Local Authority v Civil Service

Caledonia

Would welcome a steer.

I have an opportunity to take a sideways move to the civil service. I worked there about 10 years ago (as a CO, in an interesting area) and liked the vibe.

If working in the cs, does the dept make a massive difference? I've worked in again an 'interesting work' role for the last few years in the ps after a long time in distinctly 'non interesting' (just nature of work, and I made the most of it working across areas) section and the difference to me was huge.

I still have some increments to go in my role but if I move to the civil service as EO then I think 'marking time' comes into it. So I would get current salary alright but I wouldn't get increments. The other thing is probation. It's unlikely the worst would happen and I'd get sick or something..but it's possible. I've built up a v good record with current employer and my head is probably nudging me to stay.

It really does depend on where you're moving from and where you might be moving to.

My experience is that the role and your manager are the two main contributors to how good the job is so it's really hard to give specific advice.

In general, there are more varied roles and a better chance of advancement in the civil service but like anything else that probably applies more if you're in Dublin.

Caledonia

Thanks. In Dublin. I realise I'm putting a lot of store in the sound of the department. But in my experience the perception of the place/work has been accurate - where good and bad. Probably the marking time thing is the sticking point. Just have a strong notion for the cs for some reason.

It's true that org culture def varies

But I'd say that in my experience it varies from unit to unit rather than within an entire dept, or maybe eg within the locations that a dept might be spread over.

Not much use I know, sorry.

Would only repeat that internal/interdepartmental opportunities in the CS would seem a lot more promising of a route for advancement from my perspective, not only in terms of numbers but in LA I'd almost think once you were on a path that was the route you were on, in the CS imo you can have a very varied career trying a few different things because of the generic nature of panels.

Also my experience- training, coaching etc more built-in to CS ethos vs LA

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Much more room to move within the CS but how much responsibility you get depends on the unit and manager.Some managers are good , some are ...well you know;). Units differ with a dept. I've been lucky with a good boss.
Do you know which dept you would go to as EO?
There is less holidays on CS but 1.5 days Flexi per period.

I assume you get 27/31 days in LA. It's only 24 for an EO.
I worked in DCC and miss the holidays but enjoy the extra responsibility in the CS.