Deputy Head of Talent Review

I lead and support the delivery of the Home Office’s 2025–26 ambitions to build a skilled, diverse and future‑ready workforce.
My role centres on developing inclusive talent pathway and shaping programmes that strengthen our leadership pipeline. I use data and insight to improve processes, remove barriers, and ensure our interventions meet organisational needs. Day to day, I collaborate across the organisation, support high‑quality career conversations, and contribute to a culture of continuous development that helps the department grow the skills and capability it needs now and in the future.

My programme is extremely well organised and structured. Each module runs in clear sprints, with pre‑work to build foundation knowledge, followed by a face‑to‑face workshop that brings the concepts to life. After that, we’re given dedicated time to apply the learning, complete assignments and reflect on the project linked to that sprint. What I really appreciate is the self‑contained nature of each block once a sprint is completed, it’s done, which means if a topic wasn’t my favourite, I can park it and move on. The structure keeps momentum, reduces overwhelm and makes the whole programme feel genuinely achievable.
This structure is particularly useful for me as I have AudHD, which means my focus and energy naturally come in short, intense bursts. The sprint format keeps me engaged for a manageable period without overwhelming me, and the clear beginning‑and‑end of each block helps me maintain a clear mind and avoid cognitive overload. Knowing that each topic is contained and achievable makes it easier to stay motivated, stay on track and actually enjoy the learning process. Instead of feeling lost in long modules, I can work deeply, reset, and move confidently into the next sprint.

My employer is incredibly supportive and flexible. I have protected learning time each week to work through whatever the programme requires, and my manager actively helps by connecting me with colleagues across the organisation when a sprint needs insight beyond my usual role. I’ve also been involved in events run by the Home Office apprenticeship team, which has helped me build a network with other apprentices across the organisation and feel part of a wider learning community.

I receive a huge amount of support from my training provider when working towards my qualification. The pre‑learning is genuinely useful, with access to books and wider reading that deepens my understanding, and I can also use local university libraries through an indirect agreement, giving me a quiet space to study. The workshops are fantastic the lecturers are passionate, knowledgeable and bring the subjects to life in a way that really engages us. After each sprint, we have follow‑up meetings with learning tutors for extra guidance or targeted teaching. We also take part in Action Learning Sets, and every eight weeks I have a review call with my manager and talent coach, which provides even more personalised support to keep me progressing with confidence.

My qualification has directly improved how I perform in my role. The subjects we cover link closely to the work I do, and learning about models, frameworks and leadership theory has helped me elevate both my own practice and the support I offer to my team. Understanding the “why” behind strategic decisions culture, ethics, organisational design, finance means I can apply these concepts confidently and make more informed choices. The programme gives me space to test ideas, reflect and then implement what I’ve learned. It’s made me more effective, more self‑aware and better equipped to contribute to Talent agenda at a higher level.

Yes

Yes, I would recommend the Home Office to a friend. I’ve worked here on and off since 2018 and would now class myself as a career civil servant. I’ve moved around different posts and even left the organisation three separate times always to develop my skills, build experience and grow personally. But I’ve inevitably returned each time, because the Home Office offers meaningful work, development opportunities and a culture where you can genuinely progress. Each return has felt like the right choice, and that says a lot. It’s an organisation that challenges you, supports you, and helps you keep moving forward.