PA Review

by Civil Service

Rating

7.2/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I am a PA, I manage the diary of a busy Director and Deputy Director, my job is fast paced and sometimes can be challenging in terms of organisation. It can however be slow sometimes in the mid-week, but I have lot's of great colleagues who involve me and help me learn new things.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have improved my communication skills, I am more likely to speak up in a team meeting. I have also improved my organisation skills and I am learning to prioritise my tasks.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I really enjoy my job, it is very interesting to learn all the things my department do. My colleagues are also very friendly and welcoming.

9/10

4. How valued do you feel by Civil Service?

I feel like an important member of the team, people approach me with challenging things, I feel like they trust me with work. My line manager is very supportive and let's me know when I have done a good job.

10/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The training from the provider QA leaves a little to be desired. I recently went to class and the information provided was severely lacking. I have been given an assignment with no support or clarification on what exactly I have to do.

4/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

Not much, I went to class, and everyone was a bit confused by what was going on. I am still unclear as to what we went to class for as I did not learn anything new.

4/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I receive a lot of support and encouraging words. I am given many opportunities to show my potential and move up my career ladder.

10/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

My department is one of the lower paid departments. An apprentice in another departments earns over £4k extra than me per year for the same job. To me this is unfair. My salary just about covers my rent and travel.

3/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

I am constantly being reminded to volunteer and take up some extra things outside of work. I have not yet set these up, but I plan too.

8/10

9. Would you recommend Civil Service to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

It's a fun environment with lots of exciting things going on around you. There are lots of opportunities for development and senior members of staff are very supportive.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Civil Service?

You should be aware that the application process is a very long time. It can also be frustrating when HR ask you for information you have already sent. But they job is well worth sticking it out for, and I think they are taking steps to improve the on-boarding process.