A day in the life working at DfT

Getting to know Lyn Davies

We caught up with Lyn Davies, Head of Creative Services at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

How long have you worked in the Agency?

I’ve worked at the DVLA for 19 years. Initially, as a contractor before I transferred to the Civil Service back in 2009.

Where else have you worked – inside or outside of the Agency?

After graduating from Falmouth School of Arts in 1996, my first role was as a designer at the City and County of Swansea. In 1998, I then took up the post of Design Manager at DVLA.

Who do you work with?

Creative Services form part of the wider communications team, so I work closely with the Internal, External and Strategic Communication teams. Due to the nature of our work, I’m lucky to be able to work with nearly all of the other business areas of DVLA too.

Tell us a little about your team and how you work.

I work with a unique and talented team of creative professionals, including graphic/web designers, illustrators and photographers/videographers. Our Document Control team handle initial work requests and manage our workflow schedules.

What work do you cover?

We produce creative work for all internal and external communications and the business as a whole, across both printed and digital channels. Anything from a simple poster design through to a major nationwide communication campaign. We are also responsible for the design and amendment of all DVLA business forms.

What is your specific role?

As Head of Creative Services, I have the responsibility to lead the team, provide creative direction and ensure the professional development of all staff.

Why is this role important?

It’s important to have a creative voice at this level to support the team and to champion our unique skill sets. My visibility will also ensure early engagement with the business so that I can offer creative advice upfront, schedule work and manage customer expectations.

How does it fit in with the rest of the work the Agency does?

Creativity should be an integral part of any organisation. As creative lead, I can advise and influence senior managers to deliver ‘Simpler, Better, Safer’ products so that we continue to be seen as a professional and trusted organisation.

Tell me what you really enjoy about your work.

I genuinely feel lucky to be a creative professional and I can’t imagine doing anything else. With a keen eye for detail, I enjoy working with designers, encouraging exploration and critiquing work – it's very satisfying seeing designers develop. Being a people person, I also enjoy the engagement with the wider business.

What is your biggest achievement to date – personal or professional?

Professionally it would have to be taking up this role. My Mam is very proud! Personally, it’s having my son Oscar and completing the UK Three Peaks Challenge in under 24 hours.

What does a typical day look like for you and what are you currently working on?

If I’m not in a meeting, I’m either managing workflow or providing creative direction and of course, no day is complete without a budget meal from the canteen. I’m currently recruiting a new Creative Designer, sharing the design guidelines with the wider business and developing master classes to explain the importance of a design brief and using PowerPoint templates.

What three words would you use to describe your role?

Adviser. Communicator. Thinker.

If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be?

Being a qualified fly-fishing guide, my dream job would be to live in New Zealand and take people fishing every day! Bliss.

What is on your wish list for your next five years here?

Creative domination across government! No, seriously, in time I would hope to expand the creative team and produce more work across government and become a design centre for excellence.

What is your motto or personal mantra?

Never tell a man he’s going bald, he already knows.

 

If you’re interested in joining the DVLA as a Creative Designer, click here: https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/jobs.cgi?jcode=1550462