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Higherin
Valuation Office Agency

Performance Lead Review

at Valuation Office Agency

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Finance

Bristol

Review Submitted: March 2025

Overall Rating

4 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

3.5/5 - Overview of Role
4/5 - Skills Development
3.6/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I lead a small team and am responsible for monthly corporate performance reporting for the VOA. I collate and review performance data against KPIs, I produce visuals to display the information, I draft written performance briefings for senior leaders within the VOA and external stakeholders including other Government departments.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I really enjoyed learning the content, in a subject area I am passionate about and can really see the benefits it has already given me in my current role and for my wider career progression. The self-reflection aspect of the apprenticeship, I did not enjoy as much as it was time consuming and with limited benefit.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt many new skills including how to prepare financial statements, forecasting techniques, factors to consider and calculations to assist with decision making (both long term and short term). I have learnt more about the role of governance within an organisation, the different financial processes that occur in a business, risk and fraud and specialist areas of personal tax and business tax.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
It was very well organised with regular tutor sessions and extra support if needed. Clear deadlines to work towards which helped keep me on track.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My employer was very supportive and allowed me my 20% off the job time and other time as needed for exam revision.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I received a lot of support from my training provider in learning the content to pass the exams. The skills coach helped keep me on track with deadlines, although I did feel I was less supported in preparing for the end point assessment, particularly the professional discussion.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
My qualification aligns to my current role and has helped me perform better, although some parts of the qualification I am not currently able to apply in practice due to the role I have, although my employer is looking to support my move into a better aligned role in future.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Yes, there are lots of activities to get involved in, particularly in the local office but also in the wider Civil Service Sports Society including sporting events, walks, charity fundraisers, runs, cycle rides, evenings out. The local office also hosts regional networking events and encourages departments to meet and work together.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Valuation Office Agency to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a very friendly and welcoming organisation that celebrates and support people's development and achievements. There are lots of opportunities to develop both personally and professionally and senior leaders actively encourage, gather and act upon ideas and feedback from all staff.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Valuation Office Agency?
Showcase what you can bring to a role and be enthusiastic. Read up on the success profiles method of recruitment to give yourself the best chance of being successful when applying and interviewing for roles. Really consider what role would be a natural fit e.g. something you are motivated to do.
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