Insider profil
Keen to receive questions about
Top Insider Advice
I've been a Civil Servant for 34 years, starting as an AO in what was DHSS, processing benefit claims. This was a real baptism of fire, dealing with desperate people and desperate situations and exposed me to parts of the population that were a long way from my life. I learned good people skills from this and a real focus on how important good customer service is-doing what you say you will and still having to deliver even when things are difficult or unpopular. This gave me a good grounding for moving onto National Insurance in a compliance role for business and individuals. HMRC merged in 1999 with NI and that was the start of my accidental career. I'm proud to have worked my way up from the bottom as I believe it made me who I am. Whilst no against direct entrance programmes, gaining experience within different grades and roles creates a rounded person.
Career path
Tax Investigator
HMRC
Started 04/1999 to PresentCompany
What do you like about your job and the company?
I'd never managed a project before in previous roles and my last grade. Being a G7 stretches me to a high level and there have been times when I doubted myself. However I've discovered that whilst not being the most technically gifted person I'm really good at bringing people together, being focussed on a task and delivering it as well as developing strategy and direction. I've worked hard to upskill and develop my teams giving them the skills to do this type of work and in doing so seem to have become a strong advocate for learning and capability. My local learning lead looks to me for a lot of advice and help in developing training which ahs been something that's come as an add on to my job.
Greatest achievements
I worked on a property taskforce project and loved the work. It was interesting and challenging dealing with customers who'd failed to declare and pay tax on property disposals, trades and rentals. It led me to become experienced in attending tribunal and in mediation and developed skills in negotiation and being able to separate pivotal information and evidence from the rest. I liked having the autonomy to get on with the work and was motivated by my results. Some of my customers thanked me at the end of their investigations even though they'd been caught out, because I'd dealt with them firmly but fairly and was always transparent about how the enquiry was going and the likely outcomes. I've come across all sorts of customer in this role....
Zoe
Secretariat
Top Insider Advice
One thing I've found since being in HMRC is that there is a real motivation for the workforce to reflect the diverse society that we serve. The success profiles often used in recruitment can seem daunting, but actually they allow everyone no matter what kind of previous experience we have, to demonstrate those transferable skills, or behaviours, which can be drawn upon, with the right training, to be successful in a brand new role. So don't let anything make you think you don't have what HMRC need or want, whether that be challenging personal circumstances, health difficulties, or lack of prior experience, the Civil Service is here to support everyone in our society, and so it should be made up of a diverse workforce that can accurately represent everyone.
Viola .
Top Insider Advice
Identify your long term career aspirations, set specific goals and achievable goals to guide your progression Take advantage of training programmes, workshops, and seminars to enhance your skills and knowledge Take on new challenges - volunteer for projects or tasks outside your daily responsibilities Smile - build relationships with peers, leaders, mentors Prioritise your well-being, maintain a healthy work life balance, always set boundaries
Abbey
Debt Management Complaints manager
Top Insider Advice
My one piece of advice is “Be-Honest” If you require any reasonable adjustments or assistance, “be honest” in your job application. “Be honest” in your training. If you don’t understand something, then speak up. If you need something to be explained again, “be honest” and say you didn’t understand. “Be Honest” with your aspirations, aims, goals for your career, there are many opportunities which may be applicable for you. “Be Honest” with yourself and keep your work/life balance right for you. My experience - I have been honest about my dyslexia. I have received additional help and support throughout my entire HMRC experience. I learnt an enormous amount about myself during "Coping strategy sessions" which allowed me to be more honest with myself and my manager. Finally, don’t be scared to question things.
