“It’s very family friendly”

Ruth Elder, 36, has been working as deputy head of finance technology in HM Treasury, Darlington since November

“One thing that I’ve been pleasantly surprised by is how supportive and inclusive the Civil Service is. Being a working mum to Henry, six, and four-year-old Harriet, I think it’s really important to have some flexibility and bring your whole self to work. It’s very family friendly.

“I work 32 hours over a fourday week. My managers were very supportive of my request to work Monday to Thursday. My little girl has some significant health issues, so having that flexibility is so important to me.

“Tech is usually male dominated in the private sector, but it’s been a refreshing surprise to find that the balance is much better in the Civil Service. Two female staff above me also do a four-day week, so there’s the opportunity to look at that career trajectory. “Here in the government finance function there’s a good gender balance, lots of diversity and different skill sets that people bring to the team. I think it definitely reflects the people in the country we serve, which is exactly what it should do.

“The civil service is very good at looking at people’s transferable skills rather than overlooking you if you haven’t worked in the same job before. For me, I like doing a role that adds value in society and I’ll hopefully have a career where I can succeed and get promoted. As a working mother, that’s absolutely possible here. “Training opportunities are a real strong point, too – from courses to mentoring.

“I work hard, but I like having the balance and flexibility. That’s worth more to me than pound notes would be.

“The Civil Service is a unique organisation and you get to be involved in things that make a difference to people around the country. It’s really quite special.”