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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!
Career path
Operational Lead
HM Revenue and Customs
Started 02/1987 to PresentCompany
What do you like about your job and the company?
Our work is fast-paced and varied - with a lot of pressure at times to deliver our KPIs. Despite the pressure, my Teams take tremendous pride in their work and will go out of their way to deliver what is asked of them. Even though we are scattered throughout the UK, we feel like a family as we have been through so much together in the past twelve months. We have built up a very strong supportive culture where everyone cares about the welfare of their colleagues. My own Manager trusts me to get on and deliver what I'm expected but is always there if I need their help or advice. They are my 'safe space' to let off steam about how things are going!
Greatest achievements
HMRC takes the development of its people very seriously. Having been a manager for many years, I was fortunate to be accepted on the Chartered Managers Degree Apprenticeship scheme in 2018 and have just finished my last assignment and portfolio. This has been 4 years of part-time study and basically a hard slog to complete 13 assignments, a work-based project and a portfolio of evidence to gain a BSc in Professional Management as well as (hopefully!) Chartered Manager status from the Chartered Management Institute. Having left university prematurely after 2 years when I was 20, I am proud to have been able to finally graduate with a 2:1 thanks to the support from HMRC and my manager and wider team. I was allowed one day a week to attend tutorials and was able to do this with support from my colleagues (who covered for me) and encouragement from my family (who put up with my stress and rantings before deadlines!). I am also proud of managing 2 different Teams in Covid Schemes who have been runners up in the Customer Compliance Group Celebrating Success Awards for their exceptional work to collaborate with others to meet incredibly stretching targets.
Liz
CDIO Borders & Trade Recruitment and Workforce Lead
Top Insider Advice
Always be yourself, it you make a mistake then admit it, we are only human. Listen to the views of others around you. Treat staff how you would like to be treated but bear that everyone is individual and treat them accordingly.
Louise
Benefit lead
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.
Janine
Assistant Officer
Top Insider Advice
Having a positive attitude and having the ability to complete a task is rewarding and you feel that you have made a difference.