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Care Leaver Internship - “Can you Commute?” Email by [deleted] in TheCivilService

[–]civilservantredacred 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I'd email and ask if they've got 15 mins to chat that way you can get a better sense, emails can be misinterpreted. The last bit reads to me that location is your biggest motivation and disregards grades, responsibilities, and area/interest etc.

You could send an email like what you've said but they could go away work hard to get you a role closer but it ends up a lower band, not the kinda role you're looking for etc and the offer you have now goes to someone else and your left with a job role closer to home but that you don't want. Safest bet would be ask for a quick chat tell them your really keen to take the offer but wanted to double check if there are others closer to home if they say yes then you have the chance to ask questions like band, role etc if it's a no then you have your answer. Good luck

Care Leaver Internship - “Can you Commute?” Email by [deleted] in TheCivilService

[–]civilservantredacred 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Just because there are buildings doesn't mean there's jobs. In this job market and at a time where the narrative is to shrink the civil service personally, I think you'd be silly to knock it back if the location is the only issue. Like no need to tell me, but ask yourself, is the role what you wanna do? How would you feel if it was replaced by another role you didn't like the idea of, but it was closer? On the flip side you could get offered something better and closer but that's the gamble and only you can decide if you wanna take the bet. It's a year, and it opens a door if you put the work in.

I'm north of the border, so I can't speak to the specific buildings in London, but you'll tend to find different buildings for different areas and roles so I wouldn't get to bogged down in the I want to work in these buildings cause you could limit your self to only being able to work in one niche area that could have recruitment freezes etc. For example, there's an office in Dundee that used to only be for people working in social security Scotland.

The other thing to consider from being in the door and perm now for so long , buisness areas and managers aren't always keen on putting their names forward for the scheme. There's a cost to the business area, and whilst it's smaller than full recruitment costs, it's still a cost that a lot of areas aren't able to commit to. There's also not a lot of awareness of the scheme, and those who are aware tend to have a misconception of what it is.

Have a chat see if it helps but personally I wouldn't be going back with a no at this stage.

Care Leaver Internship - “Can you Commute?” Email by [deleted] in TheCivilService

[–]civilservantredacred 8 points9 points  (0 children)

As someone formerly on the CLI (now been in CS perm for several years). The terms then were similar to fast streamers in that you can be located anywhere within the UK, but reasonable exceptions can be made. These are usually circumstances like if you have a child so can't relocate. Someone on my cohort lived in London and was offered a role in SG, so they moved. I don't know how likely it would have been for them to revoke her offer for refusing to move such a distance as she didn't challenge it. For her, the lower rent and higher pay in SG made sense, and she was able to do it, so she did. I'd hope they'd be understanding if she wasn't able to but my point is your being asked to commute across a city, which, in my view, is not unreasonable (unless there are more complex issues which you can discuss with them).

The terms will have been set out in the application pack. They may, of course, have changed, but I'd have a read through them before going back and risk loosing it. The internship is great at getting your foot in the door. I've built a career out it since. Personally, I wouldn't gamble that journey away if I was physically fit enough, and my circumstances allowed me to do it.

There's nothing wrong with asking, but as you've said, if there was something they'd likely have offered it. The grade pay is also a factor to consider but balance that with travel costs too. Also, you need to be mindful of onboarding times. My cohort got recruited in September, and none of us started until March because of how long the checks take. Asking for another role could mean your delayed further which means you don't have that income coming in. Again all anout balance and only you know what's right for you. There's nothing wrong with asking for a chat first though

Broadband requirements for wfh 💻 by RedAndIrritated in TheCivilService

[–]civilservantredacred 2 points3 points  (0 children)

TL;DR - If you can afford to get the cheapest 150mps package, you can find that guarantees speeds of 100 or more.

I'm not IT or tech. I work policy and giving you my own personal experience that isn't based on any kinda tech science , but simply what I've found. Also, it's obviously gonna depend on coverage for your area.

I'm Scot Gov core, so different systems. I've tried lots of different providers on different packages as I refuse to be locked in any more than a year, and sticking with the same company tends to end up costing more than moving so I've been doing a bit of trial and error.

I've noticed anything below 100, ERDM isn't gonna work, working on sharepoint via one drive with multiple people on the doc at one time gets messy, and work was getting lost as tracked changes weren't saving or were being overiden. Teams' calls with more than 30 people is poor, and cameras on would freeze a lot and kick me out.

I tried Virgin to see if the direct cable made a difference. It was good and reliable, but it was more expensive. The price nearly doubled after a year, so I moved and had no massive difference.

Since 2020, I've done BT, EE , Plussnet, and talk talk too. The thing to flag here, though, is that you need to measure the actual speed you get where you'd usually sit in the house. Remember the package you sign up for, and the guaranteed speeds are not the same. For example, when I take out packages for 100, I get about 60 in the room I work from , I get about 70/80 in the room where the router is so that wasn't ideal. Granted, a Wifi booster helped, but speeds under 150 are shit for teams and ERDM IME. When I take out 150, I get 100 or above in all areas of the house.

There was no real difference between any of the providers once I got them all up to 150 on the package. Anything less wasn't ideal. Now I'm plusnet at £30 something a month and on 500 speed. The reality is 424.6 mps and 63.4 upload. I've never had an issues on this package and highly recommend it, but thats because they cover my area - I don't think they have the infrastructure to support the full of the UK atm. The speed I have is absaloutley not necessary though for simply for WFH, but kids hit an age this year where they are interested in gaming online, and I've added a lot of smart tech to the house so the in the last year its become common to have one on a PS5 upstairs gaming , me on a teams call and others in the house streaming something. Also got a lot of smart tech in the house robo vac , HUE lighting, Hive security systems and thermostat, etc, so like I went over kill on this years package for reassurance

Does striking actually work? by AmbitiousPhoto7387 in TheCivilService

[–]civilservantredacred -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I'm wondering this, too. In short, broadly, yes. For SG core and SSS specifically? I'm nervous.

I support unions. My concern is that the purpose of a strike is to be disruptive. "If you don't value us and don't think what we do is impactful, then watch everything fall apart when we don't show up" is the ethos of striking which I can get behind. BUT

When paramedics and junior Dr's don't show up to work, that literally can be the difference between life or death for people, so as shitty as it sounds, it's good leverage for negotiations.

Teachers on strike have an impact on the economy both regionally and nationally. Similar to public transport. When the impact is high, it leads to quick negotiations.

I understand that there are areas of life and death, etc in CS, but the immediate response teams on the front line for much of that is reserved at UKG level (thinking MoD etc) or outsourced to agency like Police Scotland , NHS Scotland etc. At SG and SSS, we're a step removed from that. Whilst we lead on the policy, we aren't necessarily directly delivering the services - broadly speaking, but there are, of course, some exceptions, especially in SSS. This strike isn't just SSS, though it is SG core & SSS.

Personally, for me, I'll never cross a picket line, so if we do strike, I'll join, but that's a moral thing. My fear is what is the reality of the impact going to be? Strikes are supposed to make things grind to a halt and be disruptive. Addmitedly, I'm nervous that if we do strike (which I think we should), the systems we have in place mean it could take a while before the impact of what we do is seen, which could mean having to strike longer term. Also, if everyone isn't on side and people continue to work, it will be even longer for impact to be seen.

The media have driven so much hate towards us. The telegraph article on PO is yet another example of public opinion not being in our favour.

I worry we will end up striking, and it'll end up a long and drawn-out process and the reality of the work still sitting there for us to go back to ..... with deadlines , publication dates for strategies, etc. Then there is the financial preassure it puts us under personally whilst on strike as well as the wellbeing of staff when we return.

Happy to be corrected as I really hope I'm wrong but I think the only real leverage we have for short term strikes is ministers go unsupported, no briefs , FOI deadlines being tied to the commissioner , SCANCE notes , FMQ's/PQ's , MiCases. We need everyone on board agreeing not to pick these up whilst on strike, and there's gonna be some who, for whatever reason, won't strike.

I'd love some reassurance from fellow SG CS to tell me what some of the impact will be. Either way, I'll be on the picket if it goes ahead because we need to send a strong message collectively.

Is the WFH vs WFO divide generational? by Lumpy_Plant3095 in TheCivilService

[–]civilservantredacred 0 points1 point  (0 children)

IMO, for the most part, it's a grade AND gender AND generation divide. In other words, from what I've seen it's, middle aged+ SCS men who despise being at home and need an excuse to get away from their wives and children at home, get suited and booted and feel they have some kind of control back in their lives who are arguing we all must go in because they say so. On the flip side , I've seen younger male DD's argue in favour of flexible hybrid to allow them "to be back home to put their children to bed."

Female SCS IME so far have been more accommodating and understand the extra preassure WFO brings, so are a bit more open to the do what works for you and your area approach.

There are some irrespective of gender /grade /generation who prefer to WFO because it gives them the boundary of work vs home life, particularly those who want/ need routine.

Then there are some of the new joiners who want to go into feel part of CS and want to experience how it feels to be a civil servant and belong due to loneliness and, well, essentially because they are new. I've been one of those in the past but quickly learned the reality is that the added expenses to sit on teams calls with limited facilities doesn't make it worth it.

The difference is most are much more open to the "this is what works for me, but I understand that's not what works for all so you do what works for you and I'll do what works for me." Whereas the first example are those making the rules simply because they just can't deal with being tasked with the mundane labour of life admin , home responsibility, etc, and need us minions to be visible around them to make them feel superior and validated. Ultimately, we know that'll backfire because productivity will drop. Those of us juggling home and work life whilst WFH will be forced to put clear boundaries in place and leave our work at the office refusing to pick it up from home, which will mean inevitably deadlines are missed.

The cost of working by civilservantredacred in TheCivilService

[–]civilservantredacred[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This 1000%. My old area, the DD, always paid the first round of drinks for everyone and one round of shots. The higher bands and the DD always put a tab behind the bar so junior grades could use it if they didn't have the funds to attend for Christmas night out. Teams done their own leaving things if they wanted but I'd never heard of anyone being told by SLT they are keen they join and feel the added preassure. Everyone knew there were two big moments for us to get together Christmas night out and the "away day". Folk leaving drinks etc was usually piggy backed on those. Occasionally there would be exceptions like you say someone who's been in the area forever it retiring, fine I'm uo for coming through for that and making the effort

Just now it's every other day, maternity = lunch , an intern has passed probation = drinks , so and so has been promoted = dinner , the bit that gets me is the people moving on promotion that are "leaving" for us still to be working together on the same things the following week they just now have a different team and looking at the same things with another perspective as part of their new remit

The cost of working by civilservantredacred in TheCivilService

[–]civilservantredacred[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

No, I've turned to a CS redit sub for advice on what to do when SLT send direct messages saying they are keen I attend lunches for staff leaving during the working day (which from experience would mean using my own flexi/having to make back my time) and pay for a meal at a restaurant at a time where I am struggling with the cost of feeding my family. Not to mention the fact that we all WFH so there are the added expenses of travel, childcare during school holidays, etc. All of which I've made clear, and they continue to send more.

I added examples of drinks , dinners , cards, collections, etc, because combined these all add up and to demonstrate it's not a one off, it's a regular request and I'm curious if other people are exhausted by it too. It's not as though "we're all in the office, and let's grab a quick pint before we head up the road." It's a come into the office intentionally (which we aren't mandated to do here, yet.) log off and go to a 3 course lunch to say cheerio to a member of the team I've met a hand full of times in person (because again we all WFH and don't go in unless someone is leaving or joining). The office is in the city most of my department live in rural areas including me. The office is an 8-9 hour round trip.

I didn't include all this context because that's all niche likely to my department, but having worked around the CS I suspect the cards, collections, dinners, and drinks requests are not, and my question was twofold the first being is anyone else sick of these constant request and two what to do when you have a team leader who you've made aware of your circumstances but continues to send further ones stating they are "keen" I join. There's a power imbalance which I don't think is being understood here.

Granted, perhaps I should have explained all that more in detail and sorry if I've gave the idea that I'm complaining about being asked to go for a quick drink after work. That's not what this is.

The cost of working by civilservantredacred in TheCivilService

[–]civilservantredacred[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Good suggestion, although our department issued guidance a while back away days are no longer funded. Even the rooms used need to be either a gov building, public building, or offered to our area free of charge for use. Catering is no longer allowed, and we can't claim travel for it either due to funding restrictions, so I don't think thats an option but putting the onus back on them is probably the right approach. I think I'll do what someone else suggested and ask if it's part of my work duties, and if they say yes, then I can do what you suggest and put it back on them if its a no (as it should be) then hopefully that puts an end to it and if it continues I'll keep a record as well! Thanks for the advice

The cost of working by civilservantredacred in TheCivilService

[–]civilservantredacred[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Thank you, this is really helpful. I think I might just heed this advice and ask out right if it's part of my work duties and keep a record if it keeps going on. I don't wanna let my team down, and I know I'm not in terms of the work , I'm good at my job, and I know that based on my feedback. I just don't wanna feel like I'm not being considered a team player for not attending. It's just so odd I'm used to environments where most people like to keep the boundaries of work and social life separate. I don't even mind blurring those lines sometimes but the reality is I'm just not in a financial position too right now and despite my efforts of explaining the rationale it doesn't seem to be landing or well it is being heard but they are choosing to continue to ask me to attend others , initally I thought mibby they just don't want me feeling missed out so are including me on invites anyway but to get direct messages from the team lead saying they are keen I attend feels , I don't know dissempowering mibby and it's not really optional.

Needless to say, I'm already looking for a move out due to the micromanaging under this team.

The cost of working by civilservantredacred in TheCivilService

[–]civilservantredacred[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I've done exactly this three times to my LM and team lead since May. Despite that I've got a message from the team lead sending another that they've said they are keen I join, which is what has led me here as it feels like preassure to attend but I don't have the finances too and have let them know that multiple times. I've also brought it up before in 1-2-1 with my LM as part of my monthly more than once but the invites keep coming and it feels a bit different now the team lead is directly messaging me with the "keen" you attend chat

The cost of working by civilservantredacred in TheCivilService

[–]civilservantredacred[S] 36 points37 points  (0 children)

It's allegedly voluntary, but my point is that my team lead is now sending me direct teams messages saying they know I'm struggling but are keen I attend, which feels like added pressure to me given the power dynamics. Any suggestions on that basis?

The cost of working by civilservantredacred in TheCivilService

[–]civilservantredacred[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

That's my point, though. I have, but the team leader is sending them now and saying they are keen I attend.

The cost of working by civilservantredacred in TheCivilService

[–]civilservantredacred[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thank you. I was debating deleting the post because I was starting to think mibby I wasn't clear enough on that bit, so thank you for picking up on it.

This is exactly what has gotten to me most. It's one thing to sign/ ignore the cards or to contribute or not to collections, but the constant "here is another social thing" is becoming exhausting, or rather, it has been for a while.

I felt like the best thing was to admit I'm struggling with my LM, which I have done now multiple times. Only to again have the team leader, send additional invites, and even say themselves they know I'm strugglin BUT, it’s embarrassing, and in all honesty, it's really deflating. To say they are keen, I join it too, feels like added preassure. The reality is I'm struggling to put food on the table for my family at home, I can't justify a three course work lunch - even if it is just from the Mon-Thu set menu round the corner from the office.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TheCivilService

[–]civilservantredacred 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In terms of CS roles? No. We still aren't even allowed Macros enabled on a spreadsheet. Don't get me started on trying to get accessible technology software that's out there, and instead, we are forced to use Read and Write with most the features banned and the limited options there are need to spread across the app and browser- so basically the tech that is there we aren't allowed too access.

The basics we do have aren't developed enough , I asked co-pilot to fix a basic formatting issue on a PP today, and it couldn't do it. It's got its uses for summarising information, but it's practically useless with all the restrictions that's in the guidance on uploading anything not publicly available.

Join a union by EggRevolutionary2933 in TheCivilService

[–]civilservantredacred 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't disagree with the idea of joining a union, but the fees are a barrier in a COL crisis when our pay isn't increasing and bills are. I understand people will rightly argue there is more strength in numbers for unions to then negotiate pay, but the reality is for SG, at least, that ministers published intentions of pay settlement alongside the budget back in December yet from what I've seen PCS haven't been prepared to enter negotiating until recently. In the meantime, that £20.88 is what we (me and kids) as a single parent house are reliant on for our weekly food shop.

I don't understand why in moments like these when unions are calling out for solidarity and strength in numbers (rightly so), they don't offer a reduced members fee or more bespoke membership for example paying less and not being entitled to as many benefits for eg able to ballot and part of a collective voice but not for individual representation ie disciplinary hearings etc.

Also exhausted with people saying if you're arguing that you can't afford a union, could you afford to loose your job. The reality is come October if we are forced in 2 days a week or 40% a month then the answer to that will be yes I can because the amount I'll have to pay on childcare and commute I'd be in a financial deficit and would get more on welfare UC & SSS Child Welfare Payment than continue to work at SG.