I’m a career civil servant with experience in large delivery departments. I love delivering things and making change happen. Coming to the Home Office 2½ years ago was the opportunity to use my skills and experience on a new set of issues and to make a difference to people’s lives right across the globe.
I particularly enjoy supporting project teams to deliver their outcomes – project delivery is in my blood and given half a chance I love to get back to my project manager roots. I also like supporting the next generation of project leaders either through mentoring, career conversations, encouragement or simply sharing experiences and knowledge.
After leaving university, I applied for a fast stream role in the Inland Revenue as they had a large presence in Nottingham where I was brought up. I was offered the role as a trainee tax inspector and accepted, thinking I would not stay too long. Fast forward 25 years and I’m still in the Civil Service! having done a wide range of roles from policy to strategy, operational delivery and private office.
There are a number of benefits to working in the Home Office, but for me the key one is flexibility. The working patterns available allow me to blend work and life – I have 12-year-old twins and I’m also a carer for my elderly parents. There is also the range and complexity of work done by the department and the fact that you can make a difference to so many people’s lives through your work.
So, if you were considering a career in the Home Office, I would say don’t believe everything you read in the press about the department. If you want challenging work that has tangible results for people across the globe come and join us and make a difference!
