Building a Civil Service Career Around Purpose, Flexibility and Growth: Dee’s Story

Attracting people with a wide range of experiences is key to building a strong and effective Civil Service. One Civil Servant shares their journey into Defence, highlighting the impact of meaningful work, flexible working, and opportunities for growth.

A Purpose-Driven Career in the Civil Service

After working in two previous roles directly supporting military personnel, I decided to apply for a Civil Service role within Defence and was successful, joining in February 2021.

My motivation was to contribute to services that support Defence and make a positive difference to people’s lives, including military families and the wider community. The Civil Service offers a wide variety of roles and responsibilities, and I was confident I would find a position that aligned with my experience, interests, and skillset while enabling me to be part of a team that makes a real difference.

What I Do in My Current Role

In my current role within Defence, I support the Dispute Resolution Support Services (DRSS) team by coordinating mediation activity, managing communications, and maintaining case information. I also support wider team activities such as training and events, while acting as a key point of contact for enquiries. This role has allowed me to develop strong organisational and communication skills while contributing to important work across Defence.

Developing Skills and Building a Career

My previous experience, combined with the skills I have developed since joining the Civil Service, has enabled me to make a meaningful contribution to Defence. The role provides stability and the opportunity to build a long-term career, with clear pathways for development and progression.

This has given me confidence in my career direction and the ability to continue learning and growing within an organisation that values its people.

Balancing Work and Family Life

Flexible working has played a significant role in supporting my work–life balance. As an Army spouse and a mother, this flexibility allows me to manage my professional responsibilities while being there for my family.

Whether attending school events or managing family life during periods of deployment, flexible working enables me to remain fully engaged in both my career and my role within the military community. It also allows me to support other families, which is incredibly important to me.

Looking Ahead to New Opportunities

I am now excited to explore new opportunities within the Civil Service that will allow me to continue developing my career and build on the experience I have gained so far.

The breadth of roles across government means there are opportunities to grow, take on new challenges, and continue contributing to meaningful work - while finding a role that supports both professional ambitions and personal circumstances.