Defra Reviews

Pros

Diversity of roles, purpose and has great values

Cons

Bereaucracy, getting into the building and finding a desk

Pros

Whilst your constantly under pressure to deliver, I really enjoyed my time working here. Here are the pros: -Everyone looks after the general wellbeing of all colleagues regardless of your level -Lots of learning and development opportunities from Apprenticeships to external training -Great flexible working arrangement and the work/life balance can be met, especially as many of us working from home. As they are not extremely London centric, there are many Offices across England you can move to without any hassle -The work is really interesting and I had the opportunity to be the backbone of many Projects. Everyone is passionate about the Environment and we all play our role to make a difference. Generally with colleagues on the same grade or just 1 grade above you, you will get along well and teamwork will come naturally -You can really see your work come into full force and the change it is making. The data team are really helpful and collaborate with you constantly -Great colleagues! Honestly, I expected everyone to be very serious headed and mundane when I first started but everyone is really energetic and bright which is great as some work can be repetitive -As it is the civil service, the job security is incredible and many people are loyal to the Department

Cons

You may perceive the cons overtake the pros, here it comes: -It is extremely demanding despite me saying above flexible working is available, you will regret it as the workload is endless. Due to the incredible workload as a Personal Assistant, you will be forced to stick with 9am-5pm or 9am-6pm. Work emails are a nightmare! You will always need to watch your emails and I remember having to reply to emails at 11pm. Senior Management frown upon flexible working as it leads to an overall disorganisation -The pay is terrible compared to the private sector. With the expected output, they should be paying us a lot more especially as we are sometimes made the Director's slaves! -Lot's of office politics and red tape. Being one of the youngest in the Department, I was treated like a toy by some senior management and directors. Particularly, colleagues from BAME background's told me that they feel uncomfortable near Directors and some where unapproachable. -Lack of career progression. You will find yourself applying to more senior positions with different Departments (also being a Civil Servant and an internal candidate, why do you need to go through the same procedure as an external candidate?). In addition, Senior Management tend to "bring in" their friends from the private sector or from other Departments. Hence, if you are an external candidate or an internal candidate from a lower grade, your chances are really slim. -Poor IT systems. A Government Department. 2021, yet half your computers are on Windows 7, which constantly crashes! -The hierarchy is somewhat unorganised. Nearly 70% of all colleagues were on fixed term contracts, that is really unorganised especially how in 3 years the staff turnover has been sky high and I am often baffled and left isolated when 4 Managers have different strategies for the same thing.

Pros

Good flexible working arrangement. Permanent secretary and directors doing their best to support colleagues during this pandemic lockdown.

Cons

Low pay. Things can be tricky if you don't see eye to eye with managers. Promotion prospect for BAME colleagues can be slow.