What the DESNZ Values mean to me

by Cecilia Da Forno

Happy (belated) birthday DESNZ! – To celebrate I thought I would write about my journey to being Bold, Collaborative, Learning-focused and Inclusive

I am one of HR Business Partners in the Department for Net Zero and Energy Security. Recently, I have been thinking about why I still very much like my job after 3 intense years in the role, first in BEIS (Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy) and then in DESNZ, which celebrated its first birthday last month.

Here are some of the reasons I am still here, and why I think you may want to join me ??. The values I reference are corporate, but my experiences are a genuine reflection of my time here.

Bold - Opportunities to work with others across HR and really make a difference. My work is supporting major projects like Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage, a bold and complex initiative which is revolutionising our journey to Net Zero. If you are looking for experiences that push you outside of your comfort zone and inspire you to achieve more than you thought possible, then this is the place to be.

Collaborative - From a new mental health training course for managers to people plans and D&I initiatives, working with talented professionals across the HR function and the whole Department is a daily privilege. I am so fortunate to learn from my colleagues every day, though I have to confess that does not (yet) extend to Taylor Swift discography… a challenge for another day perhaps ?? ?

Learning - I am one of the many apprentices in DESNZ and currently working towards a L7 HR qualification and MSc from University of Exeter . Balancing a really robust role with my studies and personal challenges ?has been tough at times, but I am so glad I persevered – I could not have come this far without the support of my brilliant manager and team. Joining a learning community of HR professionals from different sectors through the apprenticeship has challenged my thinking, inspired me to question and made me a better HRBP.

Inclusive – We have many staff networks and I belong to CAN (disability), the MHFAider network and the Mental Health & Wellbeing network, where I have quite an active role. I recently gave a talk to colleagues about loneliness and depression – the warm, kind and genuine messages I received and the connections made among participants at that event showed that we are part of a welcoming and inspiring community.

I know there is more for me to learn about how to collaborate effectively, deliver innovatively and be inclusive and I know DESNZ will provide opportunities to grow and thrive.

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