Who I Am

I am a Chartered Project Professional with 29 years in the Civil Service. Mentoring, raising mental health awareness, and volunteering as an NHS Responder are really important to me. Balancing my career and family life with three daughters is something I’m incredibly proud of, and it’s what keeps me motivated.

The Path That Led Me Here

When I joined the Civil Service at 17, I was unsure about my career path. Although I had considered various options after school, I hadn’t settled on anything.  The opportunity to undertake an NVQ while working at a Job Centre came up, and I took it.  With a strong work ethic instilled by my working parents, I began my journey at the Job Centre in Preston.  It was my first experience in the working world, and working there was an eye-opening experience.  Each day brought new challenges and stories, making it a complex yet enlightening introduction to working life.

Getting My Foot in the Door

A year into my NVQ, I applied for and secured a Fraud Department Admin Assistant role at the Benefits Agency through a written application and interview. Two years later, I was promoted to Administrative Officer, handling interviews under caution and working with field force officers. After maternity leave, I returned as an Executive Officer managing a team of 15, greatly enhancing my management and people skills. I later worked as a guidance writer, but my true calling emerged when I became a project manager.  Looking back, that first application and interview set the foundation for my career.

A Day in My Life

I’m a Deputy Director at the Department for Education (DfE), a position I stepped into in November 2023.  It’s a high-pressure role, where I am responsible for setting and driving effective standards for the DfE Board and Corporate Committees, overseeing management of the Non-Executive Board Members, and leading the department’s strategy for Investment, Benefit Management and Arms Length Bodies.   At the start of this year, I also became Head of Site at our DfE Manchester office.

My working days are varied; no two days are the same!

Mornings might begin with an Investment Committee meeting, ensuring Value for Money, followed by progressing improvement plans for Manchester. Throughout the day, I work closely with colleagues, offering guidance and support, stepping in where needed. Meetings and emails take up a good chunk of time, driving collaboration and effective decision-making.

Leading an assurance strand means that alongside providing advice, I ensure governance and processes are followed, keeping the department on track.  This sometimes involves having difficult conversations to ensure well-considered, effective outcomes. My role involves aligning priorities, avoiding duplication and streamlining operations – which isn’t always easy – but fortunately, I’m backed by an exceptional team of experts who help ensure we get things right.

Resilience and adaptability are key.  The ever-changing nature of each day keeps me engaged.  While some people prefer more routine and structure, I thrive in this fast-paced, complex environment.  I truly feel I’m where I’m meant to be, contributing in a way that matters.

Lessons That Shaped My Career

Throughout my career, several experiences have been pivotal in shaping my journey. My proudest moment was achieving APM Chartered Accreditation, especially since only 15% of women in the UK had achieved this at the time. A standout moment was leading a high-stakes project under tight deadlines, where I developed advanced project management and problem-solving skills. Working closely with diverse teams taught me the importance of communication and adaptability. An unexpected lesson came from working in an emotionally unsafe area, which taught me resilience and the importance of being proactive, seeking out new opportunities and sourcing a mentor to rebuild my confidence.

The hardest experiences were losing a team member to cancer and my best friend to mental health. These heartbreaking experiences made me realise the importance of looking after my people. It taught me that everyone is going through their own battles, and it’s crucial to always be kind.  I also learned the value of reaching out for professional help when needed- doing whatever it takes to help myself and others.

These experiences taught me to take responsibility for shaping my career. You can’t wait for others to guide you; it’s up to you to do the work, identify any gaps, and seize opportunities. Each of these moments, whether good or bad, has shaped my growth and prepared me for future challenges. Staying true to myself, maintaining my integrity and being proactive in my career journey has been integral, while also learning the importance of genuinely caring for those around me.

What I Wish I Knew Earlier

The Civil Service offers more opportunities than people often realise, with various entry points, so whether you have just left school or you are a graduate, there are roles for you! There are so many professions to choose from. I started off in a Compliance area, moved to an operational area and then really found my niche in Project Management, so don’t be afraid to try something different.

Start looking at adverts that interest you. Identify what your gaps are and see if you can develop yourself in those areas through other opportunities, such as volunteering.

Bringing out your authentic self in your application and interview is crucial. Authenticity resonates with interviewers and helps you stand out.  The Unofficial Civil Service Applications Guide is a great resource to support your journey into the world of Civil Service jobs.

Surround yourself with good people who share your values and see the spark in you. They will push you and help you get to where you want to be. With hundreds of applications for some roles, think about what sets you apart from others. Make sure this comes across in your application. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t get through; try and try again.

In my faith, we believe that if something is meant for you, it won’t pass by you. This belief teaches you not to give up hope. As they say, you have to be in it to win it!