Referral Officer Review

I am a Referral Officer, I manage a team of seven people and investigate fraud allegations made against people on benefits. I am responsible for checking the results of the checks and routing them to the correct team (compliance, criminal or closing where appropriate)

I have learned many new skills, I have become a Team Manager for the first time and learned new skills to be good at this. I have alos learned how to be a fraud investigator and developed my existing communication skills.

I thoroughly enjoy the programme I am on, it provides me with a full-time job, a higher level qualification, a platform to grow and a fantastic team. It is very challenging as you need to manage your time very well, but as long as you keep on top of things, it is really good.

I do feel valued by the Civil Service, I have met the Grade 6 and 7 for my directorate on a few occasisions and they both recognise me and speak to me by name every time they see me. They are both very interested in what I am upto and have made themselves available if I have any issues.

I feel the structure is quite well organised, I attend a HNC class once a month and get an assignment to complete within 2 weeks. We should receive this assignment back with feedback and have a further two weeks to complete it, however it does sometimes run over the 2 weeks and then we have another assignment and the old one to complete within the same 2 weeks and it becomes slightly challenging.

I receive lots of support from my training provider, I meet with my HNC Tutor once a month and have a monthly telekit with him. I also meet with my NVQ tutor on a 4-6 weekly basis and both are available by phone or email if I need them

My employer has been exceptionally supportive, they have allowed me to take my study leave as and when I need it and provide me with lots of opportunities to grow.

My salary meets my costs very well, I live at home with parents and dont have large outgoings so I have a lot of indisposable income, however it put me in a great position that I was able to buy my own car with no help from my parents.

There are a few opportunities outside of work, I have been selected to be a Group Manager at an interview event however being in Scotland we find that a lot of the opportunities are mostly in London area which we can't attend.

Yes

I find it an excellent place to work, it is a very friendly and supportive place to work, and I have been given a fantastic platform to develop myself.

I would advise to GO for it! Have confidence and prepare your competencies well, practice with a friend or family member before your interview and remember to talk about what YOU did not what WE did.