Davy Cowie

Organisation: Civil Service

Length of secondment:  March 2021 to September 2021

Role before secondment: Civil Service Fast Stream

Role at Movement to Work: Team Coordinator

Role after secondment: Senior Policy Advisor

Why did you opt for a secondment at Movement to Work?

A role outside the civil service allowed me to develop skills, experience and ways of working which I could bring back and integrate into my work within the civil service upon my return. 

Movement to Work provides an excellent opportunity to help others to get a foot on the career ladder and make a vital start in life. It is incredible to see the journeys people take following help from the Movement.

What was the best thing about your secondment?

The team. Far from the enormity of the Civil Service MTW is a small organisation with a limited budget, each decision taken is key to the future of the people served and success is achieved by working with the small but hard-working team around you.

What were some of the key learnings you took away personally and professionally following your secondment?

I learned to assess the value in each thing I was doing. As a result, I have been able to really question and push back on superfluous and non-beneficial asks in my new role.

Why should employers consider seconding team members to Movement to Work?

For me, the limited length of the posting meant I had to push myself to achieve my goals and this was mirrored by those around me who were also on secondment. The resulting experience is one of development and equips colleagues to operate amongst adversity with confidence.

If you could sum up the purpose and mission of Movement to Work in your own words and what it means to you, what would you say?

Movement to Work is about breaking down barriers for disadvantaged young people and can make the difference between someone going on to have a successful career or becoming disassociated with work.  Equally, it gives employers the opportunity to shape talent streams from the bottom up.

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