Civil service AIBU

[whatmanmakescappucino]

anyone familiar with the civil service?

I went from a EO to SEO and skipped HEO grade. (Though I did have stints on TDA as HEO)

now I’m a SEO, I feel really underwhelmed in role and could take on more responsibilities. Aibu to apply for grade 7 roles already? Within CS, there’s a bit of negativity towards “grade skipping” that might not be as prominent in private sector. people already are sceptical of me. However I’ve already had reward and recognition in role and lots of good feedback, so I’m not struggling. It’s more that I’m not challenged and there’s not enough work…

I think you’ll have to prove yourself before people lose their scepticism. Anyone who has ever worked for the CS understands that promotion isn’t always given on merit but rather an ability to fill in an application form, and that it’s easier to promote an idiot so that they’re someone else’s problem rather than sack them, so there’s always going to be a bit of suspicion and wariness because your staff will be wondering whether they’ll have to carry you. But you’re obviously capable if you’re already getting recognition as SEO, so if you do a good job as a 7, everyone will very quickly forget your route there.

And, essentially, this is your career. What do you care what they think? So long as they do their job and are professional, and you do the same, opinions don’t matter. Apply for it. Worst case scenario, you get valuable feedback.