We’re on the lookout for new Team Support Officers here at the Welsh Government. These roles are exciting, fast paced and varied, but don’t take it from us… take a look at some testimonies from some of our colleagues who started as Team Support Officers and find out about where their career journey has taken them…
From initial scepticism to leading Welsh Government’s Facilities Management!
I was born in rural Kashmir and emigrated with my family to Birmingham when I was 18 months old. I went to university in Aberystwyth before moving to London, then rural West Wales near Tregaron. Now, I’m based in Port Talbot and work from home and our Penllergaer office.
My Welsh Government journey began one day in Aberaeron, I was telling my friend about my desire to move to South Wales. He suggested applying to the Welsh Government. I was sceptical, thinking, “I’m an Asian woman, I don’t speak Welsh, it’s just for Welsh people, isn’t it?” My friend assured me there was a place for everyone in the Civil Service, so I threw caution to the wind and applied.
Fast forward to me landing a job in a private sector recruitment consultancy. On the day I get that job, I receive an offer from the Welsh Government. Eager to move into the public sector, I chose to join Welsh Government, and despite my initial doubts, 21 years later, I’m still here – now as Head of Facilities Management, responsible for teams all across the country.
I started in November 2003 in the Statistical Directorate on a temporary contract and quickly realised I wanted to stay. I secured a permanent position in May 2004 as a Team Support. My first permanent role was working on the Location Strategy, which involved decentralising functions from the Cardiff HQ to various regions in Wales. This role expanded my understanding of Wales and the diverse purposes of the Welsh Government and the links these had to the different regions.
Throughout my Welsh Government career, I’ve made lifelong friends and received mentorship and support that has helped shape me during some really challenging times. One of my main highlights has to be attending the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace for the work I’ve done on Welsh Government’s Shadow Board – something I would have never expected to be put forward for!
My advice to anyone considering joining the Welsh Government is simple: do it. Put your hat in the ring. You have value, and there is a place for everyone here. We need people with enthusiasm and ideas. Public service is driven by the desire to see positive outcomes for the people of Wales – if that resonates with you, we want to hear from you!
Zakhyia, Head of Facilities Management
A workplace where I can be my authentic self.
I began my journey with the Welsh Government as a casual employee in May 2008, moving to a full-time Team Support role in March 2009. My first job was with the Tir Gofal team in Penrhyndeudraeth. Motivated by an interest in public service, I found the opportunity with Welsh Government aligned perfectly with my career aspirations.
Over the years, I have held various roles, starting in Rural Payments Wales and later moving to Information, Library and Archive Services. There, I focused on identifying Welsh Government records for permanent preservation at The National Archives and piloting the digital record transfer process. Currently, I am responsible for identifying records relevant to the COVID-19 inquiry and working with external lawyers and consultants.
I enjoy the high-profile, diverse nature of my work and the opportunities it provides to build relationships both within and outside the organisation. Despite being based in Caernarfon and having a team spread across Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, and Aberystwyth, modern technology makes collaboration straightforward and maintaining social connections easy.
Before joining, I imagined the Civil Service to be quite straight laced, not very diverse and not much opportunity to be creative. However, my experience has been the complete opposite. You soon realise that the organisation is made up of people from all sorts of backgrounds and walks of life. As part of PRISM, our LGBTQ+ staff network, I feel encouraged to bring my authentic self to work, and the visibility of LGBTQ+ Senior Civil Servants and Ministers fosters an inclusive culture from the top down.
What I love most about working for the Welsh Government is its flexibility and the emphasis on personal development. It is incredibly rewarding to contribute to public services that benefit the people of Wales. My advice to potential applicants is simple: don’t hesitate to apply and seek help if needed!
Jamie, Head of eDiscovery
From HR to education, Dubai to the creative industries – a varied career of growth and opportunities.
I started my journey with Welsh Government in 2012 at the age of 21, moving from my role as a receptionist at a Health Club. My first position was on the HR Helpdesk, where I handled enquiries over the phone, in person, and by email. This first role opened the door to a really varied career.
Since then, I have worked in Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, the Education Department, and various HR teams, where the organisation funded and supported me to gain my formal HR qualifications. One of the most exciting chapters was a 13-month placement in Dubai, where I worked in International Relations.
Now, I am part of Creative Wales, the economic development agency for the creative sector in Wales. I lead and deliver events, manage sponsorships, and support the marketing and communications team to drive growth in our creative industries. Although I am based in London, the rest of my team is in Cardiff.
Why Welsh Government? The organisation places a lot of emphasis on remote and flexible working, and there is a huge range of career paths and development opportunities available people who are willing to explore and learn. I really like the exposure to different sectors and the opportunity to pursue my own personal interests in work.
When I joined, I expected a more ‘static’ organisation, but I was pleasantly surprised by the dynamic environment, lots of changing objectives and opportunities, including international roles and new departments.
Living and working in Dubai for 13 months, contributing to Welsh Government’s activities at Expo 2020 Dubai, has got to be my career highlight.
My journey proves that you don’t need a degree to have a successful and varied career. I joined with GCSEs and A-levels, and was driven by a willingness to embrace new challenges and seize opportunities. Welsh Government is a fantastic place to explore different sectors and discover your interests. By being proactive and dedicated, you can progress and make the most of the opportunities available. You definitely get out what you put in!
Charlotte, Stakeholder Engagement, Partnership and Events Manager (Creative Wales)
From care home manager to finding my passion in public service.
Back in 2006, I started a new chapter in my career journey by joining Welsh Government. I moved from my role as a manager in a residential care home for young adults with disabilities, I was looking for stability and found an unexpected path in public service. Initially drawn to a specific job in agriculture, I ended up taking a part-time position with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) which started my Welsh Government career.
My journey with the organisation began in Aberystwyth, a starting point that eventually led me to Cardiff in 2018. With my current team spread across Cardiff, Swansea, and Merthyr Tydfil, I’ve experienced the diversity of Wales firsthand, both in roles and locations.
Starting as a Team Support in CIW, my job included arranging interviews for care service providers, managing data, and engaging with stakeholders. I moved around through various positions, from IT support to policy development. Undertaking an internal NVQ Level 4 apprenticeship to secure a promotion opened doors to new opportunities for me and I’m now the Governance and Business Manager for Nation of Sanctuary, focusing on migration and support for sanctuary seekers, particularly Ukrainians. It’s a role that resonates with my passion for making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Why Welsh Government? The flexible working conditions and the wide range of roles available are great, but the main reason I love working here is having the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change, whether that’s through IT support, policy development or direct service to the community.
One of the most rewarding moments of my career was the work I did on housing grants, which helped over 1,000 households, including Ukrainian sanctuary seekers, transition from the streets to suitable accommodation.
If you’re considering a career with Welsh Government, then my advice is simple: give it a try. The organisation is far more diverse than I ever expected, offering plenty of opportunity for personal and professional growth – with the hybrid working arrangement too, there’s no restriction on where you live as long as you can access the internet from home. It’s a supportive environment with a culture and that fosters confidence and development. Welsh Government provides a safe and inclusive space with supportive networks to help you explore and find your niche. Your career can change and develop with you as your values, passions and interests change over time and the organisation definitely supports that.
Szy, Governance and Business Manager (Nation of Sanctuary)
Developing myself in the communications and marketing profession.
Originally from Merthyr Tydfil and now living in Pontypridd, I attended a Welsh language school. I started with the Welsh Government as part of the 2018 apprentice cohort. Prior to this, I had experience in various private sector roles within marketing and law after completing my English degree at Swansea University.
My first position was as a Team Support Officer in the Welsh language team. My main responsibility was to assist with the Cymraeg 2050 campaign. Over time, I progressed to more communications-based activities such as drafting social content and managing web content. The supportive environment of the team was instrumental in helping me gain experience in communications, aligning with my career aspirations.
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I transitioned to the Health, Social Care, and Early Years team on promotion, I have since been promoted again and am now a Digital Communications Manager. In this role, I manage social media channels for the Chief Medical and Chief Nursing officers, as well as the new Teulu Cymru pages. My responsibilities include drafting social content, managing a small team, and video editing. Reconnecting with the Welsh language through my role has been a rewarding experience.
Although my team is based in Cardiff, we primarily work from home, enjoying a great work-life balance. I feel valued in my role within the Welsh Government, and I have had numerous opportunities to use both my English language degree and Welsh speaking skills.
I feel as though I’ve developed both personally and professionally since starting with Welsh Government and I’m grateful for the supportive environment and opportunity to pursue my passion for communications and marketing.
Richard, Digital Communications Manager
