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Civil Service Career Spotlight: How Mel Hume Built an 18-Year Civil Service CareerCivil Service Career Spotlight: How Mel Hume Built an 18-Year Civil Service CareerSeptember 5, 2025The Unofficial Guides
Demystifying Civil Service Behaviours: Scott's 3 LessonsDemystifying Civil Service Behaviours: Scott's 3 LessonsAugust 4, 2025The Unofficial Guides
David's 3 Keys to Civil Service Career SuccessDavid's 3 Keys to Civil Service Career SuccessAugust 4, 2025The Unofficial Guides

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  • Finding your place in the Civil Service: Jay’s Story

    I’ve been in the Civil Service for about 26 years, working in Departments such as DFID (International Development, now FCDO) and DfT (Transport), and now I’m based at the centre of Government here in the Cabinet Office as a Senior Finance Business Partner. I am a qualified accountant with CIMA and currently manage a team…

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  • Finding your place in the Civil Service: Malcom’s Story

    It’s never too late to reinvent… I didn’t grow up imagining a career in the Civil Service. In fact, having been raised in a single parent household on a council estate in Essex , with three older brothers imagining a real career (and not some fantasy one i.e spaceman, pilot etc) was quite limited. Life…

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  • Finding your place in the Civil Service: Stephanie’s Story

    Who I Am I’m Stephanie, an Executive Assistant in the Civil Service. Besides supporting senior staff, I’m also involved in the policy unit of my department. I’m very new to the Service, and very much still figuring out my path – but the wealth of opportunities for personal growth and development have proven the Civil…

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  • Finding your place in the Civil Service: Ijeoma’s Story

    Meet Ijeoma! I work in Department for Works and Pension as a Project Manager. I joined the Civil Service in March 2021 as a learning and development manager within People and Capability directorate. Since then, I have transitioned to the role of a Portfolio analyst, Project manager and now an Assurance manager in Change. I…

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  • Finding your place in the Civil Service: Tasha’s Story

    Who I Am Hello, I’m Tasha and I’m Deputy Director State Threats and Cyber at Ministry of Defence and have been a civil servant since 2008.  I’m motivated by trying to make policy work better – for operational colleagues, for effective, efficient and legal outcomes and ultimately to serve citizens as well as we can.…

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  • Finding your place in the Civil Service: Shyam’s Story

    Meet Shyam Pillai I have been in the Civil Service for 22 years across four departments, including the Home Office in an enforcement role, Ofsted as a data and policy analyst, Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government in various policy roles and currently at HM Revenue & Customs in policy/strategy roles. The opportunity to…

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  • How Nina got into the Civil Service

    My journey applying to the Civil Service began when I left my teaching career of 18 years. I worked in an amazing, supportive primary school but the workload had left me burnt out and wondering if I could manage this work/life balance until retirement. The short answer was no. With a heavy heart, I left…

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  • Building a Career in Scotland: Gregor’s Journey

    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…

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  • 3 Lessons from Kamilla Kingstone

    In September, we interviewed Kamila Kingstone, a former Fast Streamer who worked across departments, Number 10, and the Cabinet Office. She shared incredible insights into the mindset that helped her have impact and maintain her values in demanding environments. Here are the three key lessons we took from the session: 1. Act with Intention “What…

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  • Career Spotlight: Shenel’s Fast Stream experience

    Who I Am Hi, I’m Shenel! I’ve been on the Civil Service Fast Stream programme for one and a half years now. I’ve had postings in the Ministry of Justice and Department for Education, and have just started a secondment to the private sector for 6 months at EY. I finished my undergraduate degree only…

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