Themba Moyo – On Joining BEIS

It is often said that good things don’t last forever. People are inclined to feel that first impressions soon are consumed by reality. However, my experience at BEIS has been so different.

From the point I joined BEIS last summer, until over six months later, I still hold those positive feelings which I had when I first came to the department, and I would have certainly thought that this excitement would have worn off. Yes, I’ve said goodbye to getting lost around the office, and good riddance to the fear of saying the wrong thing at the wrong place, and now I’ve grown in confidence as the warming sense of familiarity grows within this positive working environment.

I am starting to get to grips with the idea that I am part of a huge network and have learnt in my short time here that I can gain a lot from the people around me. Everywhere I turn, people are keen to share their experience and advice with me, which is invaluable to my career progression. Inside BEIS, a learning culture of self-improvement is highly encouraged, with countless learning and development opportunities being offered. The thing that is perhaps undersold when you become part of the Civil service is the self-development aspect. Inside BEIS, a learning culture of self-improvement is highly encouraged.  You see this in the numerous learning & development opportunities, such as lunchtime discussions, shadowing, and a broad offer of courses, ranging from Prince 2 to Policy Excellence.

I take heart in the welcoming and inclusive culture here at BEIS that has encouraged me to bring my genuine self to work and be the best that I can be. It is not because I work in Human resources that I think the way I do - I believe that since we spend the majority of our time at work, the single most important thing about an organisation are the people you have to share it.  In my experience BEIS has the best culture of any organisation that I have worked in, and I hope to enjoy and share in it for many years to come. 

The welcoming and inclusive culture within BEIS has allowed me to feel comfortable bringing my genuine self to work. We spend the majority of our time at work therefore I believe the most important aspect of any organisation is the people you share your experience with. BEIS holds a brilliant culture of inclusion and learning - the best I've experienced - and I hope to share my experiences of BEIS with others for many years to come.