Insider profil
Keen to receive questions about
Top Insider Advice
Make a difference in whatever you do. The roles in your career may change frequently or be quite stable. You may stick to one profession, end up working in a few or work in one you would never have expected to work in. Your best profession may not yet even exist! But whatever you do - make a positive difference. That difference can be to your customers, the public, the service you provide or the people you work with. It will be different in the roles you do - but make sure you change things for the better.
Career path
Lead Business Manager
HMRC
Started 12/2020 to PresentHR Business Partner - Strategic HR Business Partnering role
HMRC
From 01/2019 to 12/2020Project Manager - Skills and Capability
HMRC
From 10/2017 to 12/2018Company
What do you like about your job and the company?
The work of a management team is varied, so that no day is the same. Every element has its challenge - trying to recruit SAP Specialists, ensuring we have the capacity to meet demand and balance the books. It's never straightforward. Being trusted to deliver is fantastic. I need to always improve what we do, be innovative, see the risks, respond quickly and confidently to any set-backs and lead a fantastic team who have the confidence to use their skills. Developing my team is important to me, giving them space to learn, to try things and grow. Helping them to balance work and their own lives so they enjoy what they do, and work together is my way of working.
Greatest achievements
I've been lucky to work with and lead others, on huge change projects impacting everyone in HMRC and on modernisation programmes affecting the public. Whether it's working with others, leading them or supporting my peers, helping them to develop, learn, grow both professionally and as an individual is the achievement I'm most proud of.
Edward
Complaints Manager-Officer
Top Insider Advice
Always remain positive. Take the plunge once in a while and believe in yourself. Learn what you can from others. If there are any opportunities outside of your comfort zone, rise to the challenge and volunteer. You will surprise yourself, who will release the abilities that you didn’t think you had. Remain positive and focused on your goal. Consider the bigger picture, how does my role fit in within the wider goals of the business and how can you make it a great place to work. In a customer led role like mine, you can really make a difference to people’s lives. You see the negative impacts our mistakes can make and how you can work to ensure that they are not repeated, whilst improving the customer journey and the reputation of the business. You will gain positive feedback and people will look up to you.
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.
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.