Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Work

Chat with other users about all things related to working life on our Work forum.

Original poster

Home office asylum decision maker

19 replies

Didisquat · 17/05/2023 17:58

Hi, does anyone do this role or know someone that does? I’ve read such bad things about it online I just wanted to hear from someone that actually does the job, I’m just waiting on my start date and worried what I’m getting into!
thanks 😊

OP posts:
WatermelonPink · 17/05/2023 18:04

My DH used to be a DM. Which aspects are you worried about?

Ilikewinter · 17/05/2023 18:09

I work on the same floor as ayslum decision makers, but dont do that role myself, however we pass friendly chat over the tea machine! I would say its a challenging role because of the immense amount of focus and pressure that is coming from government to clear the backlogs...and, as in any immigration role, the amount of information you need to learn can feel overwhelming at times. I would say a good supporting team goes a long way. Dont forget if you dont like it you can apply for othe jobs!

Original poster
Didisquat · 17/05/2023 18:15

I’m just worried because if you look at any review online its am just all the same things saying unattainable targets and an unmanageable workload and no support from managers, how everyone leaves as soon as they can to other departments etc. I wanted to see what peoples actual experiences were as I don’t imagine that many people with positive experiences post online reviews?

OP posts:
WatermelonPink · 17/05/2023 20:19

From what I can gather through numerous conversations DH and I have had about this (DH still works in Asylum Ops but more senior role) I don’t think the targets and workload are necessarily unmanageable. I believe the targets are actually lower now than they were pre-covid. DH never found the targets unattainable. He did the job for many years and whilst it’s challenging and certainly stressful at times he did enjoy it.

I think one of the problems is they have expanded too quickly increasing the number of DMs by 100’s. In order to do this they have relaxed the job criteria so many people get job offers who perhaps wouldn’t have previously and some it turns out are not really suitable for the role. (Not implying you’re not suited)

Along with rapid expansion is working from home. Pre-covid working from home wasn’t so much a thing. Of course when everyone works from home you can massively increase staff numbers because you don’t need physical office space/desks and that. But DH felt a bit isolated at times. And of course there is less support when everyone is working alone at home because you don’t have that room full of people you can have a quick chat with if you’re struggling.

Where are you going to be base if you don’t mind me asking?

Original poster
Didisquat · 17/05/2023 20:36

Thank you! That’s really helpful, it’s mainly the turnover of staff that was worrying me. I’m used to targets and being busy so that’s all fine, I just wondered why so many people left!
I will be at stoke…

OP posts:
WatermelonPink · 17/05/2023 21:39

DH thinks if you are used to working in a target driven environment you’ll be fine. The targets are slowly increased over the first 6 months.

I think the high staff turnover does make it harder because there are less experienced staff to help those who are newer.

I think it’s hard too as you have to hear a lot of people talk about traumatic experiences. Which obviously can be difficult. You’ll find things are quite different to way things are portrayed in the media

WatermelonPink · 17/05/2023 21:41

And just to be clear the targets are not related to refusal’s or grants. You are just expected to outcome a certain number of decisions and/or interviews per week

Original poster
Didisquat · 17/05/2023 22:54

Thank you! It’s nice to hear something positive about the job….

OP posts:
MoiraRosesHair · 11/08/2023 20:58

Didisquat, how is the new job going at Stoke? Just looking at applying for the same thing myself and wondered how you had found it!

Original poster
Didisquat · 12/08/2023 08:30

It’s good! I’ve only been there a month but it’s good so far! Go for it 😊

OP posts:
MoiraRosesHair · 12/08/2023 09:12

That’s good to know, glad you are enjoying it. Is the working environment friendly, supportive etc? Heard it can be very stressful too in terms of workload/ targets, but are you finding that side of things ok?

Original poster
Didisquat · 12/08/2023 09:51

Lots of support, every body is friendly and managers are good! There are targets but you are eased in gently so they are achievable. Everyone who has been there longer than me still seems to enjoy it so that’s a good sign. Plus the wage has just gone up by £2500 due to the strikes so that’s a bonus!

OP posts:
Curioss · 22/09/2023 22:40

Hi Didisquat. How is the job doing? Are you doing face to face interviews 5 days a week or is the job partly at home?

Original poster
Didisquat · 23/09/2023 07:54

Hi! It’s hybrid so 2 days in the office and 3 at home. All the interviews are online at the moment 😊

OP posts:
sat2123 · 17/11/2023 10:52

hi
im going to be starting the job at the end of November like yourself there is a lot of bad reviews, im coming in has a ao grade and just wanting to more about the tasks that you carry out has a AO and how long is the training, what the managers like Thank you

Original poster
Didisquat · 17/11/2023 13:56

I’m a EO grade so I’m not sure it would be the same, will you be in an admin role? If so they all seem pretty happy with what they do! 😊

OP posts:
Curioss · 17/11/2023 16:06

I believe they are changing to 60% in the office soon.

sat2123 · 17/11/2023 17:59

Thank you for your respond
yes it is the admin role, not even sure what I will be doing has the description of the job is similar to the EO postion.

Kmrt · 22/01/2024 16:04

Hi, are you still in the role? If so hows it going now? Are you still enjoying it?

New posts on this thread. Refresh page