Having worked for the Inland Revenue in the most junior grade for ten years, at age 30 I decided to try another role in the public service. This was a good experience as it demonstrated to me the benefits I missed whilst not being a Civil Servant. I applied as an external candidate for a role at a higher grade to the one I'd left. I was successful. The reasons for re-joining the Civil Service were job security, variety, career progression prospects, valuing diversity and inclusion. Due to the move to Regional Centres, my local HMRC office closed in 2019. Although my nearest Regional Centre was 50 miles away, I decided to remain. This was a difficult decision to make, but looking back, I can truly say it was an excellent one. My manager was so supportive and recognised my ability to become a manager. She encouraged and supported me and I was successful in recently securing my first management role.

I manage a team of eight administrative officers. Geographical boundaries are not a problem, as I remotely manage across the UK. HMRC is equipped with excellent digital facilities allowing me to communicate with my staff wherever they may physically be based. I particularly enjoy developing my staff. HMRC offers a vast array of development opportunities which is fantastic for personal development and increases confidence in preparation for job opportunities. Throughout my career I have been a Prince's Trust Team Development Coach, a National Vocational Qualification Assessor, studied for Occupational Delivery Profession qualifications. I have utilised opportunities available through Expressions of Interest, successfully securing a position at a higher grade, which gave me experience of working at that grade and allowed me to build my evidence of Civil Service Behaviours for permanent posts.

Throughout my career I have proactively participated in the vast array of development opportunities on offer. I have been a National Vocational Qualification Assessor. I have completed qualifications in Operational Delivery Profession. I have been a Prince's Trust Team Development Coach. These have all developed my confidence and allowed me to demonstrate strong evidence of Civil Service Behaviours in applications and at interview. I am passionate about showcasing HMRC as a great place to work. The mention of working for HMRC is usually a conversation killer but asking people to stop and think about what tax is used to pay for such as health, welfare, education and defence turns it into an interesting topic. The opportunities available to keep stretching and reaching for the next goal and the support given in an extremely diverse and inclusive environment are fantastic.

It can be a very daunting experience starting work for a new employer, no matter what your age or experience. On my first day in the office (having never worked in an office before) I dressed in full suit and tie, only to find my colleagues were in smart casual dress. This was 33 years ago and now a simple question could be asked on a platform such as this. Then there are the ways things can sometimes be explained incorrectly, it's not anyone's fault. Generally no one is specifically trained in dealing with the diverse nature that working/office life can bring. Rest assured HMRC is a great place to work and One of HMRC's Values is that we are innovative, We are committed to continuous improvement and to developing ourselves. Another is that we are professional, We partner with others and collaborate within and across teams to achieve great results.

HMRC offers many development opportunities, it's not just about the day job (although this is vitally important). I have been proactive throughout my career in developing myself. Each time building on my previous achievement. For instance, I took the National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Customer Service and then Administration. I then became an NVQ Assessor myself. Having demonstrated my ability and desire to help others, I recognised that I wanted to build my leadership skills. Becoming a Prince's Trust Team Development Coach enabled me to work with young, unemployed adults to build their confidence. They worked towards their own NVQ in employability skills, and I was in a good position to help them achieve this as well as helping them budget for their food whilst on a residential week, raise money to enhance a sensory garden for young disabled adults and visit them at work experience placements. Raising money for the sensory garden was done through activities such as supermarket bag packing at the tills, car washes. Also a sponsored abseil off a viaduct. The transferrable skills I have acquired by constantly thinking about what I do next to prepare me for the next step in my career, have been put to good use.