To mark Valentine’s Day (14 February), civil servants reveal what really makes their hearts beat a little faster at work: from the small everyday wins to big reasons to stay, these are the stories our staff are proud to love! Interviews by Lorraine McBride
The day I told the Ambassador “No” – and lived to tell the tale
For Saida Rzayeva, Corporate Services Manager, at the British Embassy in Baku, loving the Civil Service means loving the colleagues who see you through – even when you've just turned the Ambassador away at the door.
After 30 years in the Civil Service including my time at the British Embassy in Baku, I’ve learned it's a mix of purpose, people, and moments that make you think, “Is this really happening?”
One moment from my Visa/Consular days stands out, when I politely refused the Ambassador access to a secure room because her name wasn’t on the authorised list. Imagine it: me, a junior civil servant, explaining entry rules while mentally drafting my resignation letter.
Miraculously, I survived. Next day, her name topped the list - a win for both integrity and my continued employment.
The real love story of the Civil Service isn’t the extraordinary moments. It’s the colleagues who become emergency therapists, motivational speakers and “I’ll help you even though it’s not my job” heroes - and leaders who stand up for you.
To sum up a Civil Service career, I'd say: Come for the purpose. Stay for the people. And don’t worry – eventually, you’ll learn the systems. Maybe."
Branching out: where evidence meets the forest floor
Dead trees might not sound romantic, but for Forest Research social scientist Beth Brockett, there's real joy in evidence that helps others protect our landscapes.
As a social scientist at Forest Research, my greatest job satisfaction comes from producing useful evidence that helps others care for our forests, woodlands and trees.
I felt that particularly strongly this week, when I presented Defra-funded research to The Ancient Tree Forum on what the public think about leaving dead and decaying trees in the landscape. Hundreds of people joined online - many with their dinner and a cup of tea - to hear our research findings that most visitors to these landscapes value these trees, understand their environmental benefits and want them left to decay naturally.
Knowing our research is useful, timely and welcomed by those managing sites is why I love what I do.
Turning Complexity into Clarity
Some people see data and feel overwhelmed. Dr Jo Neal, operational researcher at the Department for Education, sees a puzzle waiting to be solved – and she won't rest until everyone else can see the picture too.
The moment I knew this was why I do my job? When a project stuck for weeks finally came together because of my work. Seeing our team move forward – that's the buzz.
I love solving problems that initially look impossible. There's something energising about piecing things together, finding answers and seeing everything finally click. My proudest moment was creating what colleagues nicknamed “The Elephant Chart” - a visual that transformed complex data into something everyone could instantly understand. It became the go-to way to track progress at a glance. I must also mention my mentor Amy who changed everything by helping me see opportunities instead of obstacles. Amy pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Her faith in me, reshaped how I approach challenges and my whole career.
Heart and Headset: One Work Coach's Labour of Love
Joy Ani is in the business of changing lives at Stevenage Jobcentre - one call, one headset and one success story at a time.
Working in the Jobcentre is my kind of love story. Every day I get to help people transform their lives, whether that’s landing their first job, finding a fresh start, or taking a step they never thought possible. When they succeed, I celebrate their wins like a proud family member - because that’s exactly how it feels. And then there’s my trusty headset. We’ve been through so much together that it honestly deserves its own Valentine’s card!
Part two of our short series will run tomorrow.
Leave a comment