My role as a commercial officer

Kalpana

My background

After leaving school, I went to college which I didn’t enjoy as much.  I started looking for employment and started work as a sales consultant. I still felt I wanted more for my career as this role had limitations attached to it. I saw a civil service vacancy at the HMRC and I decided to apply.  

Being successful at the interview, I worked in many different departments over my 20 years' employment, including debt collector, risk analysis officer, self-assessment officer, digital ambassador and many more roles.  

 Due to an office closure, I moved to another government department for a year dealing with appellants and tribunals. Once again I felt I had more to give, and had gained so much experience and skills in my 20 years at the HMRC. I saw a vacancy at the CPS and decided to apply. I had transferable skills and experience that I knew would add great value to the role and I joined in October 2022. 

My inspiration

Before joining the CPS, I never knew there were so many different departments. I always wanted to explore different departments within the civil service. Joining the CPS commercial team has shown me there’s so much out there. Everyone in the CPS is friendly and supportive.  

My typical day 

I joined the CPS in October 2022, and I truly enjoy working in the commercial team. It is very different to where I have come from, but I have always been up for new challenges and love exploring new things. My role is to support my line manager, in many mini projects, making continuous improvements and making the CPS an even better place to work. I have also had the opportunity to go on court visits to build my knowledge and experience of other areas of the CPS.    

My biggest learning 

I am grateful to the CPS. Despite coming here with no commercial background, I have learnt so much about the commercial team's role in my short time here. 

 I have enrolled and completed many training courses to help me grow within my role. There is career progression and development at the CPS. Staff are so supportive and helpful with giving advice and direction about how to progress in your career. CPS values and diversity have grown to show this and the CPS is always continuing to improve the way everything is delivered.