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My only guaranteed hot meal was my free school lunch

Vicky McGurk, My Life, My Career

From part-time AO to thriving senior leader in the Civil Service, Vicky McGurk is living proof that you can overcome childhood struggles and make life a success. Interview: Lorraine McBride Born and raised in one of Blackburn’s poorest council estates, …

Right People. Right Training. Right Job

Image of person embracing the sunrise

The Civil Service has a wealth of learning and development and career opportunities across the UK. Ensuring such prospects don’t pass you by can sometimes be challenging, but here’s how you can avoid the pitfalls. The Civil Service is a …

Why we’ve stopped using the term ‘BAME’ in government

Female High School Teacher Sitting At Table With Students Wearing Uniform Using Digital Tablets In Lesson

Richard Laux and Summer Nisar explain why the UK Civil Service has scrapped the label ‘BAME’ in referring to different ethnic minority groups within society. How we write about race and ethnicity matters a lot. As civil servants, we need …

Breaking the menopause taboo in the Civil Service 

Ministry of Justice Permanent Secretary Antonia Romeo

Antonia Romeo, Civil Service Gender Inclusion Champion, welcomes the new Civil Service Menopause in the Workplace Policy and explains what it means.       The Civil Service should be at the forefront of inclusivity, breaking down barriers and treating every one of …

From tiny acorns mighty oaks will grow

Civil Services Languages Network

When the Civil Service Languages Network (CSLN) began in October 2020, Matt Brown and Hugo Griffin had no idea the network would become the success it is today. The Spanish Network began with just five colleagues in DWP eating lunch …

Growing up in an alien country wasn't easy

Rabia Nasimi

Twenty-three years after fleeing Afghanistan’s warzone aged just five years old, Rabia Nasimi tells how she adjusted to a new life and language in London. Now a civil servant, Rabia works in the Afghan Resettlement Team, using her experience to …

Neurodiversity Celebration Week: supporting colleagues

Abigail Agyei

Abigail Agyei, a civil servant in the Department of Health and Social Care, shares her experiences with ADHD and dyspraxia, and explains how we can all support colleagues with neuro-differences. Last week (21 to 27 March) was Neurodiversity Celebration Week: …

Epilepsy Awareness - Purple Day 26 March 2022

image of the brain to show epilepsy

On Purple Day, hundreds of thousands of people across the globe come together to start conversations around epilepsy to raise awareness and fundraise to make a difference for people affected by the condition.      Clare Shillan, who works for the Cabinet …

Living with an eating disorder

image of scrabble letters spelling out eating disorders

Eating Disorders Awareness Week (28 February - 6 March) helps fight misunderstandings over anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and other eating disorders. It also highlights the importance of receiving professional help early. Below, Martin Riley shares his experiences. I can’t pinpoint …