Insider profil
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Top Insider Advice
A job can sound great from the headline, but read the description properly and think carefully if this is a good first job on a ladder of progression or could it be the next one on your way onwards and upwards? Ask yourself what are your strengths? What am I good at? What needs working on? Where do I want to go and how am I going to get there? If you aren't actually too sure where the path may lead, don't overly worry yourself, picking up skills and knowledge in any job is always a good thing. The trick is to know what you have and what you need next. You may have good experience in one area of work, but you need some experience in another to move forward, so sometime a sideways move can work too! I did a sideways temporary move in to VAT import policy as I wanted to understand how it fitted with my litigation work and how policy was developed. I did this for 7 months and it gave me insight in to how things like ministerial submissions were drafted and how communication with stakeholders was so important in this. I used this experience to further my knowledge and it helped me do a better job application for my current role as it demonstrated I was willing to stretch and develop myself. Keep trying and learn from any feedback you are given- it can be very useful ! Good luck!
Career path
Tax Technical Advisor
HMRC
From 08/2021 to 09/2024Team Leader
HMRC
From 08/1984 to 08/1990Admin Officer
HMRC
From 01/1992 to 08/1994Company
What do you live about your job and the company?
My main role is to respond accurately to questions that colleagues from other departments within HMRC may have in interpreting legislation and guidance. They may have come across a situation that is unique and are struggling to find an answer on how to deal with it in the correct way. The guidance that is available, together with the legislation and caselaw just may explain their situation and so they raise an enquiry with my team. Should the subject matter be something I lead on, for example securities for tax, then I will check to see if we have had a similar question before which will enable me to answer quickly. If this is not the case, then I will go through the various guidance, notes and legislation to prepare an accurate response. This part of my job I really enjoy as some of the legislation can be complex and difficult to read. I have a time limit in which to prepare a response to ensure things don't drag on or get forgotten about in a busy environment, so planning work around enquiries is crucial. By providing accurate responses, it supports and develops colleagues knowledge base so hopefully avoiding repeat questions on the same topic, which is also an important role of my department.
Greatest achievements
This sticks out as it involved sending a group of criminals to prison for over 100 years and the effort I put in with my team was huge. I have had some good litigation results and even though you can lose sometimes, I stayed positive and learnt from it. The work I have the greatest sense of personal achievement for is definitely being a swimming coach for a group of athletes who have overcome massive physical and emotional challenges following an organ transplant. The pride of watching someone overcome so many things in their lives to reach the pinnacle of their sport is huge. Helping and supporting them to believe in themselves has been one of my greatest achievements. All the years of coaching swimming at all levels has left me with a desire to teach and pass on knowledge, and I try to do this in my job in HMRC.
Sam
Customer Service Advisor
Top Insider Advice
Employers want to know who YOU are, your strengths/weaknesses and your personality. They aren't interested in any "version" of your self that you feel you need to display, it will become very obvious that it isn't the real you.
Mary .
Top Insider Advice
Based on my experience spanning multiple departments and roles - from DWP to HMRC, and from operational to leadership positions -here's my top advice for those joining the Civil Service: 1. Look sideways, not just upwards for growth opportunities Embrace additional responsibilities alongside your core role like continuous improvement advocacy, outreach work, and advisory positions. These develop versatile skills and increase your visibility across departments. 2. Step outside your comfort zone to build confidence My transition from behind-the-scenes roles to face-to-face work demonstrates how stretching yourself builds transferable skills and personal resilience that benefit your entire career. 3. Cultural change starts with everyday leadership Challenge negative workplace culture, you don't need formal authority to create positive environments. Building trust and psychological safety pays dividends in team performance. 4. Bring your authentic self to work Diversity of thought and experience strengthens the Civil Service. Authenticity helps create an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute fully. 5. Connect across boundaries Establish or join existing networks that spans different business areas and/or departments. Breaking down silos creates more effective public service delivery and enriches your professional experience. 6. Focus on continuous learning and improvement Commit to evaluation and learning, this demonstrates how reflective practice drives both personal development and better service outcomes. 7. Remember the purpose behind the work Throughout your roles maintain focus on how your work impacts UK citizens and communities - the ultimate measure of success in public service.
Pete
Situational Awareness Officer
Top Insider Advice
Once established the keep your options open. The department and Civil Service are vast, work is varied and options are unlimited. Look for opportunities to expand your knowledge, experience and contacts.
