Upcoming Live Chat - Let's talk applications!, Nov 20, 2025, 12:30.

Insider profil

Picture of Louise

Louise .

Benefit lead

Ask me a question
Customer Strategy and Tax Design

Keen to receive questions about

ApplicationsCareer DevelopmentEveryday LifeRoleWork & Life with Us

Top Insider Advice

I think we can all feel a sense of imposter syndrome, and that inner voice saying you are not capable. You are ! I think we all need to recognise that work can be challenging and not always as straightforward as you want it to be, which is where the doubt can set it. Its all about building that resilience for me, don't give up. If you want something just keep working towards it, even if that means taking it slowly.

Read more advice

Career path

Benefit lead

HMRC

Started 03/2022 to Present

Readiness lead

HMRC

From 11/2020 to 03/2022

Benefit analyst

HMRC

From 10/2019 to 11/2020

Company

What do you like about your job and the company?

i work with a lot of different stakeholders from different parts of HMRC's organisation, i have to ensure i understand the changes to influence stakeholders, resolve mitigations and build successful relationships to ensure i can gather all the information i need to support benefits/disbenefits identified from any policy driven change. I enjoy talking to people and working through delivery problems.

Greatest achievements

ive done a lot of different jobs in HMRC from registering people for self-employment, to moving declarants across to our new declarations platform to ensuring projects land safely into the business. Each time using the knowledge ive gained to develop both my confidence and career and work my way through the grades within HMRC.

Other insiders

Pat .

Recruitment Marketing Advisor

Top Insider Advice

Your job is a way of making money to do things that you want to do with your life. But there are plenty of jobs out there that can also make you happy.

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.

Zoe

Senior Project Manager - Locations Programme

Top Insider Advice

No matter what job I've done over the years there has always been people impacted by it. Whether I was sorting out a customers Tax, National Insurance record, developing new IT systems, or delivering new policies or even opening new buildings its people that have been affected at the end of it. Its easy to forget when wrapped up in the day to day activities of your job, that I have made life better for a huge amount of people over the years but in tiny bite size chunks

Discussions with Louise
What's the hardest part of your role?
in Career Tips·Tuesday, November 1, 2022
1 response
46 views