Moving around within the civil service/public sector

LucySera90

I currently work in public health policy and, for family reasons, need to move back to London fairly urgently. I've been offered a role in my general field (i.e. public health), based in a UK government department, and am considering whether to go for it or not.

The area is one that interests me, but is not my main passion, and the role is a slight step down although they have agreed to match my current salary. I'm wondering, however, whether it would be a good opportunity to get 'inside' and gain access to the internal job market. Obviously I would do my time in this role, but then there would be an opportunity to move into an area more aligned with my interests later on.

I'm curious as to whether it's common for non-fast streamers to move around regularly i.e. after a year or so, or whether that would be frowned upon. It does feel a bit unethical to go in with this approach, but who can say what will happen in a year...

In addition, I'm involved with a number of health charities in a voluntary capacity. I do wonder whether this could be considered a conflict of interest if working within Government (my current employer is very flexible about it).

Anyway thoughts/experience/advice very much appreciated!

Bonniepurple

I am very definitely not a fast streamer, and I have changed jobs/roles about once every 2 years. My record was 4 months. I have just been offered and accepted a job after 18 months in my current role (same grade). I’ve worked in 3 departments.

Savvy_Sue

My feeling is that if you need to move back to London urgently, and you've got an offer, then this is what you need to do, almost regardless of how mobile you'll be able to be.

The Civil Service seems to have a very good attitude towards volunteering, and I know some people are able to offer up to six days a year for such opportunities. Obviously you need to clear any potential conflicts of interest, but the principle is probably OK.

Les79

LucySera90 wrote: »

I'm wondering, however, whether it would be a good opportunity to get 'inside' and gain access to the internal job market. Obviously I would do my time in this role, but then there would be an opportunity to move into an area more aligned with my interests later on.

Can't see any harm in that.

In addition, I'm involved with a number of health charities in a voluntary capacity. I do wonder whether this could be considered a conflict of interest if working within Government (my current employer is very flexible about it).

I would field that to the PCS Union personally (if you don't want to speak directly to your employer)...


Doesn't matter if your employer is flexible with it or not, it matters if you should/shouldn't declare it. If you need to and don't then you can be stitched up at a later date.

nicechap

LucySera90 wrote: »

I currently work in public health policy and, for family reasons, need to move back to London fairly urgently. I've been offered a role in my general field (i.e. public health), based in a UK government department, and am considering whether to go for it or not.

The area is one that interests me, but is not my main passion, and the role is a slight step down although they have agreed to match my current salary. I'm wondering, however, whether it would be a good opportunity to get 'inside' and gain access to the internal job market. Obviously I would do my time in this role, but then there would be an opportunity to move into an area more aligned with my interests later on.

I'm curious as to whether it's common for non-fast streamers to move around regularly i.e. after a year or so, or whether that would be frowned upon. It does feel a bit unethical to go in with this approach, but who can say what will happen in a year...

In addition, I'm involved with a number of health charities in a voluntary capacity. I do wonder whether this could be considered a conflict of interest if working within Government (my current employer is very flexible about it).

Anyway thoughts/experience/advice very much appreciated!

How many different jobs have you had in last 5 years? How did you answer interview questions about moving posts so frequently? You have the job offer, so you need to decide whether to accept it based on the terms offered, or risk, not having a job in London for another period of time.

As others have said, you would need to declare any interest that your voluntary work may overlap/ conflict with your employed work. Its allowable, just like being a member of a political party. What you MUST NEVER DO is use information from your employed position to campaign in your voluntary work (or steal official secrets etc).