How did you get started in your career and what drew you the Civil Service?
In 2014 I graduated from Royal Holloway, University of London, with a degree in Geography, Politics and International Relations. During my final year, I’d applied for the Civil Service Fast Stream, as I wanted to be a diplomat, and that’s the way in! I was also drawn by the variety of experience and responsibility available. I didn’t join the Diplomatic Fast Stream however I was successful in becoming a Generalist; this meant that I experienced so many departments in a short space of time.
Now in 2022 I work on Diversity & Inclusion across the Civil Service.
How do you manage your disability at work?
I’m autistic, and I am very sensitive to light and sound. I use a screen filter to adjust the colour of the screen, as well as changing the colour’s in my computer profile. I also use tinted paper- several people have commented that they’re jealous of my lilac paper! In some roles, too many phone calls or emails can make me anxious, so I intersperse these with other work. In some offices, I’ve had a different colour desk so I can manage the brightness of the office (white desks aren’t my friend), and I also work from home frequently. I also have Lupus, and I manage my workload and my day so that I don’t experience too much fatigue- changing to working part time has been very helpful.
How has your employer helped you to do well at your workplace?
Being understanding and acknowledging when a potential task is far from my comfort and ability zone. The fact I can use my headphones to limit and control my sensory input is really helpful too. I’m also very outgoing and an extrovert (though I struggle with social skills), so having colleagues who are willing to be chatty and supportive is wonderful. My managers have trusted me to know best about my experience.
How would you describe the diversity culture at the Civil Service?
I’ve been really impressed, by the diversity of the Civil Service, as well as by the support available to all groups through HR policy, colleagues, and staff networks. I’ve only had positive reactions, so I’ve been happy to be open about my (invisible) disability to several colleagues. gratifying. There’s always more to do, but I’ve always been sure that the Civil Service is committed to being an inclusive employer.
What advice or top tips would you offer?
Work out what you need as quickly as possible, then organise a DSE (Display Screen Equipment) assessment and Workplace Adjustment passport, which is a document that details the adjustments you need. This way you can make sure everything is in place for when items need re-ordering or you change department. It can be a little slow to order items, so request them well in advance of needing them.
Also, be confident to be open about your disability to your line manager – it can be intimidating, however, they can’t help if they don’t know that you need help.