Heather Key

I am a (still curious!) General Counsel, originally qualifying in private practice back in 1998 before making the move in-house – a decision I’ve never looked back on. Since then, I’ve worked across a range of organisations, most recently at Serco, where I’ve worn several different hats over the years. My latest role there was Chief Legal Counsel, leading a brilliant team of 13 lawyers and non-lawyers supporting everything from employment, litigation and regulatory, investigations to ethics and risk management.

I’m a big believer in collaboration and plain English. I work closely with colleagues across the business to provide practical, commercial solutions that help manage risk rather than simply describe it.

In 2024, I had the opportunity to work with O Shaped to bring the O Shaped RFP to life as we refreshed our legal panel. It was genuinely exciting to see law firms lean into the principles, think differently, and challenge traditional approaches to client service.

I’m now continuing my Serco journey while on secondment as General Counsel to VIVO Defence Services, a 50:50 joint venture between Serco and Equans.

Alongside my legal career, I’ve always enjoyed giving back. I’ve been a school governor and a non-executive director, sitting on pension committees and supporting charities. For six years, I had the privilege of being a trustee of the Army Families Federation, serving as Chair for the final three years until 2024. I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved, particularly building a diverse board and shaping the organisation’s future strategy.

Fun fact: in 2023 I jumped out of a plane for charity, raising £5,000 to support youth work at my local church and a youth mental health charity.