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Civil Service

A Brilliant Civil Service

A range of blog posts illustrating the vision of:

"A brilliant Civil Service that helps to keep the United Kingdom prosperous and secure, supporting the governments we serve in
implementing their commitments and delivering high quality services for the public."

Blogs in this category will illustrate aspects of the vision and how it is being implemented across the organisation under its four supporting pillars: Improved outcomes; Effective leaders; Skilled people; A great place to work.

Mentoring and Me

A great mentor encourages a person to progress, giving valuable advice and encouragement. But it isn’t a one-way street. Many mentors find building the bond just as rewarding and gain fresh inspiration. Below, Bernie Thompson and Melissa Crawshay-Williams share their …

Talking Through Grief - the crucial role of managers

This second blog in our bereavement series, aims to ease and open up conversations between managers and staff about grief and loss. Below, three civil servants share their thoughts on these vital conversations. Siân and manager Angela, both work in …

The Apprentice - Rob's hired!

Rob Kinnard, Policy Advisor, Water Security and Resilience Department: DEFRA

Looking for a career opportunity that challenges you and pays you while you learn? Civil Service Policy Apprentice Rob Kinnard believes his two-year training is one of his best decisions yet. I joined the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local …

How to be a Steve

Angela Macdonald on how small acts of kindness and humanity can make a huge difference to colleagues during the fight against Covid. It’s strange to think as I write this reflection on leadership, that a new year has begun. As …

Environmental opportunities in 2021

With the planet's climate and ecosystems under urgent threat from human activity, Dexter Lee explores upcoming green milestones and the Civil Service Environment Network’s goals. COVID-19 made 2020 an incredibly difficult year, with tragic loss of life and the upheaval of livelihoods. …

The importance of LGBT+ allies 

Cabinet Office Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Keela Shackell-Smith offers tips on how to be a strong ally at work and support your LGBT+ colleagues. I’m a trans ally, ace ally, lesbian ally, gay ally, intersex ally, pan ally….I’m an LGBT+ …

Supporting People Through the Pandemic

When the pandemic struck, Ruby Dixon was deployed to develop and spearhead Britain’s national shielding programme to support 2.6m vulnerable people, and ensure that food and grants reached the needy. I joined the Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government …

It’s a strange time to be starting a job during a pandemic

Who knew we would all be dealing some huge leadership challenges during this pandemic? Little did we know how important leadership skills would become for civil servants.  Joanna Roper, UK Ambassador to the Netherlands, on how she approached her new …