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Sue .

Operational Lead

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Customer Compliance

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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!

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Career path

Operational Lead

HM Revenue and Customs

Started 02/1987 to Present

Company

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.

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Sally

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Top Insider Advice

We often get bogged down with life and maybe a little stuck in rut, and can start to doubt ourselves. Think about what you've achieved, not just within your career, but through life in general and remember how fabulous you are! So many life experiences and personality traits will get you far in your career, stop and take time to think about this, then showcase your wonderful self.

Hayley

Operations and Comm's Lead

Top Insider Advice

You will bring a unique perspective to a role as your experience will have been different from that of others. Don't be afraid to bring that to the fore, it is what makes you, you and brings a valuable contribution to a team. I wish I'd thought this more when I first joined the Civil Service!

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.