My Career Switch to the Civil Service

by Julie Little, Policy Manager at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Turn the clock back to the summer of 2019 (before everything covid), and I found myself in a place that I did not want to be – in my 50’s and being made redundant. I had worked in the social housing sector for 20+ years, I had lots of experience in the sector, and it was where I felt comfortable. The prospect of looking for a new job, let alone considering a total career change was completely daunting.

I trawled through job adverts and considered the civil service. I was briefly put off by the sheer variety of job types (where would my skill set be best suited?), the recruitment procedure, which seemed completely alien to me (what was all this behaviour and strength stuff?) and my perception of the civil service (my unconscious bias was telling me it was a very formal and strict place to work).

With my redundancy date looming, and as I had found lots of useful information about the civil service recruitment process online, I took the plunge and applied for a policy job at Companies House.

Hey presto! I managed to secure an interview!

More research ensued. On the day of the interview, I sat in the reception area of Companies House with those pre-interview nerves very apparent, but I had a really good feeling about working there.

The interview went well, and I got the job! I felt a huge sense of relief coupled with trepidation to start this new chapter in my life.

I started at Companies House in January 2020 and it was a steep learning curve, not only getting to grips with a policy role but also with the ways of the civil service. Starting this kind of role just before covid hit was tough but I loved the work. My colleagues were supportive, kind and fun, completely smashing my pre-conceived ideas of the civil service being strict and formal.

I soon fitted in and could see that I definitely had transferable skills and experience.

Fast forward three years and I gained a promotion and moved to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. I work on the Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) Programme in the Legislation Team, looking at how legislation will need to be changed to support the development and future of CCUS.

Another steep learning curve, but I had done it once and I knew I could do it again.

Once again, I found myself working with brilliant, supportive colleagues. I continued to thrive and can now say I am proud to work on the CCUS programme. I have had a fantastic opportunity to get involved in something that will really make a difference to future generations.

I am based in one of the regional offices, Cardiff, where there are quite a few friendly DESNZ colleagues, but have regular contact with those on my team based across the UK

A bonus is that there are many opportunities to get involved in things that you are passionate about outside your day job. For me this has meant getting involved in diversity and inclusion work, women’s network and menopause in the workplace, all great causes, and things that I am passionate about. It is a fantastic way to boost your CV and support your colleagues at the same time.

If you are thinking about a career move to the civil service, my advice is to go for it. Age is a number, don’t let it hold you back! Remember all those brilliant transferable skills and that life experience that you have. I’m sure you won’t regret it!

If you're interested in a career change at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, then take a look at our available roles on civilservicejobs.gov.uk