Any senior civil servants around?

[ImSuchABigIdiot]

I know this is a bit of a random thread but I’ve recently started a junior role in the Civil Service (EO level) and would love to stay long-term if possible.

I read an article recently about Antonia Romeo, who’s now the Permanent Secretary at the Department for International Trade, and I have a bit of a girl crush on her!! I know she hasn’t always worked in the Civil Service, but I just feel so inspired by her and would love to try and get as I can in my career.

I’ve heard from a few different people in the Civil Service that it can be certain difficult to progress between grades though. How true is this? What have your experiences been? And is it difficult for women (and people who are not in the Civil Service Fast Stream) to progress?

In my experience so far, the Civil Service is a very fair employer and very focussed on equality and diversity, but I’d be interested to hear about all of your experiences.

Gosh that’s not my experience Cream bun. Obviously you’d expect it to take longer but definitely definitely doable in my dept... I’m almost there and I started as an AA!

It’s true, one of the best SCS1 I know was a direct entrant at EO.

I’d echo the progress as much as you can pre-children. I rocketed up to G7, had three may leaves, and have found it very slow going to get to G6 and SCS1. Also in that vein, stick at two ;) although my female DG has four kids and is amazing. Antonia used to go straight from mat leave back into private office. We were always amazed at how she did it. And the Cabinet Secretary’s female PPS had twins a year ago, so it is doable. I’m just crap at it!

although my female DG has four kids and is amazing. Antonia used to go straight from mat leave back into private office. We were always amazed at how she did it. And the Cabinet Secretary’s female PPS had twins a year ago, so it is doable.

Thanks TeddyBee - I wonder how it can be done? Does anyone have any advice?

Front line or operational experience in DfE would be working in one of the RSC regions as a project lead, or in ESFA as a caseworker (academies and maintained schools or 16-19). Or in MPCD as a drafter, but there's not much progression there in my experience.

I wonder how it can be done? Does anyone have any advice?

I would hazard a guess at either having a partner or other family members who do most of the Wife Work, or having a full time nanny

As you’re currently in a relatively junior grade it’s worth considering whether you have the skills and motivation to do jobs a few levels above, eg G7.

The SCS women I know who are mothers got there before DC and could afford a nanny. One’s husband was a SAHD. A couple jobshared.

Shape of govt depts shows why progression is easier in some than others.

www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/blog/diamond-departments-grade-structure-civil-service-2015