Tarnya Guest - Principle Case Officer

Name: Tarnya Guest
Job: Principal Case Officer
Team: Cartels
Joined OFT: 2007

When I joined the OFT in November 2007, it was hardly a leap into the unknown because I had spent 12 months of 2005-06 on secondment here from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), where I worked for almost nine years. Before that, I studied law at the University of Newcastle in Australia.

When I moved permanently to the UK, I thought about going into private practice, but the attractions of working at the OFT were too great. I wanted to continue working in the public interest, and was keen to use the experience I'd gained at the ACCC to use competition law to benefit consumers. Working here, I feel I'm able to make a positive difference to people every day.

On top of that, there are some good fringe benefits. The pension scheme is important, and 30 days annual leave helps in achieving work-life balance. Plus there's a café and gym on site - both of which I make use of. I even have a view of St Paul's from my desk!

I'm now a Case Officer in the Cartels group. My main tasks are to manage our investigations into suspected cartels, review applications for leniency from businesses that confess to being part of a cartel, and draft legal documents, such as statements of objections, which give businesses notice of a proposed infringement decision under the Competition Act.

Since joining, one of the high points has been working with the OFT's litigation team. Their drive and commitment are awesome. I've also had the chance to be involved in some complex and innovative legal action against hardcore cartels.

The organisation has made positive changes since I was last here.  Internal communication is improving as we try to work in a more joined-up way across divisions and departments. Linked to that, there are some really good seminars where you can learn from colleagues about their work and benefit from their knowledge.

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