PA Support Review

Since joining the Bank in July 2020, I have been apart of the People & Culture and Shred Services Support Team. We are a small team and provide any support to managers/head of departments. This includes raising purchase orders, claiming expenses on their behalf, monitoring their calendar, arranging meetings etc.

Since joining the Bank my confidence with communicating with other colleagues has grown, previously I was in a small organisation and only had five other colleagues therefore when joining the Bank my confidence wasn’t the best due to never having the experience of working within a big organisation. I feel that my time keeping skills have improved, I have become more organised and my knowledge of the Bank and its systems continues to expand daily.

I really enjoy my programme. I have to spend 20% of my working week dedicated to my off the job training, therefore I use Fridays to do this because it is generally a quieter day compared to the rest of the week. Whilst being on the programme I have been connected with other colleagues from different areas in the Bank who are also completing the same programme, which is nice because if I have any questions we have a monthly catch up to discuss any concerns.

On the Banks behalf it has been structured/organised to the best of their ability, and they are really supportive of the needs to meet deadlines/expectations set out by the training provider. However, I believe Pitmans Training could have given a better induction and kept my managers and myself all on the same page.

If I ever need support for assignments, projects or even knowledge questions I know can go straight to my line manager. However, if she cannot help me with my request she always points me in the direction of someone who has expert knowledge of the situation so I can get the answer I am looking for. Everyone in my organisation are willing to help me get the best answers I can.

Every month I have a coaching session with my mentor, but if I need any additional help I can contact him and request for extra sessions to be scheduled to help towards my qualifications. Before an assignment is set, I am given all the required training to assist with bettering my knowledge.

In my opinion I feel that my qualification will help me understand why processes are put into place, how these processes help an organisation as well as gaining the knowledge needed to take forward and better myself within my professional role. With all the knowledge being taught/given to me I can use this to make sure everything I do is to the best of my ability.

Due to COVID most social activities are virtual. However since joining the Bank I have been involved in the coffee randomisers, Sing-clusion events, and some activities which were organised for the children in your household - we have attended the Bug Hotel workshop and the Egg Cup decorating workshop. There are always new events being advertised in which you can sign up for.

Yes

For me I feel that the Bank of England is a workplace which is very much for the employee. In which they are flexible with your working pattern, and at the moment with the struggle of home life vs work life it is very flexible. But most importantly the Bank is very inclusive and makes you feel very welcome, I have never encountered somebody who isn’t happy to stop for a chat, and that makes work feel fun and not like a chore.

When applying to the Bank be yourself, showcase all of your achievements and best personalities as this is who you will be when working for the Bank. If you know of any holiday, or health appointments which are frequent make sure you make them aware, it wasn’t an issue for me but it is polite to give them an advanced warning.