Hi, my name is Mark, and I’m an Operations Manager within the Detention Services Compliance Team. I’d like to tell you more about my role and what it’s like to work here.
As an Operations Manager, my main role is to make sure that the Detention Centre is being run safely, securely and that all individuals are treated with respect.
My day-to-day work is varied and at times very fast-paced as priorities can change at a moment’s notice. It requires good communication and interpersonal skills, especially as I work with many external stakeholders.
Before joining Immigration Enforcement, I worked for HM Prison Service for 24 years. I loved the role, but after such a long time there I was looking for something different. Working for the Home Office is something that I have always wanted to do, mainly because of the opportunities it offers. After 15 months in this role there is already the opportunity for promotion, which I plan on applying for.
A typical day will start by attending a daily briefing. I will then check in with my team, making sure that everyone is ok and clear on tasks and priorities that we need to concentrate on. Compliance is a big part of my role, and I will often have to read through investigations or reviews that my team have produced and make decisions based on these.
Outside of work I volunteer as a Magistrate. I have been fully supported in doing this using my Volunteer Days, which are paid days all Civil Servants are entitled to. I’ve gained skills and developed my confidence, both of which have been useful in my current role.
My advice to anyone reading this would be if you get the opportunity to join the Home Office, you should grab it with both hands. Working for Immigration Enforcement is both interesting and rewarding.
