Brad tells us about his role as an Administrative Officer in the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER).
Please tell us a little bit about your role.
I work in the People & Strategy Unit on the HR Business Partner Team. A part of my role is to develop and manage the Balance for Success programme which is the health and wellbeing initiatives planned throughout the year which is a key item in our Elevate People Strategy for 2025-27. We choose and facilitate a variety of webinars, events and HR initiatives tailored to our employees needs gathered through feedback surveys and Business Partners relations with our staff. Developing the programme annually is exciting as I get to analyse the research collected from employee’s needs, review recurring themes, and research key speakers which would be of benefit for the staff.
What were your reasons for applying for your role?
I chose a career in HR because I’ve always had a strong belief in equality in the workplace. I'm passionate about ensuring everyone has the same opportunities to succeed in their career. I enjoy helping people reach their potential and supporting them where I can overcome challenges. For me, HR is about creating an environment where people come to work and feel valued, supported, and set up for success. I believe HR has a real opportunity to make a positive difference by helping employees grow, develop, and achieve their career goals.
What do you value most about your job?
Interacting and working with people. The part I love most about HR is that you are dealing with people. You are working to help people exceed at their job, creating environments where all feel welcomed and respected. While we always have the business objectives in mind, HR feels like the gel that combines employee’s needs and business needs to create a thriving organisation. And of course, my team, HR is no walk in the park and only your HR colleagues know some of the queries and cases you deal with and overcome. So as a HR team we are all very sure to be there to support one another.
What are some of the benefits and supports available to you?
I noticed a gap in my knowledge that was impacting my ability to carry out my role effectively, so I applied to complete the Professional Certificate in Recruitment and Resourcing in the Public Service with the IPA. This course proved to be invaluable, providing me with the knowledge and skills needed to perform my role more effectively. The learning gained was directly applicable to my work and played a significant role in supporting my success and development within HR.
What opportunities has this role provided for you?
Working in a central government department has given me a great overview of how the Civil Service operates and supports government. Through my role in HR, I've had the opportunity to work with and get to know colleagues from across the department who are involved in a wide range of different, but equally important, areas of work. This has really highlighted the variety of careers and opportunities available within the Civil Service and given me a broader understanding of the impact of public service work.
What has surprised you since starting this role?
I was surprised by the number of opportunities available in the Civil Service. A career here can take you in many different directions, with plenty of options to grow and develop. Through mobility, you can move between departments to work on projects that interest you, gain new experiences, and build your skills. What makes this particularly attractive is that you can do this while maintaining your continuity of service and salary, something that would often require changing employers entirely in the private sector.
What aspect of the role do you particularly enjoy?
As part of our Elevate People Strategy, my manager and I have developed and implemented a community outreach programme. We work with NCI to provide TY placements and school talks across the North Inner-City Dublin. At the heart of this programme is the People & Strategy team’s mission to drive equality, expand opportunity, and empower young people from DEIS schools and disadvantaged backgrounds. By opening doors and providing meaningful exposure to our work, we are helping to build a more diverse, inclusive, and socially responsible workforce for the future.
Would you recommend a career in the public sector and why?
I would and I do! When I was in growing up and leaving school I never knew of the opportunities the civil service could offer. I never knew a career in the civil was available for everyone. I believed that if I left school and I didn’t want to go to college that I would have to work in a bar or retail store with limited opportunity. I wish I knew then that I could have applied at entry level to the civil service and be exposed to the endless opportunities available.