A View From The Public Sector

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy and policy development, information analysis, performance management, and commissioning services for children and young people.

Why did you join the Public Sector?:

The public service ethos was very important to me.  Helping to tackle the ‘wicked issues' like inequality, underachievement, and social cohesion makes work varied and challenging - it also gives me enormous satisfaction when I see the impact that our services can make on people's lives.

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

Improving outcomes for people in a relatively deprived borough is our main challenge - dealing with budget pressures, changing policy guidance from government, and the sheer complexity of the public sector landscape are just part of the day job!

What words would you chose to describe the Public Sector? 

Stimulating, friendly (but bureaucratic!)

What are the benefits of a Public Sector Career? 

Pay and conditions are good (including the pension), and flexible working means you can maintain a real work-life balance.  Promotion is based on ability not on time-served; so talented people can climb the career ladder quickly.  You're supported too: I've just finished a Post Grad Diploma in Local Government Management at Warwick Business School and I've completed the South Tyneside Leadership Academy Programme at Sunderland University.

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

You don't need any vocational training to get a job in local government policy development, do but focus on your communication skills  - writing clearly and presenting well are massive parts of the job (humanities graduates take note here).  Don't be a wall-flower: ambition is rewarded so be pro-active and always be prepared to take on challenging projects.