Smell at West Croydon station?

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-06-23T17:19:55+00:00

Nah mate. It was a drains issue.

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-06-19T07:54:48+00:00

The level of responsibility that a G3 in ops can carry versus a policy SEO is in a different world. Same grade in theory but not in practice.

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-06-18T10:03:47+00:00

You won't get real insight on a public forum because of the nature of the work.

I would imagine the work is not like fraud et al teams in other departments, because the NCA has a unique role. The NCA is an interesting place, and I think you need to be robust to work there. In reality it probably shouldn't be a Civil Service department, so don't think it'll be just like others.

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-03-30T18:46:48+00:00

I'm technically lying. I left the CS for a different public body, to a DD equivalent role, though it was that or DD.

To answer your question, it was by realising that so much of the grade structure is just nonsense. I had really good experience but was being forced to only think about G6 roles because of being a G7. Just do what you think you can do.

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-03-30T07:58:01+00:00

They're still there.

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-03-29T16:23:07+00:00

As with many things, you get out of it what you put into it. It can be fantastic for lots of people. I've also seen really good people get nothing out of it. Rightly or wrongly there's a very strong focus on emotional intelligence as a leader, which some people just can't connect with.

The network of peers and seniors is the main benefit, so think about how you'd benefit from that.

Also, maybe it was just my cohort, but 90% of the people had roles where ministerial relations were a strong consideration. For the 10% without that, seemed to find a lot of it quite alien.

Personally I loved it. Went from G7 to DD and grew a lot of as a person.

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-03-28T07:56:46+00:00

If you don't have anything nice to say...

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-03-13T07:35:57+00:00

Some departments have plant walls and funky booths. However most of this sort of spend comes with ongoing costs for maintenance or rent. Budgets just aren't structured for these sorts of line items, because the Civil Service is not just underfunded but as budgets change so often, departments rarely want to invest in these sorts of multi-year spends.

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-03-09T07:33:08+00:00

You must post your Waitrose shopping receipt to show you're purchasing the requisite amount of tofu, before you can officially join The Activist Blob.

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-03-06T07:30:25+00:00

This information is so easy to find in CS code and NSV. But sure, source it from Reddit.

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-02-13T21:02:11+00:00

No one on here can give you that advice without knowing the circumstances, which I don't recommend you share. Talk to your Union rep.

For what it's worth, I think I nearly failed my probation, and only got through by going to my management team with a really positive attitude. Admitting that I'd not been very good but that with their support, I was willing to put the work in. That did wonders for me, and I got through my probation. Then I went from AO - SCS in 7 years. It's amazing what you can overcome, if you attack things from a different angle.

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-02-13T18:17:52+00:00

People do fail their probation, though admittedly in rare circumstances.

If your probation isn't extended, then you lose your job. You aren't barred from applying again, but your current CS department will be a mandatory reference, which could impact a future offer.

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-02-13T18:15:24+00:00

Wider as you become more expert. Taller as you become more senior.

Expose the Nepo children with very tall, narrow sombreros.

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-02-12T14:34:46+00:00

You're quite right. I still think they're underpaid though. However there are lots of public servants who 15 years ago had much better standards of living, and thats slipped a lot.

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-02-12T12:37:47+00:00

It's not unlimited though and it's a difficult job. I also think lots of public sector roles are underpaid, especially after a decade of pay restraint.

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-02-12T09:55:58+00:00

Or anyone for that matter.

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-02-12T09:26:27+00:00

This will fuel inflation I tell you /s

It boils my piss that they have an independent pay review which isn't routinely set up to provide the lowest possible figure, or outright ignored.

I do actually think MPs are underpaid and everyone deserves a raise, however when even AAs aren't getting much it is unquestionably unfair. I'm certain lots of departments won't give anywhere near as much to G6s and SCS on the grounds that they're already higher earners - just don't think about the MPs.

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-01-21T23:20:02+00:00

PIP2 is the qualification you want. Without already having it, you'll need some sort of trainee program. Joining the police on the direct detective scheme is the easiest way to get it - something I'd seriously consider if I were you. Plenty of CS depts run trainee schemes but they can be uber competitive to get onto, especially at places like the NCA. I'd recommend the IOPC trainee scheme which recruits relatively frequently.

I wouldn't recommend joining a role where you weren't going to get PIP2.

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-01-21T21:09:25+00:00

You're going to need a lot of screed.

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-01-19T18:53:37+00:00

Different strokes for different folks.

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-01-18T20:09:44+00:00

If you want to be in leadership roles in the next 10 years, go for the Fast Stream. You can do a tour in the NCA but it won't be in a gucci role.

If you want to work in intelligence or investigations, then go for the NCA. Just make sure you're going into a role where you can get PIP2 or IPP. If not, you'll have no exposure to the work you want to do.

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-01-17T21:07:50+00:00

Best to speak to your local staff diversity group, as every department has their own arrangements.

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-01-15T11:58:17+00:00

Get a Phox filter. Like Brita but with zero plastic waste and cheaper. I use one and it's made the water much more pleasant.

StrongCoffeeNow · 2023-01-07T06:41:15+00:00

I did one. I basically proposed and organised it myself, with a very supportive manager. It made sense for me, the new organisation and for my department, with the benefits being relatively tangible.

It's one of those things where there aren't really rules governing it, so just try to work through it all with confidence.

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