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 …

I'm living proof you're never too old to be an apprentice

Nichola Hanmer

Apprenticeships aren’t just for teenagers, and age is no barrier. When mum, Nikki Hanmer, 27, wanted to change career, she set her sights on a Civil Service apprenticeship and hasn’t looked back. Hello, I’m Nikki Hanmer and I’m a recent …

The Apprentice - Henry's journey

  Thinking of an apprenticeship? Go for it, says former Civil Service apprentice, Henry Reed. It gave him recognised qualifications, valuable work experience, lasting friendships and much more. I joined the Civil Service in 2015 as a Business Administration Apprentice. …

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 …

World Cancer Day 2021

To mark World Cancer Day on 4 February, Seonaid Webb, talks about how we are ensuring the Civil Service is more confident to support people affected by cancer. Having been diagnosed with cancer myself in 2016, and now as chair …

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 …

Commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day 2021

Government Chief People Officer, Rupert McNeil writes about Holocaust Memorial Day, and reveals his deeply personal family connection. We are living through unusual and difficult times. But pandemics, while rare, are not unique human experiences. The Holocaust is.  We need …

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