“My wife also works at DE&S and we are an LGBT+ family, we both took Shared Parental Leave for 6 months, for the birth of our little boy. On our return we started working alternative working patterns to enable us to manage childcare.”
How does DE&S support your family life?
My wife also works at DE&S and we are an LGBT+ family. We both took Shared Parental Leave for 6 months for the birth of our little boy. On our return we both started working alternative working patterns (compressed hours) to enable us to manage childcare.
Are you a member of any networks?
I am a longstanding member of the Ministry of Defence Women’s Network (SW), including a role on the committee. I am also a member of the DE&S Pride Network, which represents the interests of LGBT+ employees and their straight allies within DE&S
Why did you decide to join the MOD Women’s Network and DE&S Pride Network and what benefits do they bring to you?
My involvement in the networks has provided me with more insight into how DE&S is developing its inclusion and diversity position and provided opportunities to get involved with activities and events that my role alone wouldn’t have, and enabled me to share my experiences and listen to the experiences of other people across the organisation.
Would you recommend DE&S to others as a great place to work?
Yes. There are many opportunities to build a career within this organisation, depending on your own skills and interests.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in DE&S?
I could see opportunities to really build a career, utilising my skills, for a worthy organisation, without necessarily doing the same thing all of the time. This means I could manage my own career path and have a say in which opportunities I took up.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
We are pushing the boundaries around different ways to embed changes successfully and sustainably. This means that we can be creative in our approach but also driven by efficiency and effectiveness.
What are the social benefits of working for DE&S?
Whilst working in DE&S, I have taken part in many sports events, made full use of the available sports facilities and attended several discounted theatre trips.
There are endless opportunities which are only limited by my available time to take them up. I have met some of my best friends through working in DE&S and while playing hockey representing DE&S, I met my wife!
How do you build a successful career at DE&S?
There are several routes to a successful career and you can mostly fit your wants and needs in with the business needs. I prefer to move roles every 2-3 years, but others prefer to stay in the same job and become a deep specialist – both routes are available. As long as you are willing to work hard to support the objectives, goals, strategies and measures of DE&S then the organisation will support your professional development and value your contribution.
