Meet Gregor

I first joined the Civil Service back as an 18-year-old back in January 2017 as an EO Team Leader in the Department for Work & Pensions. The Civil Service motivates me as everyday we have the opportunity to make a difference in whatever role we are in.

Before the Civil Service

I grew up in Doune a small village in Scotland. Prior to joining the Civil Service, I worked in a small busy café there which started as a weekend job but ended up in a supervisor role. I did well in school but was keen to get into employment and University wasn’t of interest to me at that time.

Breaking Into the Civil Service

I applied to the old Civil Service Fast Track Apprenticeship Scheme. This included a permanent EO role and the opportunity to complete a Level 4 Business Administration and Management Qualification. As part of this, I completed a personal statement and situation judgement test before being invited to an assessment centre which included an in-person interview and writing exercise.

Life in His Current Role

I currently lead the Asylum and Human Rights Operations Training Team within the Home Office as a Grade 7. I am primarily responsible for the training our leaders receive. With this, every day is varied and often fast paced. I enjoy helping my team to design and deliver high quality training packages that make a difference. I’m often speaking to others most of the day whether that be to coordinate training or understanding the learning needs within their area. I often travel the country to support the delivery of training or to deliver at large conference events. I also plan the long-term future of the team and its delivery. I involve my team in this and regularly speak to them to understand their challenges and where I can support and add value.

In addition to my role, I have also set up and lead the Scotland Junior Leaders Network. The network aims to support junior colleagues in AA-HEO roles through targeted learning events. This includes in person events designed to support the career development or those from underrepresented or disadvantaged groups. A yearly Leaders of the Future Academy that supports colleagues through 3 days of focused career development activities. A local mentoring programme that matches mentors and mentees from different government departments together. And a virtual framework of events supporting colleagues from Orkney to Dumfries.

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Career-Changing Moments

One of the most challenging periods was during the pandemic. I joined the Universal Credit Virtual Service Centre which was set up to respond to an 800% increase in benefit claims. I firstly started off as a case manager before ending up leading a large team of Ofsted colleagues deliver vital payments to customers when they needed us most. This was my first time leading a large virtual team who had never met each other in person which came with it challenges especially given the climate at the time. The Civil Service however has a remarkable ability to deliver in crisis situations which is what the centre did providing vital benefit payments to those that otherwise would have been left without any support.

The most rewarding personal moment has been bringing back a Leaders of the Future Academy to Scotland based Civil Servants through the Scotland Junior Leaders Network. I attended the academy early in my Civil Service career and it opened my eyes up to the wide range of roles, career paths and opportunities within the whole organisation. To then fast forward a few years and be the one leading this bringing 50 junior colleagues from 13 government departments together for 3 days of intensive talent development was an immense privilege and something I am proud of.

Advice for Future Civil Servants

I’d encourage anyone interested to join in the Civil Service as there is such a depth of roles and opportunities. It is an extremely rewarding place to work.

Once in the Civil Service, I’d encourage you to get to know your area of work, what your department does and from that what other government departments do. This helps you understand what important cog your team plays in the machine but also where may be on interest for job shadowing and your future career options.

I’d encourage you to look for opportunities outside of your immediate role. Even if these look small at first, they can often lead to more and give you the opportunity to expand your network and build skills, knowledge and understanding.

If you are looking to progress in the Civil Service, then a mentor can also be incredibly helpful and supportive. Several mentoring programmes exist but you can also be a bit bold and ask someone you respect or want to learn more from.

My second last tip is to be authentic and yourself at work. Diversity in the civil service allows us to make better decisions that better serve and represent the UK public. And last of all, enjoy!