rollout of14,800 devices as part of the Windows10 upgrade program for Edinburgh and Glasgow City Councils
- Key Achievements:
- Delivered the project on time and within budget
- Ensured seamless communication with stakeholders through efficient updates and risk management
- Developed process maps to streamline activities and enhance clarity for all team members
Project Officer
NHS Lothian
01.2018 - 04.2019
- Standardized policies for Health Records departments, improving efficiency and compliance
Executive Assistant
NHS Lothian
11.2007 - 04.2019
- Provided high-level administrative support to senior management, including budgeting and recruitment tasks
Various Financial Services Roles
Lloyds Banking Group, RBS, and Pearl Assurance
01.1991 - 01.2007
- Delivered exceptional customer service, managed financial products, and administered pension schemes
Skills
- Project status reports
- Project scheduling
- Scope management
- MS Excel
Certification
- PRINCE2 Certification in Project Management and Agile Practices
- Higher Grades (A–C): Maths, Music, Art, English, Secretarial Studies
- Ordinary Grades: Maths, Music, Art, English, Secretarial Studies
References
References available upon request
Timeline
Governance Lead & PMO Analyst
DWP Synergy Programme
01.2024 - 12.2024
Project Support
Ministry of Justice, Community Accommodation Services Programme
05.2023 - 01.2024
Project Risk Control Manager
Ministry of Justice
11.2021 - 05.2023
Senior Policy Advisor / Project Manager
Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra)
12.2020 - 11.2021
IT Project/Incident & Communications Manager
CGI
07.2019 - 04.2020
Project Officer
NHS Lothian
01.2018 - 04.2019
Executive Assistant
NHS Lothian
11.2007 - 04.2019
Various Financial Services Roles
Lloyds Banking Group, RBS, and Pearl Assurance
01.1991 - 01.2007
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