A View From The Public Sector

Key Responsibilities

Responsible for corporate planning and policy, strategic partnerships, such as the Local Area Agreement, corporate improvement, People Strategy and HR services, organisational development and learning, payroll and pensions.

Why did you join the Public Sector?

A clear affinity with the values and ethos of the sector, gained from my parents.  An interest in improving outcomes for people and communities and the strong personal and professional development that working in the public sector has brought me.  I tried working in the private sector and just didn't feel any sense of satisfaction or pride about the ‘product'.  I feel real pride and satisfaction in knowing that what I and the people I work with do, either directly or indirectly, makes a difference to the quality of life of the people of Cambridgeshire.

What do you consider to be the most significant challenges in your organisation?

Managing the delivery of the growth agenda for the fastest growing County in England in a sustainable manner, maintaining a clear focus upon improving services to vulnerable groups within society, improving the skills, potential and opportunities for the people of Cambridgeshire and doing all this within tight financial constraints.  To underpin all these challenges, we need to become more efficient and responsive as an organisation and enhance opportunities to increase public participation and involvement with our services

What words would you chose to describe the Public Sector?

Challenging, passionate, stimulating, flexible, responsive and focused upon people and places - not profit!

What are the benefits of a Public Sector Career?

Excellent breadth of opportunities to grow and develop yourself.  Strong commitment to employee learning and development. Enough flexible working opportunities to appeal to anyone.  Strong terms and conditions of employment, including pension arrangements.  Absolutely committed to equality and diversity in employment, policy-making and service delivery

What advice do you have for anyone considering a career within the sector?

Don't consider - just do it, it will be the best career decision you ever make.