Insider profil
Keen to receive questions about
Top Insider Advice
For me personally life is all about helping others where you can and also about making memories with the people closest to you. Work life balance is key for me and having the ability to work on a variety of activities, being able to collaborate with various stakeholder. Work out what matters most to you in regards to a job role or career. It is important to find a job role which you enjoy doing and is fulfilling as this will keep you motivated. Do not underestimate yourself, if there is a course you wish to do, if you want to change careers completely, just go for it, reach out for support and guidance.
Career path
Talent Acquisition Partner
Hmrc
From 01/2024 to 10/2024Company
What do you like about your job and the company?
I spent a year working voluntarily as a Generalist Advisor at the Citizens Advice Bureau and Law Centre, this was extremely rewarding. I was able to apply the knowledge and skills gained from my legal education, I advised clients on issues relating to employment law, debt, immigration law, welfare benefits and housing. I conducted research and then explained my findings and options available to each client. I also created and completed a detailed and accurate case record for each client. The clients I worked with were so appreciative and grateful and it was evident how much the advice meant to them.
Greatest achievements
I had the challenging task of implementing a new rostering system to 24 areas in a 12-month period. The target was to lead a team of 2 resources and deliver training to Ward Leaders on how to utilise the new system whilst supporting Matrons on how to analyse rosters and achieve cost savings for the Trust. I faced significant reluctance from Ward Leaders resisting this change. I remained resilient, enthusiastic, and presented the benefits of the new system honestly, whilst addressing any concerns in a timely manner. I delivered a blend of clear communication methods through one to ones and drop-in training sessions and created guidance packs to further support training. I exceeded expectations and delivered to 32 areas, 8 above target and saved Ward Leaders an average of 13 hours a week in administrative activity. As well as the significant amount of money spent on Agency Workers.
Gordon
Risk Analyst
Top Insider Advice
There are a huge number of roles within HMRC and the wider Civil Service. There will be some that really suit your skills. Where there is a gap, the training and development opportunities available will give you every chance to fill that gap and find that role where you can excel. You will find management want you to improve and will encourage your development, whether within your current role or to achieve the abilities to change to somewhere else you can be better. Self-belief used properly can be your strongest skill.
Sandra
Tax Investigator
Top Insider Advice
I've been a Civil Servant for 34 years, starting as an AO in what was DHSS, processing benefit claims. This was a real baptism of fire, dealing with desperate people and desperate situations and exposed me to parts of the population that were a long way from my life. I learned good people skills from this and a real focus on how important good customer service is-doing what you say you will and still having to deliver even when things are difficult or unpopular. This gave me a good grounding for moving onto National Insurance in a compliance role for business and individuals. HMRC merged in 1999 with NI and that was the start of my accidental career. I'm proud to have worked my way up from the bottom as I believe it made me who I am. Whilst no against direct entrance programmes, gaining experience within different grades and roles creates a rounded person.
Philip
Civil Investigator
Top Insider Advice
I wouldn't describe the first half of my Civil Service job history as a career, more a means to an end. Until I joined HMRC I had no idea what I wanted from a job and what motivated me, and I expected that to continue for years to come. It was only when I started my first tax compliance role that I quickly learned that I found the job very interesting and that I was good at it; the perfect combination. Without realising it I had developed a lot of the skills and attributes which you need in this type of role from some of my previous jobs; a keen eye for detail, instinctively examining the little things which don't seem quite right, and most importantly, being very, very nosy! What I did learn from my earlier Civil Service career was that if I wanted to reach the more senior grades that nobody was going to carry me on their shoulders to get me there and I needed to seek out my own opportunities to develop my skills and experience. I knew the limitations of my earlier roles in terms of developing my skills and realised I needed to work a variety of roles to gain that wide ranging experience. I moved initially from a wholly admin role to a decision making role and the skills I learned there still stand me in good stead today. I then moved to a junior manager role to gain some valuable leadership experience and improve my confidence. Therefore, my biggest advice would be if you've got a role or career in mind don't be afraid to move around into different roles and different departments. You will be exposed to different types of work and gain wider experience and along the way you may find that perfect combination of interesting work and being good at it too. Once you've found something like that, you know where your career likely lies. Also, ask for career help from those who've been around the block. Seek out a mentor or resources such as this to guide you on your career path and advise you if you feel you need that help.