16 to 55 in seconds - a wonderful ride
Joining what was then Inland Revenue (now HM Revenue and Customs) was my best career move and my motivation was that I was looking for a job... but I got a career.
Although I've had lots of roles over the years, my next best decision was choosing a profession. At the time it made me stand out from lots of other people my grade, gave me confidence and meant colleagues, including senior colleagues, listened and respected my views. I passed my Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualifications and moved to HR.
Not being afraid to change roles and professional career path was another key moment for me. My role in Internal Change and Communications provided the opportunity to have new professional qualifications and a challenge like no other. It was a tough and high-profile role where I learnt so much about change, written communications, how a large organisation works and reacts to world events and Government changes and ideas.
The key for joining at 16 and still loving my career at 55 is not being afraid to move roles and making sure all the learning, all those experiences, my skills and knowledge are utilised and bought together in every role I do.
The best bit - the people I've met and the teams I've had the pleasure to work with - always look after those around you.
I lead SAP Practice Business Management team that supports HMRC's IT
I love my varied Business Management role. SAP Practice own and manage HMRC’s SAP estate that includes managing service design, introduction and integration of any SAP solution within HMRC, this includes HR systems and banking for example.
I lead a team of 10 that allows the wider SAP Practice team to deliver amazing results for our customers and colleagues. We work hard to create a great place to work where people can flourish, develop, deliver and enjoy their work.
My great team recruits amazing people, looks after our finances, manages demand and capacity, helps people develop, manage risk and engages and communicates with the wider team and people throughout the organisation. It's a varied role and I'm trusted to be innovative and deliver what's needed.
Challenge and trust
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.
Make sure you're making a positive difference
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.
Supporting others to grow and thrive
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.
