HR Policy Advisor Review
at Department for Education
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Human Resources
Manchester
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.4 /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!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
4/5
-
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 worked collaboratively with colleagues to review and redraft HR policies in order to set up a new HR Handbook. Elements of the role also included leading in updating the intranet in line with departmental policies and accessibility regulations, ensuring the HR Handbook was user-centred. I communicated with internal and external stakeholders, and worked flexibly and reactively to update policies and processes in line with SLT steer and government guidance as appropriate, often at short notice. I also managed the relationship between Trade Unions and the business, including liaising with a range of stakeholders to organise meetings, managing a mailbox, collating important data, deputising for the Chair and building positive relationships with the Unions.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoyed my apprenticeship programme - it gave me the chance to get back into studying, which was hard at times, but rewarding too. I enjoyed being able to work and study at the same time.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
The apprenticeship enabled me to develop many different type of skills to help me do better in my day job, and apply my learning in a beneficial way.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
I found the structure of the programme suited me as I could plan out my time well alongside the duties of my role.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My manager was really supportive throughout my apprenticeship. My employer were great because they were able to give me time to dedicate to studying alongside my work. This had to be managed flexibly to manage work priorities too, which worked well.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My training provider were helpful and were on hand if I ever needed to ask any questions. We had regular catch-ups alone and also with my manager to ensure I was being supported through the apprenticeship.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I think doing the qualification has put me in a much better position in my role as I've been able to apply my learning. It also puts me in better stead if applying for other roles in HR.
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 staff networks who run events including social activities and networking events. There is an apprentice network who do lots of positive work to connect apprentices across the organisation.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Department for Education to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I enjoy working at DfE because the roles I have worked in are challenging and interesting. The culture is positive and they offer flexible working opportunities.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Department for Education?
I'd advise looking for roles at DfE or other government departments through CS Jobs - there will be varied roles with different responsibilities and across different professions. Many roles tend to involve communicating with stakeholders of all levels, working on projects and high profile work.
