Any current civil servants?

Thanks for starting this thread - it's really useful.

For those currently in the civil service with experience of HEO level roles, I'm wondering if you could give me some advice on my situation.

I graduated in 2016 and following 2 internships (one in the civil service) secured a role 6 months ago (in the public sector but not civil service). The role I'm in is above graduate level for my company (I'm working at the same level as someone who has finished our graduate scheme). I want to go back into the civil service after maybe a year in my current role, but my problem is that I'd be looking mainly for a policy role, and my current work isn't in policy, although I have a voluntary role as policy researcher for a think tank. Would HEO be a good level for me to look at applying to? My salary and level of responsibility is around HEO level so I feel applying to EO would be a step back for me - although I recognise I may need to do this given the change in job sector. And what if I want to work in a department slightly different to the area of my current job?

Thanks for starting this thread - it's really useful.

For those currently in the civil service with experience of HEO level roles, I'm wondering if you could give me some advice on my situation.

I graduated in 2016 and following 2 internships (one in the civil service) secured a role 6 months ago (in the public sector but not civil service). The role I'm in is above graduate level for my company (I'm working at the same level as someone who has finished our graduate scheme). I want to go back into the civil service after maybe a year in my current role, but my problem is that I'd be looking mainly for a policy role, and my current work isn't in policy, although I have a voluntary role as policy researcher for a think tank. Would HEO be a good level for me to look at applying to? My salary and level of responsibility is around HEO level so I feel applying to EO would be a step back for me - although I recognise I may need to do this given the change in job sector. And what if I want to work in a department slightly different to the area of my current job?

I am a HO in HMRC. Obvious disclaimer is that departments vary massively. I work in compliance which handles checks into taxpayers returns. From watching jobs for my own progression to SO and G7, policy roles typically start from SO, and most common I've seen are G7. There are a few HO ones but Id consider thoae the exception from what I've seen. This is ONLY in HMRC however, so other departments vary.

Responsibility also depends on department. A HO in DWP will have a metric **** ton more responsibility than I have in HMRC for instance.

As others have said, flexi is incredible. I would find it really difficult going out of civil service because of flexi alone. I believe flexi is different for G7 and above though.

Hey,

So I was an HEO, so there will be some differences but I'm happy to answer a few of your questions. I'd also really really recommend having a read through of the Civil Service Competency Framework - relevant to all levels, and gives more specific detail about the competencies required at specific grades.

General disclaimer that what it's like will vary a lot depending on specific role/department/team (I absolutely loved my team/division, but even within my department there are areas I really would have hated to work in!). But in general, it's a very good place to work. Civil Service tend to be very professional employers in my experience. I actually had to stop for health reasons, but right up until I left my line manager and lead analyst were brilliant, incredibly supportive, pushed me (nicely!) towards achievements I'd never have thought I could do.

EO is an absolutely respectable level to go into after graduating!

Re. types of tasks and responsibilities for EOs, definitely have a look at the Competency Framework. Basic summary of it (and bearing in mind I started at HEO, so can't be 100% certain on actual EO experience):

- Be aware of the relevant issues relating to their team/department (similar for all grades, HEOs + above should be aware of emerging/wider issues)
- Be interested in expanding knowledge through training etc (higher grade difference is that there may be more expectation that they will actively seek out training opportunities)
- Suggest ideas for improvement (so there is the responsibility for making changes and how to improve services)
- Less responsibility for decision making than higher grades (obviously), but still responsibility to speak to the right people, ensure unbiased decisions are made, explain decision-making etc
- Less leadership/management responsibilities than HEO and above (though a good employer should aim to give opportunities for this)

In practice, things may not differ too much, the main differences are likely to (at least initially) be how much leadership is expected.

Working hours pretty good in my experience, again may well differ in departments - when I was at DWP there was some 'controversy'/debate about the new working agreement for flexi time and pay, but things change. My hours were 36 a week; outside of London was 37 a week (London pay zones an hour less because of often longer travel times) - 7hr 12min a day. Nice thing with flexi hours was you could do longer some days and shorter other days. We filled in time sheets, so often there'd be weeks with some long days, and then you'd be up on hours and could finish early (e.g. during England matches in the Euros the office was pretty empty!) Or e.g. I had some weeks where I had a lot of travelling - Stirling, Coventry, Doncaster, Nottingham, Bath, all sorts of places. That made for a couple of 10 hours days, so then I had some short days later in the week, or late starts to even out. And Friday afternoons are very very quiet!

Work is enjoyable. Again, will differ in role/department! But it's interesting stuff, so many opportunities and interesting work, and as cliched as it sounds, it is so good to be getting involved with work which really does make a difference to people's lives.

Hey!
Thanks to the original poster for starting this thread, and thank you for leaving this detailed and informative response on it. I understand I am very late to this thread, but would still love some insights from any who would be active here!

I am also going to start role as an HEO in the DWP from next month, could you tell me what things I should keep in mind? I am a young graduate (although I have done my masters), but I am in early 20s. I have been told I would be leading a team of about 80 (as an operations manager), so would love to have anyone's update on the same.

Also, what sort of career progression oppurtunities can I expect? Where could I see myself in a few years? Is there decent amount of posts/promotions in the DWP or civil service?

Many thanks!

Hi Legion,

Firstly well done, that is quite the responsibility for someone your age! I've worked as an operations manager leading a large number of people also (not DWP), the biggest piece of advice i could give is don't takes things personally and always remain professional. Don't try to be everyone's best friend as it never works, instead focus on being supportive and trying to get the best out of your staff.

Opportunities wise there are loads for those with the competence and drive to seek them out. Once you have passed probation you will be free to apply for any Cross Government opportunity on CS Jobs prior to it being available to the public. Don't get too hung up on grade as each role is a learning experience and can differ greatly, i.e. I have had 40+staff at HEO level and also 0 staff but more personal responsibility (projects).