HEO Review

My role involves dealing with the day to day running of the office. This includes taking the lead for various networks within the office and heavy involvement in a number of projects from the provision of new furniture to the roll out of new IT kit. Each day can bring any number of ad hoc activities and requests.

Some of the learning relating to different leadership styles has proven useful, particularly when different scenarios would benefit from a different approach. Sometimes one size does not fit all. Revisiting transactional analysis theory has also been a useful reminder that how you interact with others can have a real impact on the outcome you are hoping to achieve.

The programme has been enjoyable as it has made me think about all of the variables involved in making a leader a good leader.

The apprenticeship is well structured and each of the learning modules and workshops builds on the learning from the previous ones. The virtual workshop facilitator is very good and encourages participation from everyone who attends. My talent coach also helps me to make the most of the programme and has been very supportive.

My employer ensures that I get 20% of my working week to dedicate to my apprenticeship. My line manager has also been extremely supportive and ensures that I am using the 20% allocation. This has proven important as I would really struggle to keep up with the programme without it.

My talent coach has been extremely supportive throughout my apprenticeship to date. She is always prompt in replying to any messages or queries I post on my learning portal and has provided some really good advice on the types of evidence I need to submit to properly showcase my learning.

Some of the learning has been very useful as it revisits topics I have covered in previous management training and acts as a useful reminder. I will no doubt find this apprenticeship invaluable in the future should I move to a frontline managerial position involving a number of direct reports.

There are a number of networks that myself and other colleagues are able to join. There is a well established Civil Service sports club where you get discounts on a number of events. There are development programmes available along with annual networking events such as Civil Service Live.

Yes

There is a heavy emphasis on health and wellbeing within DWP and there is a huge amount of support available. This proved to be of particular importance during the pandemic when all DWP employees were classed as key workers. Although an increase in pay would be welcomed, the overall package is better than in some organisations.

I would recommend that anyone looking to apply for a job with DWP spend time familiarising themselves with Success Profiles. This is the approach that DWP uses to recruit information regarding Success Profiles and it is readily available on the gov.uk website. As with any vacancy, doing some research regarding the organisation and job role is key.