I have been a part of DfT for just over 2 years and I have had two formal roles including my current role in the Roads Policing Team, leading on Drink and Drug Driving and the Future EU Roads Relationship team. I have also had secondments in the Department’s response to COVID-19, E-scooter trials and the Secretary of State’s Private Office.
In my first 3 months of joining DfT, I was given the opportunity to travel to the British Embassy in Poland where I updated stakeholders on the progress of road haulage and preparedness of exiting the EU. Highlights during my time in DfT also include, helping to shape and deliver trials of e-scooters, by engaging with front line experts and communicating with specialists and non-specialists the technical requirements that were required for trial proposals.
Over the course of 2 years I have obtained experience in a range of experience (including but limited to), ministerial briefings, correspondences, overseeing secondary legislation, shaping policy areas and completing press office requests. I have also had opportunities to involve myself in corporate activities such as being an active member of the Positive Support Group. I played a pivotal role in the DfT values refresh and also arranged a volunteering day for my team. The Civil Service offers 3 paid days for volunteering and DfT has a ‘Volunteering Community of Interest’ group to support this.
2020 required working flexibly in response to new and changing business pressure when I supported the Department’s operational response to COVID19. The role required identifying key contacts in different areas and liaising with colleagues to commission documents across both internally and across Whitehall. The role was fast paced but also exceptionally rewarding as I developed a comprehensive understanding of various policy areas and learnt how to manage unexpected challenges in a calm manner. The culture of DfT is very unique and the Department places particular importance on wellbeing. Positive wellbeing endorsement is what allows DfT to thrive as a working place.
These experiences have all allowed me to create impact by delivering ministerial objectives and also progress both personally and professionally. DfT have provided with immense support and experience which have inevitably allowed me to pursue the next step of my career as a Senior Policy Advisor in Road Transport Security (RTS) in the Department of Transport (DfT).