Lucy

Talent and Development Lead.

Despite describing finding her career in HR as a “complete accident”, Lucy is now a talent and development lead for the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Like so many other HR professionals, my career started by complete accident. After university, where I studied history and politics, I worked in the private sector, including six months in Boston, USA. That’s when I found my passion for learning and development, and I’ve loved it ever since.

I’m motivated by helping others and making a difference. Working in HR provides this daily. Seeing how leaders have developed themselves and their teams based upon the learning you’ve given them is incredibly rewarding.

I’ve always had an interest in the Civil Service and, while considering moving to Wales, saw a leadership development manager role at the ONS. That was in 2018 and I haven’t looked back.

Since joining the ONS, I’ve been involved in many interesting development initiatives and projects. For example, I’ve run numerous away days for senior leadership teams and conducted a company-wide learning needs analysis. I’ve supported all levels of managers in their development journeys and joined several cross-government working groups.

Not only has the ONS provided opportunities to grow professionally through these experiences, but also funded my CIPD Level 7 qualification. I’m now expanding my HR knowledge further by working within the Talent and Performance team.

The work-life balance at the ONS is second to none. I went on maternity leave in 2021 and everyone was so supportive from the minute I announced it. That support hasn’t stopped since I returned either and I’ve decided to come back on compressed hours. While that has its challenges, my managers have been nothing short of supportive, which is invaluable to my family and me.