Contracts Verification Manager Review

Currently I am a Contracts Verification manager for the network transformation and network development programmes within Post Office Ltd. Whilst i specialise in contracts and legal queries relating to the contracts we have with agents, my role also utilises data analysis techniques and skills to provide information to the senior leaders of the programme with information about branches across the full POL network of 11,500 branches identifying trends or problem areas and putting forward best ways to correct these issue areas.

Since beginning my course I have learnt (and begun to utilise) various data analysis techniques, systems, programs and how best to implement them. This includes learning 3 new programming languages (Python, SQL and R). The skill set i'm being taught is industry standard, and has been extremely useful in my day to day role so far.

The programme put on by QA has been very good so far. They offer excellent facilities when out on training courses. The course itself has been challenging to the extent where I feel pushed, but in my opinion this is the best way to learn. The staff to date have been very knowledgeable and know their subjects extremely well

This course has been fairly well organised, however I do have a few minor issues with the way in which it has been structured. The main one being that I feel that the data architecture section of the course should have come before the section which teaches you the programming languages required. This is largely because I feel that it is beneficial to know how to build something before you then attempt to build it.

So far I have received excellent support from my employer. Laura from the apprenticeships team has been ever present had extremely helpful with any issues I had, and my immediate line manager has been very supportive in allowing me to complete the work required to complete the course. However it is important to note that there have been numerous issues with our IT and IT security team with regards to obtaining the programs required and needed to complete the course. This means that i have had to (on occasion) utilise my personal laptop to complete exercises.

Currently I am still undergoing the course. But to date QA has given me a large amount of support when it comes to learning materials and courses. I also have an assigned QA tutor who I can go to whenever i'd like to if i have any issues completing work.

Anything that improves my skill set helps me to perform better in my role. Specifically though, the analysis techniques that we have been taught and the programming languages have massively helped in my day to day role as it has allowed me to provide more accurate information and analysis to senior leaders.

There are a great deal of extra-curricular activities to get involved in at my current. Weekly we hold a small badminton tournament in which up to 4 teams of 2 usually play. We are also offered chances to network by visiting the main office location in Finsbury Dials and participate in a Hive activity.

Yes

I have previously recommended Post Office Ltd to friends as an employer as I feel that the environment that is fostered is excellent in allowing people to gain skills and learn, whilst also providing a challenging avenue of work. I also feel that my colleagues are excellent and knowledgeable people to work with.

It is important to understand the areas in which Post Office Ltd work, it is also extremely important for them to understand the difference in Royal Mail and Post Office, this is because a large percentage of the population still believe them to be the same entity despite them being separate for over 15 years now.