Inspiring Future Leaders: Stephen Tough's Insights on Civil Service Careers for Year 8 Students

Stephen Tough from the Department of Work and Pensions recently visited a Year 8 assembly to share his experiences and insights about careers in the civil service. His talk opened a window into the world of public service, showing young students how they can make a real difference in society through government work.

Why Civil Service Matters

Stephen began by explaining the role of the civil service in everyday life. The civil service supports the government in delivering public services, shaping policies, and ensuring the smooth running of the country. From healthcare to education, social security to environmental protection, civil servants work behind the scenes to improve the lives of millions.

He emphasized that civil service careers offer a unique chance to contribute to society in meaningful ways. Unlike many jobs focused solely on profit, civil service roles prioritize public good. This message resonated with the students, many of whom expressed interest in helping others and making a positive impact.

Exploring Different Career Paths

One of the highlights of the assembly was Stephen’s overview of the wide range of careers available within the civil service. He explained that the civil service is not just about policy-making or administration. It includes roles in:

• Data analysis to help make informed decisions

• Communications to keep the public informed

• Project management to deliver government programs

• Human resources to support staff wellbeing

• Finance to manage public funds responsibly

• Digital services to improve online access to government resources

  
  

Stephen shared stories of colleagues who started in entry-level roles and progressed to senior positions, showing that the civil service offers clear career development paths.

Skills That Matter

Stephen highlighted the skills that help civil servants succeed. He encouraged students to develop:

• Strong communication skills for clear writing and speaking

• Problem-solving abilities to tackle complex challenges

• Teamwork to collaborate effectively with others

• Adaptability to handle change and new situations

• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in work

  
  

He also stressed the importance of curiosity and a willingness to learn. Civil service work often involves new topics and policies, so being open to continuous learning is key.

How Students Can Prepare Now

Stephen offered practical advice for Year 8 students interested in civil service careers. He suggested:

• Engage in school activities that build teamwork and leadership, such as clubs or sports

• Practice writing and speaking clearly through presentations and essays

• Stay informed about current events to understand how government decisions affect society

• Explore volunteering opportunities to gain experience helping others

• Consider internships or work experience in local government or community organizations when older

  
  

These steps help build a strong foundation for future applications to civil service roles.

Stephen’s assembly showed that civil service careers are open to anyone with a passion for helping others and a desire to learn. By taking small steps today, students can set themselves on a path to become the future leaders who shape our society for the better.