Terence W.
About me
| Terence W. | |
| Social Policy and Social Work | |
| Public Services Management | |
| Taught Postgraduate | |
| Goodricke | |
| 2003 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Policy advisor | |
| Home Office | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Government and civil service | |
| Large business (250+ employees) | |
| 1980 |
More about Terence
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A day in the life of a Policy advisor in the United Kingdom
I joined the Civil Service a year after leaving university because I wanted to work in an area where I could positively affect people’s lives.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
I work for the Border, Immigration, Citizenship and International Directorate. We are currently concentrating on writing policy for the new immigration system and exiting the EU.
What do you do?
I provide briefing for ministers, policy advice, answer Parliamentary Questions and engage with internal and external stakeholders to produce evidence based policy advice.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
I joined the Civil Service a year after leaving university because I wanted to work in an area where I could positively affect people’s lives.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
No. I made up my mind at university that I wanted to join the Civil Service.
Describe your most memorable day at work
In DWP I worked in serious and organised fraud. My role was to work across government to produce intelligence packages which I then presented to Reflex funded police forces aimed at disrupting the activities of gangmasters. My best day was when I produced a package which led to a police operation where the gang master was arrested and many workers who were held in what amounted to modern slavery were freed.
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
The Home Secretary has changed four times in four years. Each new incumbent brings a fresh set of challenges.
What’s your work environment and culture like?
The environment is full of talented and ambitious people who sometimes take themselves a little too seriously. The culture is not as diverse as it probably should be.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I joined the socialist society which helped me form the political views I still hold today although I am a lot older and wiser now!
What would you like to do next with your career?
I’m due to retire sometime in the next 3 years. After this I’m seriously considering undertaking a PhD in social mobility (or the increasing lack of it!)
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Take your time in deciding what you really want to do with your life. It’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your lifetime. Ensure you work out the reasons for your chosen career choice and try to get some experience in actually doing it before you commit to it.
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
Anything at all.
I have been a civil servant for almost 40 years and have extensive experience in DWP and the Home Office. I have also worked as an Executive Coach for Civil Service Learning for 10 years and am a trained Mental Health First Aider.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
I have extensive mentoring experience and presently mentor staff in the Home Office, at Childline where I am a volunteer counsellor and for Career Ready, a national charity.
Next steps...
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