Civil Service Induction gets a big thumbs up from me
Source: gov.uk (2025-03-13)

Times have changed for the better for Civil Service returner Sarah Watkins.

Nearly two decades after leaving the Civil Service to take up key roles with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Sarah Watkins is back - and settling well into her new role as a Counter Avoidance Review Officer in HMRC’s Legal Group.

And Sarah is returning not just to a job that’s very different to the positions she held with the MOD at RAF St Athan between 1999 and 2007, but to a much changed Civil Service.

Newcomers are now well placed to develop an overarching understanding of what it means to be a civil servant - with support, guidance and handy tips just a mouse click away through the Civil Service Induction (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-for-an-induction-to-the-civil-service).

The course simply wasn’t available when Sarah joined the first time and she is impressed.

“It gets a big thumbs up from me,” she said. “It is very different from the Civil Service I was in before. I have fond memories of the previous job but the support, the equipment and the people policies are all vastly improved.

“The Induction course draws connections across the whole of the Civil Service rather than just one small element so you can see how everything is working together in a big machine. It really brings home not only the privilege but the responsibility of being a civil servant which I think is hugely important.”

Signposting and support

Sarah is one of many Civil Service newcomers who each year do the Civil Service Induction (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-for-an-induction-to-the-civil-service), which is spread over three weeks, is entirely virtual and covers topics including working with ministers and Parliament, understanding devolution and gaining knowledge of government professions and functions, and what they offer.

For Sarah, plus points include the emphasis on the Civil Service code, diversity and inclusion and the insight into the opportunities for career progression within the organisation.

“I was exposed to The Nolan Principles when I was in the governance role with the Fire and Rescue Service so the code is an excellent fit,” she said.

“It’s a big Civil Service and there are opportunities to build and drive a career in various areas.”

Chance to connect

“What I really liked was the way you could interact with others on the course so you don’t feel isolated. It was really nice to see people engaging in that way. It was spread over three weeks so it wasn’t a rush. You could take your time and absorb the information really well.

“The videos and a whole document of useful links were really good, too.”

Great to be back

After a successful career with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, including as Head of Corporate Support, Sarah, 51, decided it was time to do something new.

She said: “There’s more to life than spending 50 hours at my desk so I decided I wanted a change of career and direction for what’s probably the last third of my working life.

“I’d really enjoyed being a civil servant before so I had a look around at what was available and one role was as a review officer with HMRC and it ticked all the boxes. It’s a varied and interesting role in a business area that I’d not had any involvement in previously so knew I’d start using my brain properly. I’m doing lots of learning at the moment so I’m exercising that muscle quite hard! I am really excited about this role and coming back to the Civil Service.”
- The Civil Service Induction is designed for new starters and existing civil servants looking for a refresher. Sign up for the Civil Service Induction here. (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-for-an-induction-to-the-civil-service)