Having left school, I started a career in Banking. Soon discovered wanted to specialise in IT so moved into the NatWest banks IT Support Centre. I followed this career path for over 25 years working for both local authority organisations (Sussex Police) and International private sector business (Chubb Insurance) 12 months ago , after a redundancy, decided on a whole new career path as wanted to experience something new so joined HMRC as a Business Support Officer within the Solicitors Office and Legal Services (SOLS). My medium career goals are to stay within this department as it follows a very progressive business model with people being the centre of it's focus. I am hoping to move into a role dealing with people / staff either in a training or similar role.

I provide admin support for members of the Solicitors Office and Lega Services (SOLS) department of HMRC. This can include working with Review Officers performing VAT reviews and also Litigators and Solicitors representing HMRC in Legal cases. This support can include providing electronic bundles of court papers to be presented as well as ensuring communication is sent to customers regarding their reviews

Working within HMRC I am exposed to a wide variety of tasks that keep the working day interesting. Also , with working within the Solicitors Office and Legal Services I am exposed to a wide variety of other opportunities that deal with a wide range of topics such as Diversity and inclusion. The department is very progressive and staff welfare is a primary focus and it is amazing to be able to get involved in supporting others in this area.

As HMRC applications are Behaviour and Strength based it is good to ensure you articulate your successes relevant to the job being applied for. Ensure you follow the STAR (Situation , Task, Action and Result) format. with your achievements think What was the Situation, What Task needed to be done to resolve / improve that situation , What actions did YOU do to achieve a result and exactly what was the result in you taking those actions. Always think in terms of what YOU did. Highlight yourself with actual examples.

Before my redundancy I had become stagnated and somewhat negative in my outlook to work / career. I was in a highly stressful job working within an organisation whose ideals did not match my own. Having joined HMRC I now have rekindled my enthusiasm and been well rewarded with lots of positive feedback on the excellent work i am doing. I have also been given lots of opportunities to getting involved in many things to shape how the department I work in develops to the betterment of all.