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Testimonials

What our people say about working for Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

Working in tech and data

Working in commercial and operations

Career progression and culture

Workplace support and inclusion

Gemma Dooley, Policy

My role is to provide advice to both internal and external stakeholders on the Agency’s policy on the release of vehicle data, and wider data protection laws. On a daily basis I deal with enquiries from our stakeholders where I have to read and interpret legislation to provide an accurate response about the legal basis for processing personal data.  I use my knowledge to provide guidance to stakeholders on how an individual’s information rights must be handled ensuring DVLA meets its legal obligations. By doing this I protect DVLA’s reputation as a data controller.

Since the introduction of GDPR people are much more aware of their rights and the obligations that data controllers must adhere to. This has made Data Protection Policy a really topical and interesting area to work in. I regularly deal with a wide range of communications from key stakeholders, the media and the public, providing briefings for higher managers and ministers, and answering ministerial correspondence about all things data protection.

I really enjoy the variety of my work – one minute I’ll be looking at the impact that a data sharing request could have on the Agency, another time I’ll be looking into a media story about the number of requests that have been made for DVLA data. It can be a challenging area to work in, but very rewarding at the same time.

My managers are genuinely supportive of my personal professional development plan and the Department offers many opportunities for training, allowing development of soft skills. I have had the opportunity to study towards professional qualifications, recently gaining a Data Protection Practitioner qualification from BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. I am also due to attend the Franklin Covey 7 habits of highly effective people training course.

I enjoy the flexibility in working patterns supported in the Department, which makes it easier to balance my life with my work. 

Sarah Hayward, Digital

As a Cloud Engineer, I get the opportunity to influence and change the way DVLA design and build their core infrastructure in the Cloud.

In 2016, DVLA implemented a reorganisation of its IT services and I was given the opportunity to move into the Cloud Engineering team. It was a big move for me as I had been in my previous role for nearly 10 years and my exposure to the technology had been limited to training courses. This is the best career move I have made. I am working with cutting-edge applications in a rapidly changing environment, using my coding skills to solve infrastructure problems and create an automated, pipeline-driven immutable platform. And, I’m having fun doing it!

My career in IT at DVLA has given me multiple opportunities for personal development, learning new engineering technologies, progressing from physical hardware right the way through Hyperconverged Infrastructure to ‘serverless’ deployments to the Cloud. It has been a fascinating journey and one I wouldn’t have missed for the world.

Laura Peek, Digital

I love working for the DVLA. I am a people person and this motivates me to want to make a difference. I started off as an advisor in the Contact Centre but have had the opportunity to develop my skills and am now pursuing an IT related career on the DVLA Service Desk team. I am currently a Service Desk Analyst and my day to day role is resetting passwords and dealing with incidents raised by our internal Users. This could be minor incidents or major incidents.

As a mother to a 10 year old DVLA offers a healthy work life balance. My team are really supportive and knowledgeable. Everyone is always happy to help whatever issue and I’m proud to be working with such amazing people.

Lila Newton Francis, Commercial

I’ve worked in the Commercial Directorate for the last 7 years and am currently Category Lead within the Telephony and Infrastructure space at DVLA.

I’m a definite mixed bag of cultures!

I was born in Scotland, but class myself as Welsh.  I have English, Korean, Scottish and Welsh roots!  I’m a busy mum of an 8 year old daughter Olivia and live with my partner Philip and my cat in Swansea. 

A typical day involves leading a team of 13, setting procurement strategies, advising stakeholders and speaking with suppliers.

My job is exciting has it can be so fast paced, one minute I could be looking to buy new exciting software like Robotic automation and the next I’m looking to help provide new telephony kit in order to help the impact of COVID-19. 

My day is never the same and is so rewarding knowing the impact we have can help provide savings for the tax payer and better customer service for our customers.

As I work in a digital environment working with over 700 IT professionals, I have the opportunity of expanding my knowledge of learning about the I.T environment that enables me to grow as a category manager, and to provide the best commercial advice and source the best products that are available in the market place.

I also love Working with Arm’s Length Bodies across the DfT family to share best practice and to collaboratively work together to always enhance what we do.

By having a supportive management team I have been able to progress my career by having 3 promotions during the last 7 years. Having the use of flexible working hours allowed me to have the home life balance as a busy mum as well as undertaking my CIPS qualification at the same time. 

The department is a great place to be if you’re interested in developing, with plenty of opportunities to become a specialist and to grow, plus the chance to complete the CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) qualification. Thanks to the support of the directorate, and after five years of hard-work, I’m now a fully qualified MCIPS. 

We also have mentoring programme which is so rewarding having been able to work with my Commercial Director has been an invaluable experience.

I have also been involved with our internal “CLASS” programme which allows me to collaborate with other member of my directorate that I may not usually work with.  These extra experiences have allowed me to adopt extra skills outside of my daily work and build my confidence.

As a department we have recently won numerous GO Awards. I feel very proud to have contributed to the department and work with the people I do.

Charlotte Williams, Commercial

I joined DVLA in 2010 working for the Customer Contact Centre and moved to an HR role with the DfT Advice Service in 2012.  Seeking a new challenge I joined Commercial Directorate (CD) in November 2016 as a Lead Commercial Advisor. Procurement was a new environment for me and I was quickly made to feel welcome and supported by my fellow colleagues.

During my time in CD I have had the opportunity to work in three different categories and whilst each has presented its own challenges all have been rewarding experiences. My first role was with the IT procurement team, dealing with a high profile technology refresh. This opportunity was a great way to start as I was quickly introduced into the fast-paced world of IT procurement. With the help of my team I was able to learn on the job and could shadow colleagues until I was comfortable with the procedures.

Following this I spent 12 months with the Print, Office and Mail category, where I worked on a variety of different procurements for all areas of DVLA. Working with the different business areas allowed me to understand their diverse needs and taught me how to help shape a fit for purpose requirement.

I am currently a Category Lead in the Outsourcing Contracts team dealing with some of DVLA’s largest supply contracts. I have had the opportunity to be part of several interesting projects, the most high profile of which involved working in cross-party groups in the Agency and also DfT.  No one day is the same in CD, but typically it could include working with a business area on how to write a requirement for a service, reviewing procurement plans to ensure they adhere to internal governance and meeting with suppliers to negotiate variations to existing contracts. My role is varied and interesting and I have an excellent team around me, supporting each other with any challenges that the job presents.

CD encourages and promotes continuous professional development, supporting its staff to progress their careers.  I gained promotion to a senior role a year ago with the support and guidance of my manager, who ensured I had opportunities that would prepare for my current role. As a part time member of staff I have always been keen to create a work life balance while actively developing and progressing my career, and CD has fully supported this. I was encouraged to complete my Level 4 CIPS training and will shortly commence Level 5. As part of my learning, study time is allocated. It’s refreshing to know that CD is committed to developing its staff to become the best they can be.

Mathew Nesling, Estates Management Group

I joined DVLA a year ago as an Estates Services Manager. My primary role being to co-ordinate and carry out regular monitoring and auditing of the services provided by our contracted service partners and in-house teams. One of the things I really enjoy is that no two days are the same and each one offers a new learning or development opportunity.

The relationships I have made here already have been hugely influential. I work with a great team that supports each other to help achieve common goals and I feel like I am making a difference. I enjoy seeing projects through from start to finish and to know that the work I do is making a difference – and that is truly rewarding.

On one of my first few days I was told ‘every day is a learning day’ and this absolutely still stands. I have a management background, but facilities management was a new field for me. DVLA has invested in my development through the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM). The work I’ve been doing on the IWFM course has been eye-opening and being able to implement what I’ve learned at work has been great for my ongoing development.

Within my first year, I feel I’m more of a well-rounded individual, able to handle difficult situations better and excited to continue learning. The DVLA is a great place for opportunity and progression for anyone who is willing to apply themselves.

Kat Croom, Operational and Customer Service Directorate

I joined DVLA in September 2020 as an Administrative Assistant and I’m currently working as an Administrative Officer in the First Registrations department. My role consists of processing applications to register, licence, and assign registration numbers to vehicles that have been imported into the country from overseas.

My role requires me to utilise several systems and tools to assess applications and update records. I also correspond with DVLA customers and assist them with their applications. An exciting aspect to the role is that it’s incredibly varied, the applications we receive are for a diverse range of vehicles from all over the world.

During my time at DVLA I have gained confidence through developing my skills in decision making, problem solving and using complex systems.

I would highly recommend working at DVLA. There’s a large variety of positions available throughout the agency that will appeal to everyone. DVLA promote a culture of learning and provide opportunities for staff to enhance their skills and develop themselves. My teammates, team leaders and the support structure that surrounds us, makes DVLA a positive environment to work in.

Working at DVLA is challenging, rewarding, and engaging – It’s a fast-paced, friendly environment that’s motivating and fun.

Joshua Caulton, Estates Management Group

I’ve worked at DVLA for just over 3 years. I actively wanted to join DVLA as I felt the size of the organisation would offer more opportunities for career progression and learning from other teams and areas.

My days are varied which makes my role so interesting. I’m responsible for ensuring we remain compliant with environmental legislation and that we retain our ISO14001 certification. As part of that, I work closely with our facilities service partners to audit our compliance and look for solutions on sustainability or environmental concerns that staff may have. The diversity of my role keeps it engaging and allows me to spend time focusing on issues and topics that I am passionate about.

I feel lucky that I get to work in a profession where so many others are passionate about the organisation. Working with colleagues who want to see positive change is something I look forward to as well as seeing the benefits of changes I have helped to deliver. I work with a really supportive and friendly group of people who are working towards similar goals and ambitions. This helps to foster a positive working environment and genuine camaraderie. I have learned a huge amount since joining – not only through formal training opportunities, but also by working alongside colleagues with different responsibilities.

DVLA is a professional and supportive employer which offers an ever-changing, yet enjoyable place to work. The work life balance allows me to be a productive team member and spend quality time with my young family – I’d encourage any friend to apply to work at the DVLA. 

Kevin Jones, Operational and Customer Service Directorate

My role as an Administration Assistant at DVLA involves processing applications for first driving licences, renewals or exchanges that cannot be processed automatically online. I have worked at DVLA for 3 months and was inspired to start a career at the agency based on the employment security and career advancement opportunities it offers.

My typical working day includes processing a range of driving licence applications, such as applications for a change of name on a licence and applications that include UK or Non-UK ID. It’s a varied role where each day brings unique challenges and my knowledge is constantly expanding as a result.

I would advise anyone who is considering working at DVLA to apply. It is an exciting, professional environment with a friendly and supportive workforce. DVLA also offers plenty of career development opportunities, giving people a chance to enhance their skills and experience different areas of the business.   

Oliver Hughes, Commercial

I started my career in Commercial Directorate in 2014. I joined the Data Contracts Team, where I had the responsibility of drafting commercial documentation, data sharing contracts and cross government Memoranda of Understanding, ensuring compliance with DVLA’s Data Sharing Strategy and Data Protection Laws.  I also represented Commercial Directorate at DVLA’s Data Sharing Clearance Panels, providing professional commercial advice and guidance on new data sharing initiatives.  Whilst the role was challenging, every day was different which made me adapt, learn and grow. With ongoing encouragement from my line manager, I was successful at EO, HEO and SEO recruitment campaigns, and I have continued building on my career in the Directorate.

Commercial Directorate is a great place to work with continuous development at the forefront, and staff encouraged to create and maintain a Personal Development Plan. I regularly review my progress in 1-2-1 discussions with my manager. After expressing my desire to increase my procurement knowledge, I was fortunate enough gain a level move to the IT Category. My role entailed procuring IT-related goods and services through government frameworks, assisting IT colleagues deliver digital projects such as the Trailer Registration Service. This role provided me with the skill set required to further develop and obtain CIPS level 4 accreditation, which was a tremendous achievement.

I recently completed a secondment with the Department for Transport (DfT), where I was responsible for procuring IT-related goods and services for DfT’s Digital Services. I assisted in the delivery of strategic services such as the Bus Open Data and Street Manager Service, where I procured technical expertise to design, shape and implement these services. This opportunity enabled me to build on my contract and stakeholder management skills which were influential in my last promotion to Procurement Process Lead.  

The Commercial Directorate has a range of development opportunities such as Procurement Knowledge Sessions, Mentoring, 1-2-1 coaching, additional learning/training and sponsorship to obtain CIPS accreditation.

I will shortly be starting my next development journey undertaking level 5/6 CIPS. This will enable me to obtain the professional MCIPS procurement qualification, which is a widely recognised Commercial accreditation.

I am keen to progress within my current role and have the full support and guidance from my senior managers. I thoroughly enjoy my job and being part of this Directorate. It’s a fantastic place to work with excellent career prospects.

Craig Lewis, Estates Management Group

I joined DVLA in April 2021, looking for new challenges and opportunities within my chosen profession. Until then, my career had been in the private sector, which would often see me working alongside government agencies. And by joining during the COVID-19 pandemic, it gave me many unprecedented challenges and opportunities that have already helped broaden and my professional career development.

DVLA is a fast-paced organisation set within an ever-evolving environment. My goal is to ensure that we are resilient – so that we can maintain our critical customer-facing services and are prepared should a disruptive incident happen.

Every day is different – it can vary from working with local teams to gather business information, to developing business continuity plans that will protect our services and reputation. In a business continuity role you need to understand how every business area ticks and I always look forward to learning something new from the people around me and across the organisation.

DVLA invests in the development of its staff and there are many opportunities to learn something new and diversify into other roles – it’s a place where your knowledge and expertise are valued. I feel we as a team make a difference.

Communication and Engagement Manager

I’ve always enjoyed working closely with people and engagement is such an important part of our working lives, therefore I feel passionately about engaging our staff. Being in HR has allowed me to expand my knowledge and understand the agency’s objectives on a larger scale, helping me see the bigger picture.

Due to my role being a central position for the area, each day can look very different depending on my priorities and the demands from stakeholders. I meet with my team in the morning and run through our priorities for the week. I make sure that my team are supported, responding to any queries or concerns that they have. I meet regularly with my stakeholders and review plans for communications, campaigns, engagement activities and attraction events.

I have worked in DVLA for 7 years. Every area is different and offers something for everyone. I feel proud to be part of the agency and especially a part of the HR family. I would recommend working for DVLA, there’s so many opportunities!

Talent and Learning Consultant

What I love most about this role is that there is no typical day, each day is different. For example, my day could vary from a meeting with the Organisation Talent and Learning team and the business consultants, to delivering a presentation on an upcoming talent development programme. This type of work is very important as it creates great learning opportunities for staff.

I often meet with my Department for Transport (DfT) colleagues, to discuss professions and share best practice in our approaches to deliver career pathways for our respective workforces. I really enjoy this type of work as it offers great networking opportunities and also encourages continuous improvement of our processes, providing fresh perspectives on my project areas.

I’m grateful to have a role which allows me to meet new people and work with various stakeholders every day.

Organisational Design and Development lead

There are so many aspects to get involved with on the Organisational Design and Development team, through the various key stages of a project from discovery, design, to delivery. I enjoy looking at organisational trends and emerging themes of work which we can investigate as a team.

I support the success of the organisation strategy and future design by taking an overseer role in bringing all parts of the organisation together, making sure the organisation can operate at its best. It involves looking at structures, systems, policies, and elements of the organisation such as culture, values, behaviours, and relationships. I look at how these elements relate and combine into an integrated system, assessing processes and areas that require improving.

I’ve built trusted relationships with stakeholders across the business. Seeing small changes adding up to big results is a rewarding part of the role.

Mark Thomas, DVLA

I have dyslexia which can affect the way I work. DVLA offer adjustments to support me complete daily tasks such as providing supportive software, with tools including Read Aloud, Dictate and Immersive Reader. These make text easier to read by breaking up the words and displaying them against a contrasting background colour. Having these tools suppress the anxiety and frustration I feel and enable me to process information better.

Nothing has held me back at DVLA, I have an amazing team around me who are always there to support.” 

Lisa Gray, DVLA

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) during my first year at DVLA and was worried I wouldn’t be able to continue working full time. DVLA’s support has helped me to adapt and overcome every challenge faced in the workplace. I’ve always felt comfortable and supported when having open conversations with my manager. I also have a Workplace Adjustment Passport which documents my agreed adjustments, such as a specialist mouse, flexible working and micro breaks, all of which significantly help me. After 12 years and 3 promotions, I am very happy and proud to still be part of DVLA.

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