Insider profil
Keen to receive questions about
Top Insider Advice
Find a mentor you are comfortable with. Be prepared to take honest constructive feedback. Create a support network...it's easier than you think.
Career path
Portfolio Lead
HMRC
Started 01/2022 to PresentRetail and Training Manager
Various Retail Organisations
From 01/1985 to 08/1998Department Manager
Asda
From 09/1988 to 06/2015Company
What do you like about your job and the company?
I love having scope to tackle issues as I see fit and not being micro managed. I love building a network of contacts to support my work as I don't know everything and am relatively new to my position. I love making a difference and providing support and facilitating in a small way to get the funding for essential national services. I love finding ways to do things more efficiently and smarter. I really love my latest job and happy to share how I got here by accident.
Greatest achievements
There is life after redundancy even though at the time it is devastating. It took me 6 years to build a new career and even though I thought I did not want more responsibility again I grew into it with the help and support of some good people along the way. My wife said I wouldn't like my new job however I did. I've learned so much in the digital space however I still have loads to learn and would encourage others to do so too.
Robina
CSG Advisor
Top Insider Advice
Never by shy or afraid to try something new and don't expect opportunities to come to you, they might do, if you're in the right place at the right time but mostly, it's about keeping your eyes open. Taking action on your goals and believing in yourself is important, lets face it, you are your own best friend. Be open and flexible and avoid linear thinking as you can miss opportunities right in front of you. Doing something different to your business as usual is a great way to meet new people, network and learn more about yourself.
Terry
Business Support Team Manager
Top Insider Advice
It can be a very daunting experience starting work for a new employer, no matter what your age or experience. On my first day in the office (having never worked in an office before) I dressed in full suit and tie, only to find my colleagues were in smart casual dress. This was 33 years ago and now a simple question could be asked on a platform such as this. Then there are the ways things can sometimes be explained incorrectly, it's not anyone's fault. Generally no one is specifically trained in dealing with the diverse nature that working/office life can bring. Rest assured HMRC is a great place to work and One of HMRC's Values is that we are innovative, We are committed to continuous improvement and to developing ourselves. Another is that we are professional, We partner with others and collaborate within and across teams to achieve great results.
Sue
Operational Lead
Top Insider Advice
I have been very lucky in that I have almost always been given a role (or applied for one) that I have enjoyed in HMRC (or earlier departments). If you show that you are keen to learn and willing to listen, then you will find that opportunities will present themselves to you and you will progress in your career. When I was told that I would have to undertake taxes training in 2005, I was horrified. Having been trained in National Insurance and done various management roles, I thought that tax would be just too hard for me and that I wouldn't pass the exams. However, I committed wholeheartedly to the training programme. I studied hard and passed all the exams first time - even though my daughter was still a baby so I was constantly exhausted as well as having to travel to London once a week for 18 months for my tutorials!