Implementation: Planning, Risk management, and Governance Review

My day-to-day role revolves around assisting colleagues in their jobs and then undertaking individual tasks following on from this work. Currently I am mostly occupied by planning and risk/issue management and in future will be helping and writing the business case for our project.

I have been on a number of courses so far that have been set up in house. These have included; risk management behaviours course, a business case overview course, and a mindfulness and wellbeing course. I also feel I have developed numerous personal skills including communication, leadership and organisation.

I enjoy my programme a lot due to the work/life/study balance, I feel it is well coordinated. The team I work in are also very helpful and are always willing to answer any questions I have and explain things through to me.

There has been a good amount of recognition for the work I have carried out so far and it has been reflected in the praise receieved from my line manager. I have also been asked to carry out more and more tasks as time has progressed; due to my increased capability.

The organisation is good now that the programme is up and running, however it took a long time to get up and running, and it did not fill me with much confidence it took nearly four months to have the first actual learning session. The support from my line manager has been good and he has allowed me to take opportunities whenever they have arisen, such as job shadowing and training courses.

Training is given on a monthly basis and also incurs visits from mentors from the training provider. I am yet to be visited by a mentor because it took so long to get it started. However they seem very committed to helping us succeed and are very motivating.

The team has been good in supporting me and my line manager has been excellent in giving me opportunites to succeed and progress. I have had a number of issues relating to leave and questions around it where my line manager and I have had a number of different responses from HR; there is no clear answer for someone in my situation.

Working in the current office is great for me; I can drive in and it costs a great deal less than getting the bus/train. This however will change when moving office and will have a significant impact as I will no longer be able to drive into work meaning monthly costs will go up. The salary meets my costs and I'd go as far to say exceeds them, and it allows me to have a good social life.

There are numerous opportunities outside of work however could be advertised more effectively so that it's made aware to employees. The department I work in works closely with charities within the commmunity and these opportunities are good for networking. There is also HASSRA which is an organisation that advertises sporting activity and social acitivities.

Yes

There are many benefits to working for the Civil Service including the salary, career development opportunities, networking, and so on. One of the biggest advantages for the Civil Service in my opinion is the pension; it is important to think ahead and the pension at the Civil Service will set me up well for retirement.

Be confident throughout the application process; this will place you in a good mind set for when it comes to actually working and commmunicating with people. Be patient; the process to onboard is long and tedious due to background checks however it is worth the wait. Also be patient in the job, it takes time to learn things and you will not be an expert straight away.