No two days are ever the same for Debra Rice, a Training and Procedures Officer (EO1) with the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS).
Read all about her career journey
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
After leaving school I worked in retail and progressed through the management structure over eight years, before seeking a career change. This career change lead me into an administrative role with a pension provider. Due to this experience, I then applied for and was successful in an Administrative Officer (AO) opportunity in the Northern Ireland Civil Service in 2018. In 2019, following a promotion opportunity, I was successfully placed in my current role as a Training and Procedures Officer in the Rate Rebate team within Land & Property Services.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Business studies – I found the theory and logistics of business very interesting.
Did you go on to further/ higher education, if so what did you study and where?
Upon completing my GCSEs I attended further education at the Belfast Metropolitan College where I completed a BTEC National Diploma in Beauty Therapy Science. I later returned to the Met, while working in retail, to complete a part-time higher education course, CIPD Level 5 Diploma in Human Resources Management.
How did you get into your area of work?
While working as an AO, a development opportunity arose and taking into account my Diploma in HR Management, I believed I had the skills and knowledge required to fulfil the role. I was also excited at the prospect of career development and was encouraged by my management structure to go for it.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
I always wanted to join the NICS as the flexibility and healthy work/ life balance appealed to me. I enjoy helping people so the strong emphasis on customer service enabled me to achieve that. My current role involves providing guidance and advice to colleagues to enable them to complete their daily duties allowing me to develop and enhance relationships.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
I did not need any qualifications or experience to join the NICS however previous management experience was a requirement for my current role. There was also the requirement to either hold or be willing to obtain a CIPD Level 3 Diploma in Learning and Development.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
Clear communication is essential to my job. I need to ensure staff fully understand the processes required within their operational roles. As I deliver some training to staff, confidence speaking in front of others is also essential. Good organisational skills are required to plan a busy schedule and research and commitment to the role is key.
What does a typical day entail?
I would say there is no typical day. I work in a large operational environment where I am responsible for designing and developing operational procedures and guidance for use by staff at all grades from AO to Staff Officer. I am also involved in regular meetings with senior managers and IT colleagues regarding system development and how that translates into an operational environment.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
The best aspect of my job is the people I meet and work alongside. The most challenging aspect is researching and developing new and complex guidance.
Why is what you do important?
My role is important as the guidance I create ensures staff are working in line with the current legislation. Developing new staff to a high standard ensures accuracy and efficiency which is essential.
What is your salary band?
£20-30,000.
How has Covid-19 impacted your business/ role?
While Covid has changed my working location from office based to working at home, my role and interaction with colleagues remains largely the same. I still have a duty to ensure operational procedures and guidance are accurate and up-to-date for use by the operational teams.
What adjustments have you had to make?
Personally I have had to adjust the work/life balance which initially attracted me to the NICS. However, my department has been accommodating in allowing flexibility around the hours I work. Moving to remote working has meant that I have had to adapt the ways in which I interact with not only existing staff but new staff joining the branch. I have had to quickly adapt to an online environment which has proved successful through team engagement. Holding team video calls to maintain relationships has been a key adjustment to ensure everyone is supported.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
Don’t underestimate yourself. Take the time to attend whichever courses are available to gain the necessary qualifications and skills for the role you want.
If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?
If I wasn’t working in the NICS I would possibly look into a career change altogether and go back to the beauty industry.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Breathe! Starting a new job is daunting, but everyone I have met since joining the NICS in 2018 has been welcoming and I have made genuine friends for life. Don’t rush to know everything – knowledge comes through time and experiences.
Describe your ideal day off.
With having a young family, a trip to the beach is my favourite way to spend a day off, followed by a hot chocolate. For me it’s the little things that bring enjoyment.
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
Refresh your CV to make sure it is current and demonstrates all of your skills. And simply apply – as long as you have the qualities and skills required, you’ll get the support to achieve your dream role within the NICS.
The Northern Ireland Civil Service is currently recruiting.
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