Charles Ashton
Cwmbran,United Kingdom
Summary
Dynamic professional with over 20 years of experience in the New Zealand Armed Forces, excelling as a marine engineer and soldier, followed by retraining as a mechanical engineer with the New Zealand Rail Group. Relocation to the United Kingdom resulted in the attainment of a 2.1 LL.B (Hons) from the University of Glamorgan in 2013, reflecting a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Proven ability to adapt skills across diverse fields, combining technical expertise with a strong foundation in legal principles. Prepared to leverage this unique blend of experience and education to contribute effectively to new challenges.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Security Officer
A Rapid Response Security
12.2024 - 09.2025
- Responsible for day-to-day security of building, including access to site including Diplomatic Post.
- Responsible for bedding down and securing, buildings on site each evening.
- Dealing with public enquiries relating to the site.
- On occasion also responsible for opening buildings in the morning and ensuring heating and air conditioning functioning dependant on season.
- Responsible for producing incident reports, as required.
CCTV Operator
Monitoring IT
12.2021 - 08.2024
- Responding to security camera activations
- Liasing with client keyholders regarding staff onsite
- Liasing with police in the apprehension of criminals on client sites
- Providing evidence of criminal activity to police, to assist with prosecution of offenders
Security Officer
Silurian Security Services Ltd
01.2020 - 11.2021
- Security on Rhymney to Cardiff Locomotive in conjunction with Transport for Wales and British Transport Police
- Responsible, as part of a team, for passenger safety on TfW trains
- Responsible, where required, for safety and security of the train guard on TfW trains
- Responsible for site security as and when required
Security Officer
Covid 19 Pandemic (with Silurian Security Services)
- Provided security and public advice at TfW stations in conjunction with British Transport Police, ensuring smooth and safe through flow of over 5000 passengers per day.
- Provided security at various sites, including NHS hospitals, TfW stations and miscellaneous sites
Watch Officer
Sea Cadet Corps Offshore Fleet
02.2016 - 11.2019
- Responsible for training and accessing Cadets in a range of skills including seamanship, navigation, marine engineering and general routine around the ship.
- Bridge watch keeping
- Navigation
- Supervising cable parties during departure from and arrival in port.
- Taking charge during ship’s emergency drills including man overboard and emergency muster point evolutions.
- Pastoral care of cadets whilst onboard.
- Liaising with Captain and 1st Lieutenant regarding ships program, including briefing on meteorological forecast and sea state.
Unit Training Officer
Sea Cadet Corps Unit (T.S. Kittiwake then T.S Resolute)
02.2016 - 11.2019
- High level of attention to detail
- Computer skills
- Teamwork
- Youth development
- Learning and development (both adult instructors and cadets)
- Organising and booking courses (including travel)
Assembler
IG Doors
07.2016 - 09.2016
- High level of attention to detail
- Assembling and fitting doors to specification
Director of Legislative Affairs
Political Party
09.2015 - 03.2016
- Providing counsel to the party leadership on political direction
- Giving opinions on upcoming legislation for Welsh Assembly, Parliament and EU Parliament
- Developing policy positions
- Developing responses to current affairs issues and media stories
Communications Strategist
Political Party
03.2015 - 05.2015
- Senior counsellor to John Rees-Evans
- Seconded to assist in Rochester and Strood, Thanet South and Alyn & Deeside constituencies
Motor Insurance Renewals Consultant
Admiral Insurance
10.2013 - 06.2014
- Renewing insurance policies
- Tailoring insurance packages to individual requirements
- Cross selling additional insurance products
- Working in an FCA regulated environment
Intern/ Paralegal
Paul L Williams Solicitors
07.2013 - 08.2013
- Working on Probate and Matrimonial disputes
- Applying theoretical knowledge gained at university
- Taking instructions for probate matters
- Preparation of bundles for Barrister
- Completing files
- Archiving
Intern
Welsh Assembly
02.2012 - 05.2012
- Assisting the party with responses to government policies
- Identification and resolution of issues within the group leaders office
- Writing press releases
- Writing speeches
- Arranged a business development summit
Intern
Rubin Lewis O’Brien
01.2011 - 05.2011
- Working within family law
- Research work
- Attended family conferences
Fabricator Welder
IES UK Ltd
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Maintenance of plant machinery throughout the country
Fabricator Welder
ATCO Steel Developments Ltd
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Factory and site work
- Heavy fabrication and welding for the construction industry
- Manufacturing components of vital importance in the event of earthquakes
Fitter Welder/ Team Leader
New Zealand Rail Group
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Complete overhaul of their fleet of locomotives
- Structural repairs
- Manufacturing components
Navy 1984 – 1989 Marine Fitter / Army 1989 – 2003 Artillery Signaller, Operator Command Post, Forward Observer
New Zealand Defence Force
01.1984 - 01.2003
Education
Level 2 Award for working as a Door Supervisor within the Private Security Industry -
01.2025
Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) Operator -
SFM Training
03.2021
First Aid at Work -
Sea Cadet Training Centre Raleigh (HMS Raleigh)
07.2019
LL.B (hons) 2.1 -
University of Glamorgan
01.2013
Boiler Watchkeeping Certificate -
RNZN
01.1986
Auxillary Machinery Certificates -
RNZN
01.1986
Skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Customer service
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Dependable and responsible
- Calm under pressure
- Flexible and adaptable
- Attention to detail
Timeline
Security Officer
A Rapid Response Security
12.2024 - 09.2025
CCTV Operator
Monitoring IT
12.2021 - 08.2024
Security Officer
Silurian Security Services Ltd
01.2020 - 11.2021
Assembler
IG Doors
07.2016 - 09.2016
Watch Officer
Sea Cadet Corps Offshore Fleet
02.2016 - 11.2019
Unit Training Officer
Sea Cadet Corps Unit (T.S. Kittiwake then T.S Resolute)
02.2016 - 11.2019
Director of Legislative Affairs
Political Party
09.2015 - 03.2016
Communications Strategist
Political Party
03.2015 - 05.2015
Motor Insurance Renewals Consultant
Admiral Insurance
10.2013 - 06.2014
Intern/ Paralegal
Paul L Williams Solicitors
07.2013 - 08.2013
Intern
Welsh Assembly
02.2012 - 05.2012
Intern
Rubin Lewis O’Brien
01.2011 - 05.2011
Fabricator Welder
IES UK Ltd
01.2007 - 01.2010
Fabricator Welder
ATCO Steel Developments Ltd
01.2006 - 01.2007
Fitter Welder/ Team Leader
New Zealand Rail Group
01.2004 - 01.2006
Navy 1984 – 1989 Marine Fitter / Army 1989 – 2003 Artillery Signaller, Operator Command Post, Forward Observer
New Zealand Defence Force
01.1984 - 01.2003
Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) Operator -
SFM Training
First Aid at Work -
Sea Cadet Training Centre Raleigh (HMS Raleigh)
LL.B (hons) 2.1 -
University of Glamorgan
Boiler Watchkeeping Certificate -
RNZN
Auxillary Machinery Certificates -
RNZN
Security Officer
Covid 19 Pandemic (with Silurian Security Services)