Senior correspondence manager and parliamentary liaison Review
at Department for Education
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Government
Westminster
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.9 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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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
Unrelated to my apprenticeship, which was taken for corporate development:
Managing Department of state (correspondence, parliamentary questions, FoIs), ministerial briefings for meetings and visits and other parliamentary business related to Education Estates Directorate (c. 10% of the Department's workforce)
Managing Department of state (correspondence, parliamentary questions, FoIs), ministerial briefings for meetings and visits and other parliamentary business related to Education Estates Directorate (c. 10% of the Department's workforce)
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Wide-ranging and challenging materials, from extremely academic social science research, psychology theories and professional ethics / statutory considerations. But also hands-on, learning whilst doing from the very first module, with peer support baked in, alongside comprehensive hybrid learning programme and flexible supportive input from tutor and provider throughout. No question too stupid, was enable to take a pause and restart around work emergency, and brilliant online resources.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Can safely say this apprenticeship has been transformational in all aspects of work and personal relationships, as well as providing an exciting, fulfilling new professional outlet. Power of active listening and also space/silence is something I've taken into team relationships and home life, as well as being core to my coaching practice.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Easy-to-follow and pace yourself, with 8 hybrid learning modules following the same 9-week pattern, with good combination of Day 1 lecture/workshop material, mid-point group learning, with well-curated learning journey readings, exercises etc. to work through alone or in discussion with peers, ended with an assignment - that, of themselves, contributed 50% of the materials to the End Point Assessment portfolio of evidence.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Fully funded apprenticeship and support throughout from apprentice team, particularly when I was falling behind and unable to take allotted 20% because of work emergency. No-blame approach and support to suspend studies and catch up when I could. Line management support throughout was exemplary, pushing me to take my 20% even when it left the team exposed and under-resourced. Had my apprenticeship (progress and reflections on my learning) as part of my monthly performance and development review throughout.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Support from IODA's admin team for any issues and my tutor were exemplary throughout, as were the online sharepoints and platforms in having resources constantly available and being able to track progress. No-blame approach and support to suspend studies and catch up when work (national!) emergency made it difficult for me to take 20% off for 6-9 months. Continued support from tutor in feedback on portfolio and a pre-EPA motivational chat. Any other provider might have allowed me to drop out but IODA were on my team throughout
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Not directly connected to day job, but I know it makes me a better task / line manager and colleague through the skills I've learned. I've been able to develop a corporate objective to coach and mentor within the organisation, of around 15-20% of my time, and supported in that by line management. And will continue to grow and progress as a professional coach and mentor because of it.
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
Tons! There are staff-run networks in many areas, including a Young People's, Apprentices and networks around equalities areas. Local offices have MS Teams sites and I'm aware of a regular 5-a-side and board games nights in the London office. Around the coaching apprenticeship, we have a large (100s) Coaching Community, with monthly network meetings, peer 1:1s, a book club and peer workshops, as well as exchanging resources, tips and ideas on the MS Teams site.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Department for Education to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Strong working culture and values, delivering the most vital work, supporting our children and young people. Also L&D as a golden thread end-to-end in your career. I was 53 when I started this apprenticeship, with an attitude that I had another 15 years left at work and I wanted to add a string to my bow in an area I was passionate about. And was encouraged throughout the organisation in that.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Department for Education?
It's a wonderful place to make a career, with policy, delivery and specialist professional roles in a huge range of areas. The civil service application model generally can be a bit strange to navigate, but read the guidance fully, take any tips you can find online about the STAR method of setting out a "tell me about a time when..." example story and, if you're interviewed, ask for additional feedback.
