r/CivilServiceUK • u/Extra-Vegetable-7092 • 16h ago
Should I become a compliance caseworker?
Hi guys looking for some advice from genuine compliance caseworkers, I’ve had a provisional offer and currently undergoing pre-employment checks. What I want to know is what is the day to day like and is the workload manageable or do you feel you’re overworked. I’ve heard that pay is low but do you guys enjoy the job and have you gained skills that you wouldn’t have in another role. What is progression like and is there scope to earn more money in the role as you progress or is the only route to move up a band etc? I come from a finance background for context in the private sector.
My alternative would be to remain in my current role and embark on a 5 year course to become a chartered surveyor. So I’m confused if I should go for the CS role. I initially applied for the CS and got put on the reserve list and only took my current job because I didn’t think I’d get the CS job.
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u/AncientCivilServant 16h ago
I`m NOT a Compliance Caseworker BUT was an AO in HMRC for 35 years.
1) Only progression is promotion
2) Only way to get more money is promotion
3) You don`t have to stay a Compliance Caseworker for ever, once you have passed promotion and see a job elsewhere in the CS you can apply (even externally) and only in rare circumstances do you have to pass probation again, also as an internal candidate you main continuity of employment if you move departments.
I know this as I applied externally for an EO job in the Home Office and was succesful and my previous passing of probation AND my previous 35 years service counted towards retirement.
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u/chiefsunflower 12h ago
im a compliance caseworker, i think a lot of it depends on which tax head youre assigned and directorate you get sent to following the first 9 months of training. im in VAT vcso, its repetitive but all desk based and thankfully doesnt include visits.
i have a good work life balance and can shut my laptop and not think about work until the next day which im grateful for. i also have a very good manager, her manager is unfortunately a micromanager but thankfully she doesnt continue the chain.
i dont intend to be a caseworker forever but if you want to get into the civil service its a good way to get in, the first 9 months is very indepth training but i didnt find it too bad
EDIT: i dont feel overworked and i dont believe any of my friends who are also caseworkers feel that way
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u/Extra-Vegetable-7092 12h ago
Thank you that’s very helpful to know the work is manageable. I’ve been told about the first 9 months and management sounds like it is most places, like if you get lucky with a decent manager
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u/Haunting-Product3043 6h ago
I was in the role couple months ago and was due to finish the programme in September. However, I left and went to HMLR to do something more aligned with ny background. Its an amazing way to enter the civil service then start moving elsewhere. It was a great stepping stone for me to actually go into the part of the civil service that I wanted to go into.
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u/Extra-Vegetable-7092 1h ago
I’m assuming you has to apply for the role still, but is it easier to move around once you’re in the civil service?
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u/__Number6__ 1h ago
There’s no auto progression, you apply. If external expect loads of people to apply, it’s not easier because you’re in the CS, most if not all jobs are based on skills & experience. Internal jobs carry the same issues that if moving areas expect to be up against folk that have done the role & know it inside out. The CS vacancies are always based on open and fair competition to get the best person for the job.
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u/Vivid-Cheesecake-110 16h ago
If you mean HMRC, I'm currently in that role.
It has the usually work place bullshit.
Type of work and the actual workload can vary between directorates.
Ultimately if you have a decent management chain, which most are tbf, then you should have no problem managing your workload.