David Gott, Department of Transport
What was your first public service job?
I took phone inquiries regarding test bookings – test date changes, missing applications, etc. All applications were processed by mail at the time – no internet, no computer on my desk; just a phone and a notebook. If we couldn’t resolve the request ourselves, we had to “take a message” and forward it to the test “accounting clerks”. In addition, there was no theoretical driving test at that time, only the practical test.
And your favorite?
Aside from my current role (my managers might read this!), I would cite my four years as a member of the Joint Sponsor Team for the Crossrail project. I worked for DfT but in the Transport for London offices where I worked with people from both organisations. The purpose was to present a united front of sponsorship to the project’s implementing organisation, Crossrail Ltd. Aside from the thrill of being involved in such a large infrastructure project, I also learned that other public sector organizations are not that different from mine. ..
Describe your career in public service in three words…
Successful, varied, rewarding.
What makes a good officer?
Someone who is pragmatic and open to new ideas, with great attention to detail. You must be willing to work with others. An interest in the political landscape is an advantage, but you must remain impartial and cannot endorse any political activity.
What’s the best advice a colleague has given you at work?
Not a consultancy as such, but I worked with a consultant for a few months with whom I managed the procurement of a master contract. I have seen him provide verbal feedback to successful and unsuccessful bidders in a refreshingly honest and open manner. I learned a lot from this experience.
Now that you’ve climbed the civil service ladder, what advice would you give to younger civil servants hoping to advance?
There is no substitute for experience, so don’t rush to climb the ladder. Consolidate your skills at each level before looking for the next promotion opportunity. Identify what skills you may be lacking to get where you want to advance, and find ways to develop those skills so you’re qualified when the right opportunity presents itself.
Have you ever left or considered leaving public service? If yes, what drew you back? If you stayed, what made you decide to stay?
I am very proud of my long tenure with the company and have never been to the point where I thought I would be better off elsewhere. The nice thing about civil service is that you can apply for a change to a completely different department if you wish, without leaving civil service. However, I am a DfT person through and through.
Robert Buckley, Home Office (Border Force)
What was your first public service job?
Office Assistant, Custom House, London. Handle import paperwork and appease impatient shippers. 16 years and 3 weeks old, straight out of school – had to grow up VERY quickly.
And your favorite?
Impossible to pick just one – were in mobile response teams, investigative teams, bureau teams and Dover-based anti-smuggling side teams. Any job can be exciting, challenging and rewarding – I could apply the same description to some of the colleagues in each discipline!
Describe your career in public service in three words…
Longer than expected!
What makes a good officer?
Without sounding cliche, I would say the ability to treat people as people in all circumstances.
What’s the best advice a colleague has given you at work?
Work is important, but family comes first.
Now that you’ve climbed the civil service ladder, what advice would you give to younger civil servants hoping to advance?
Try a variety of jobs; Don’t be afraid to try something new; feel comfortable in your choice of job and salary.
Have you ever left or considered leaving public service? If yes, what drew you back? If you stayed, what made you decide to stay?
I was fortunate with the variety of jobs and opportunities I had – I never felt the need to leave.
Jacqueline Byrne, Department of Education
What was your first public service job?
I was a clerk at the Ministry of Fisheries and Food (MAFF), my first job was in an investigative unit assisting a group of investigators (all retired senior police officers) – the main duties included proofreading statements, preparing court files and organising her diaries.
And your favorite?
Probably my current role as Delivery Team Leader for the Academies program – I’ve worked in this space for almost 10 years and have seen the program evolve. It is about striving to ensure that all children have the opportunity to attend a good school that can improve their life chances.
Describe your career in public service in three words…
Rewarding, varied, challenging!
What makes a good officer?
Integrity, Commitment and Flexibility. Be a good team player, support your colleagues and understand that you are serving the government of the day and meeting its priorities.
What’s the best advice a colleague has given you at work?
I remember being really demoralized when my first draft report as a HEO in Education was sent back to me covered in red pencil (it was all handwritten back then!). My seventh grade student sat down with me and explained that that doesn’t mean it was wrong and that my draft helped him focus his arguments and suggestions for the final report because I gave him the information that he required. I have never forgotten that and used it even with new, inexperienced colleagues.
Now that you’ve climbed the civil service ladder, what advice would you give to younger civil servants hoping to advance?
It can be too easy to be blinded by the open-minded high achievers – you can learn a lot from your peers, no matter where they are in their careers. Don’t underestimate what a quiet, long-time junior member of the team can do – their knowledge and experience can be invaluable. Be patient, take the time to understand and develop the skills to advance – it’s no sign of failure if you don’t get promoted every 18 months!
Have you ever left or considered leaving public service? If yes, what drew you back? If you stayed, what made you decide to stay?
No, while I’m still amazed that I’ve been in public service since 1985 – I originally joined because I wanted to try an “office” job, little did I know that I was looking forward to such a varied, challenging and varied job stop frustrating career!
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