This National Inclusion Week we are sharing the stories of some brilliant colleagues who have joined the civil service via Going Forward into Employment, a recruitment pathway into the civil service for people with barriers to employment.
Over the last 7 years over 3700 people have been recruited via GFiE pathways across the civil service. If you want to recruit differently to bring different voices into your team, you can use GFiE.
Jennifer joined via the GFiE DfE Care Leavers Internship pathway.
“My journey is a powerful example of how inclusive recruitment can unlock exceptional talent and how diverse experiences can transform the Civil Service. It’s also an incredible opportunity to showcase diversity and inclusion for someone who is not only care-experienced, but part of the LGBT+ Community and someone who is a person of colour.
From day one, I’ve been proactive and gone beyond my role, pioneering a new Care Leaver Internship cohort within DBT.I have shaped this community into an empowering space for interns to thrive I built a community from scratch, creating a safe, empowering space for interns to thrive, a legacy that continues to shape DBT’s culture and has expanded across Government through cross-government events. I’ve also contributed directly to mission delivery and public service excellence.”
Jennifer, Department for Business and Trade
Mark is a veteran working in HMRC
“Before joining HMRC I was a Flight Sergeant in the Royal Air Force, a career spanning 30 years. I completed a number of Operational tours including Cyprus, 3 tours in the Falklands and 3 tours in Afghanistan receiving the Operational Service medal with clasp, the Long Service and Good Conduct medal with Clasp and 2 Jubilee medals.
I didn’t know what to expect having spent my whole adult life thus far in the military, and I only had about 4 weeks left in my resettlement period (time allowed to find housing, jobs and relocate), so I was becoming more and more concerned about not having a job.
I am able to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to all the roles I now undertake. Having gone through mental health challenges including later being diagnosed with PTSD, this was an immense sense of achievement and relief. The support I have received from my line manager and my then people manager is second to none, words can not describe how grateful I am to both of them. One day I was sitting at my dining room table on a work call. My wife came in and started crying, after the call I went to see what was wrong and she said nothing, I just haven’t heard you laugh like that in a long time. And that there is the biggest benefit.”
Mark, HM Revenue & Customs
Betty is a carer working in DWP
Betty joined via the GFiE pathway for carers and is working in DWP. “I applied through GFiE because of my caring responsibility. It was the only way to find work that fits my caring roles as a mum, the school could not afford to pay 1:1 for breakfast and after school Club. For that reason, I had to stay home and look after my children which was stressful for me, and I felt stuck and hopeless.
Until I was referred to Going Forward into Employment. After one year as a permanent staff member and with the support of my line manager, I applied for a Recruitment specialist role, and I was successful and promoted! As a carer, I bring skills to my job including organisational skills, empathy, managing different appointments, listening skills, problem solving and attention to detail, and I would recommend for colleagues to recruit through GFiE.
Betty, Department for Work and Pensions
To find out more take a look at our pages on the civil service careers site https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/about-gfie/ or email the team gfie@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Leave a comment