Executive Officer Review

I work in the Site support within Business Operations. We provide technical support to a team of processors, entering Environmental scheme applications for Landowners and Farmers. We provide payments to support their land being managed in a way that helps protect, wildlife and the environment. I am now also completing an apprenticeship in Team Leading.

I have learnt, new ways of encouraging and engaging my team. Learning how to recognise the teams' strengths, weaknesses and potential. I particularly liked learning how to understand team roles and dynamics, and how these apply to my team. This has helped us become now more, efficient productive and happier.

I really enjoy my programme. It has been a long time since I have taken the time to do something for myself. And taking on the new challenge of enabling myself to be a better manager has really helped to boost my confidence. It has even made me realise my own potential and maybe even to apply for a role at the next grade

The programme is well organised and structured well. I am finding the pace manageable and have put many newly learnt time management skills into place. The RTB coaches are always quick to respond to any questions I have - adjusting deadlines when work starts to get busier, allowing me to continue with my commitment to both work and my assignments.

My employer is very supportive -they have encouraged not only myself but others to take up the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship. My immediate Manager has been brilliant, allowing me time to complete my assignments, workshops and tasks. Answering questions, and giving advice on where to find the information I need.

My provider is a great support, offering advice and support via teams' meetings, and via emails. They are open, caring and obviously enjoy helping people with their qualifications. They provide alternative solutions to completing apprenticeship work, outlining what exactly is required and adapting to your situation if you do not have the necessary experience.

I am already seeing an improvement in my workday. The days feel more structured, and I feel I have created more time to concentrate on my work allowing me to focus more and be more present for my team. I also feel more confident in my abilities, which hopefully will lead to me taking that next step.

There are many activities we can be involved with in the RPA. Working groups that help to improve our processes, Wellbeing champion roles, which help to support every person within the workplace. We have networks that can be joined, which host events and raise awareness for important subjects. We also have in house training, where courses can be tailored to your needs,

Yes

The RPA is a good place to work, the Senior management team have really started to take on the views of its employees and are working towards making the RPA a great place to work. We are offered flexible, blended working, which helps towards having a good work life balance

My best advice would to be yourself. The Civil Service and RPA have a behaviour-based recruitment process, as this is used to determine your personality and how you would deal with certain situations. being open and honest about how you would deal with these, rather than what you think the CS wants.