Property Information Manager Review
at West Sussex County Council
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Government
Chichester
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.5 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.2/5
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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:
5/5
In my role I manage a large team of data specialists, dealing with the day to day management of staff, but also specialising in more complicated data analysis, briefing senior managers and elected Members and contributing to strategic decision making.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
The programme was very enjoyable, interesting discussions with my cohort, it's opened my eyes to other aspects of my workplace. We had a really supportive group, giving each other a boost when inevitably we started to doubt if we could finish.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
The programme for the apprenticeship was the Level 5 Women in Leadership (Operations / Departmental Manager), which I completed in February 2026. The programme gave me the tools to improve my ability to contribute to higher level decision making, feel more confident and able to champion both myself and my team and our collective skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme structure was very well put together, interesting workshops. Somehow our workshop leader managed to equate a manufacturing assembly line making sandwiches with working for a local authority! The structure also allowed me to really get to know the other women in my cohort.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My Line Manager was fantastic. We worked together to determine what additional opportunities I needed to fulfil my off the job hours, also what additional knowledge I needed to be able to complete my assignments, such as delving into the finance side of things, which isn't an area I had much experience in.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
We had a bit of a blip 2/3 of the way through where our cohort's tutor changed and it turned out our first tutor had been giving us incorrect advice. This meant a number of us had to rewrite several assignments in order for them to meet the standard. This wasn't handled particularly well and was disappointing to happen so far into the programme, but our new tutor was fantastic and supportive as well as understanding of our frustrations.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I am a much more confident person in work having completed the course. I'm also applying for my ChMgr FCMI status at the moment, which will I will also proudly display. I feel able to hold my own in higher level meetings now and also more able to understand how the higher level functions of my organisation work.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There are staff networks, such as the Women in the Workplace network, but most other bits and pieces are organised locally within teams, rather than as a whole organisation.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend West Sussex County Council to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The culture of West Sussex County Council has changed significantly from when I started here in 2008. Its a much more supportive organisation, especially when promoting work-life balance, but also giving managers the tools to support their teams in both the good and bad times.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to West Sussex County Council?
When applying, ensure you read the application process properly and provide as much information as possible to give yourself the best opportunity to progress. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions at interviews. Prior research into the role will be well received.
Organisational Development Consultant (Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor)
- Level 3 Apprenticeship
- Chichester
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5
