Programme Officer Review
at Norfolk County Council
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Project Management
Norwich
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
2.5 /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
-
Overview of Role
1/5
-
Skills Development
2.6/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
Work with programme managers and key stakeholders to support the definition, planning and delivery of programmes, ensuring that programme controls are in place for successful delivery of the expected benefits and outcomes. Depending on the programme this may involve working with workstream leads/senior managers or, if the programme consists of a defined set of interdependent projects, with project managers. The role is responsible for operating the programme management office, collating and compiling reports, managing the risk and benefits registers, co-ordinating input and review, providing advice and support to colleagues on the operation of the programme.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
1/5
Smart Assessor is clunky and not fit for purpose - adds confusion to an already lacking experience.
Do not feel that I am being taught - am having to put in time to teach myself and seek a huge amount of support from colleagues, which is very difficult when their schedules are full with their work.
Do not feel that I am being taught - am having to put in time to teach myself and seek a huge amount of support from colleagues, which is very difficult when their schedules are full with their work.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
1/5
Stakeholder management
Identifying objectives and assigning owners
Identifying objectives and assigning owners
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
1/5
I don't feel that I fully understand what is expected of me for assessment, or what it entails. Do not understand the difference between taking the exam, and not taking the exam. Taught content is not always supplied, and as mentioned, Smart Assessor is a terrible platform.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer and direct line manager is very supportive and thankfully understands Apprenticeships well, so I am able to receive guidance. I have excellent colleagues also.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
1/5
The offer of 1:1s exists, but I am not given much feedback, so I don't know if I am performing averagely, below or above expected standard.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
1/5
I would likely learn to the same level by simply reading the Body of Knowledge, provided by the Association of Project Managers.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes - workshops, conferences, meals, activities
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Norfolk County Council to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I am privileged to be in a directorate with a goal of transformational change, supported by an incredible line manager. My particular role offers development, flexibility, challenge and opportunity.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Norfolk County Council?
None - organisation is way too varied for any advice to be applicable to all potential candiates.
