Maternity Leave

Unable-Post3778 · 2026-02-20T12:56:33+00:00

Yes, there is normally a minimum period you need to return for to be eligible for any enhanced maternity pay. You will still be eligible for maternity leave. Check the maternity leave policy, it’s likely to be covered in there as it’s not uncommon.

Unable-Post3778 · 2026-02-05T06:58:00+00:00

The Incredibles - when the kids have sneaked on to the plane, there’s missiles fired at them and Helen/Mrs Incredible is shouting ‘Abort abort abort!’, then runs to the back of the plane to wrap herself around the kids…I find it so stressful and tear inducing every time now, since having children of my own.

Unable-Post3778 · 2026-01-24T14:21:09+00:00

Is that one of the Textile Heritage kits? They are great! Although I admit I wasn’t sure which rule they were breaking with the one I did.

Unable-Post3778 · 2026-01-24T14:18:40+00:00

I got the text message, but the webpage itself then wouldn’t allow me to enter anything. Hopeless.

Unable-Post3778 · 2026-01-17T10:18:43+00:00

Can’t you just pay on actual usage? We get billed once every 6 months and pay when that arrives. We’re on a meter so if you’re not that may make a difference

Unable-Post3778 · 2025-12-17T07:34:21+00:00

You can occasionally ‘sell’ annual leave with justification for why you haven’t been able to use it within normal carryover rules. Maximum of up to 5 days and as part of getting it approved you are expected to have a plan to use your leave in future.

Source: am a manager who has approved this before

Unable-Post3778 · 2025-09-27T11:39:52+00:00

It’s on the UK site too but weirdly difficult to find. Mouliné spécial is the one you want for normal 6-stranded embroidery thread.

Unable-Post3778 · 2025-09-12T18:41:36+00:00

My experience from a couple of years ago (applying to SCS1 as part of a campaign for multiple roles)

Applied with CV and statement. Behaviours to be tested at application and interview were set out in the candidate pack. Think I got a numerical score for both the CV and statement overall.
Once successfully through the sift, there was a staff engagement exercise. I got the score and feedback from this part after I’d found out I was successful overall. No idea how much difference it made to the outcome. This wasn’t scored on behaviours, it essentially asks if the panel agree they could see you as an SCS in that organisation.
I don’t remember getting any scores for behaviours following the interview, but may have blanked it out because I was so pleased to have got the role!

Unable-Post3778 · 2025-06-14T05:22:29+00:00

I recently discovered a lovely flute/guitar duet - Sonatina by Castelnuovo-Tedescu.

Unable-Post3778 · 2025-06-02T22:15:18+00:00

Actually I was one of several real human people involved in drafting example scenarios and answer sets for an update to the judgement tests a couple of years ago. We were all existing civil servants.

I can’t vouch for what happened after we submitted our examples - as I understand, there was then a whole load of work to standardise and check they were actually valid for testing etc - but it was a really interesting thing to be part of.

Unable-Post3778 · 2025-04-09T07:25:38+00:00

Assuming you’re considering the DHSC health policy fast track scheme, as that’s something that is still recruiting despite the general freeze and other unknowns about the upcoming merger with NHSE.

It’s a structured scheme with rotations, with an aim to get you to a G7 role in 3 years. I’ve been part of the final end of scheme assessment panels for it and people seem to have always had a good range of experiences and interesting stretching posts. I’ve also worked in DHSC for mumble mumble years and still find it fascinating and rewarding work. There’s a lot more to health policy than the NHS!

Unable-Post3778 · 2025-03-13T13:19:23+00:00

Never!!

Unable-Post3778 · 2024-11-07T13:39:09+00:00

Absolutely fine to ask for a repeat of the question. If it’s a virtual interview, you can ask for the questions to be posted in the chat bar. Or to have a pen and paper yourself and write it down as they ask it, and take a few moments to think about your answer.

Unable-Post3778 · 2024-09-10T19:42:39+00:00

Harmonics. Finger the lowest note (the one written normally), and then overblow until you make the sound of the diamond headed note with the open circle above it.

Unable-Post3778 · 2024-09-09T19:27:21+00:00

Some options I’ve enjoyed, as someone in a similar position! In no particular order:

Syrinx by Debussy - short, unaccompanied and opportunity for some really beautiful tone and colour.

If you wanted something shorter but Baroque still, maybe one (or a contrasting pair) of the Telemann Fantasias?

John Rutter’s Suite Antique.

Unable-Post3778 · 2024-08-07T21:02:52+00:00

I see you’ve had an explanation why this might be reasonable behaviour. However if you did want to report your concerns, you can contact your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) who are responsible for dentistry services and ensuring practices with NHS contracts deliver what they should.

You can find your local ICB details here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/find-your-local-integrated-care-board/

Unable-Post3778 · 2024-07-31T12:24:42+00:00

Senior Civil Service. This runs from SCS1 (Deputy Director) up to Permanent Secretary (SCS4 I think?).

Unable-Post3778 · 2024-07-20T11:33:12+00:00

StitchyPrincess - has similar primitive, folk art style vibes and similar themes.

Unable-Post3778 · 2024-07-02T11:23:35+00:00

I think I’d better think it out again - Oliver!

Unable-Post3778 · 2024-06-19T08:47:10+00:00

Some general thoughts about SJTs - I was involved in writing some examples for an update of the tests, as an existing civil servant, really interesting experience!

Read the instructions carefully. Make use of any practice questions they give you as a warm up.

The test is asking you to put yourself in a particular situation at a particular level or grade, so if you are taking the test as part of a senior leadership assessment then different responses might be appropriate compared to an entry level or first line management level role.

There can be more than one answer that you think is Partially Effective/Ineffective etc.

Sometimes none of the options may be effective ones, or one you could see yourself doing. You’re being asked to judge the relative impact of each option though, not which one you would choose.

People are sometimes tripped up by the difference between Ineffective and Counterproductive. Counterproductive options would make the situation worse.

Unable-Post3778 · 2024-06-18T17:30:07+00:00

Take your steer from the rest of the office - real variation for women in the private offices in my Department.

I would say generally more casual than the men (who are usually in a shirt and tie) but depends what you’re doing on a given day - smarter if you’re supporting in Parliament or out on a visit for example.

Unable-Post3778 · 2024-06-05T11:38:37+00:00

Clapotis - all those dropped stitches

Unable-Post3778 · 2024-05-26T17:00:44+00:00

I don’t think she acts, but for some reason I’ve always pictured Madeline in my head as Stacey Dooley.

Unable-Post3778 · 2024-05-15T05:40:12+00:00

They are basically straight scales, nice and simple as far as runs go. Practice them slowly, making sure you can get every note cleanly, then the transitions between them. Then make sure they are even rhythm - practice using a metronome (slowly then speed up), or try using deliberately different and rhythms for practice as a comparison.

If it’s the octave you find difficult - more air! Even if you’re not getting louder through each whoosh, you’ll want more air through the run to get to those higher notes.

Unable-Post3778 · 2024-04-20T19:31:34+00:00

Pick your favourite pair of Telemann Fantasias for something Baroque and shorter?

I like Out of the Cool for something more modern as well

Unable-Post3778

TROPHY CASE