Find out what DVLA employees have to say about their role

Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) employees have the chance to work within a variety of roles, across different departments during their career. Take a look to see what just some of DVLA’s employees have to say about their role and what it is like to work with the DVLA.

Isabella Williams − Contact Centre Apprentice: “You receive so much support from line managers and colleagues...”

Isabella is an apprentice at DVLA and she has said that “to be an apprentice within the Contact Centre opens up a wide range of opportunities, especially with your development within the Agency and as a Civil Servant”. The apprenticeship has given Isabella the confidence to deal with enquiries and the support that she has received from line managers and colleagues has really helped and encouraged her to do the best that she can do and to aim to progress within the Agency.

Isabella says “most people think you need to go to university to learn but that isn’t the case, to be given the chance to learn and earn at the same time is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed”.

Rachel Raddenbury − Banking Team Manager: “The best thing about my job is the people I work with and the flexibility working in DVLA...”

Rachel started working in Finance in 2001 as an Administrative Assistant and has since gained two promotions to get to role that she is in now, currently managing the Banking Team. Racheal says that she has had the opportunity to work across a number of roles in Finance since starting at DVLA and has therefore gained a good understanding of all of the financial processes.

Rachel says that she is “fortunate to be surrounded by a very supportive team”.

Amy Ward − AO Caseworker: “I feel a great sense of job satisfaction knowing that I am making a difference to people’s lives...”

Amy started working in Drivers Medical at the DVLA in 2008, since then she has had three roles ranging from working on Level 1 casework, to the Payments Team and Level 2 casework, where she gained good insight and knowledge about Drivers Medical working practices. Drivers Medical offers flexible working hours and a pleasant working environment for all of its employees. They also offer further incentives such as a free 2-week gym membership and 2 on-site parking spaces that are allocated on a monthly basis. Amy says that the large flexi time bandwidth enables staff to maintain a healthy work-life balance and that all staff are encouraged to help their colleagues.

Amy says that she feels “a great sense of job satisfaction knowing that I am making a difference to people’s lives by ensuring road safety. Every case we action is different, which is why I enjoy my working day – a fresh challenge with every case. My colleagues are very supportive and will help me with anything that I am having difficulty with.”

Melissa Rogers − Business Consultant: “Working in DVLA feels like a family and along with the other benefits including flexible working hours, Starbucks, gym and post office on site, I soon felt at home here...”

Melissa started her career at DVLA in 2007 as an administrative assistant, inputting driving license applications after completing a law degree at Swansea University. However, she didn’t want to pursue a career in law and so applied to work at DVLA for the summer. Melissa says that “I enjoyed working on that initial team and am still in contact with many of the people I started with. Working in DVLA feels like a family and along with the other benefits including flexible working hours, Starbucks, gym and the post office on site, I soon felt at home here.”

Mellissa became a permanent member of staff after a year at DVLA, when she applied and was successful in a development opportunity in HR. She has since gained two promotions and has completed HR (CIPD) and leadership and management qualifications. Melissa has also had the chance to work across a number of different teams, developing her knowledge for all HR processes and procedures.

She now works as a business consultant and says “I am very lucky; what started as a summer job has turned into a career I am passionate about. It has been an amazing journey.”

Jonathan Rees − Commercial Advisor: “I thoroughly enjoy my job and the atmosphere created by my hard-working colleagues...”

Jonathon says that he finds his typical day is varied, which is both challenging and exciting. He says that he is able to attend meetings and conference calls, allowing him to engage with a diverse group of stakeholders. He also says that whilst his work is demanding and constantly evolving due to business change, it is also rewarding.

Jonathon says that “continuous development is encouraged, with numerous opportunities and courses available, including specific job-related training.”

He is “keen to progress within my role” and he has “a mentor who provides me with extra support and guidance. I thoroughly enjoy my job and the atmosphere created by my hard-working colleagues all striving to make themselves and Commercial Directorate as successful as possible. He is “keen to further my career within the Directorate as it’s a fantastic place to work with excellent prospects, support and encouragement from both colleagues and managers.”

Joshua Deady − Line Manager: “My role can be challenging and varies on a daily basis, but it is always rewarding....”

Joshua says that “thanks to the supportive network within DODI (Digital Operations and Data Input), I have been able to develop myself from a young, nervous AA in 2006, to a confident line manager of 20 hardworking staff.” Highlighting the development that is available within DVLA.

There are various courses and training sessions that are readily available to DODI staff in order to assist those we may be new to the area. These opportunities, along with the people skills that can be learned whilst ‘on the job’, contribute to the creation of a great skill set. Joshua says that his “role can be challenging and varies on a daily basis, but it is always rewarding. I have been given many great development opportunities, from setting up a training team of new starters, to managing our central work distribution section alongside a driver processing team.”

He also says that he has built up the necessary experience and knowledge in order to support his future career goals during his time at DVLA. Joshua says that “the agencies operational areas are highly driven, but offer a fantastic network of supportive colleagues to work alongside and rely on. The working relationships and networking that can be built between your staff and fellow managers is fantastic.”

Leah Demery − Drivers Casework, Fraud and Complaints AO: “In my time within CAEG I have built strong relationships and made many friends...”

Leah says that “to be a member of staff within the Casework and Enforcement Group (CAEG) means that you are greeted with an array of exciting challenges on a daily basis. In my time within CAEG I have built strong relationships and made many friends who share my passion and values, supporting me in all of my aspirations. I have been fortunate to take part in several projects contributing to departmental process changes, training programmes and have also had input into engagement plans.”

There are many opportunities for development within CAEG, particularly in the current climate as they are encouraged to contribute suggestions that will help to further the agency towards a more efficient and digital platform. The agency also offers numerous talent pools and fast track schemes, regardless of grade, giving those who want to further their careers every chance of succeeding in their goals.

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