Hi, I’m James, the Head of ICT Operations for Dorset Council.
I’m wondering what your perception is of working for a council. Are you imagining inflexible working practices? A lack of opportunity to develop and learn?
Councils are changing, and working in Digital, Change and ICT at Dorset Council is a great example of this.
Flexible working
Despite having a senior role at the council, I work remotely and only come to the office when I choose to, or for specific meetings where coming together adds value. This is great for me personally, as it reduces travel time and cost and means I’m able to take my kids to after school clubs for example. I find that I’m more productive working remotely, due to having fewer distractions.
I am also happy for everyone else in ICT to work in the same way, if it works for them. With the exception of a few who are providing on-site support, the majority of roles in ICT can be done from any location, as long as you have a decent broadband connection. So I leave it to individuals and teams to agree how and where they will work, and when they will come together as a team (whether that’s a team meeting or social event, or just having a day in the office together).
I also typically work a compressed week, in usual weeks working between Monday & Thursday, and we have other colleagues who work patterns that suit themselves including one individual who typically starts work at 4 or 5am!
The Council as an employer allows flexibility in other ways too – for example, I volunteer as a governor at my kids’ school and the Council gives me time for this as it contributes to community outcomes.
All this flexibility means the Council is a great employer for people with diverse needs – no matter your context, you could have a future with Dorset Council in delivering great public services.
Learning & development
I’m also an Apprentice!
Apprenticeships have changed. The Council recognises apprenticeships as a great opportunity to develop individuals as part of their role with the council, uses government subsidy to pay for the tuition and qualifications and allows you 20% of your work time towards completing the apprenticeship.
I’m doing a level 7 apprenticeship in leadership – but there are a whole range of apprenticeships from level 3 to 7 which are relevant to careers in ICT, digital and change.
I firmly believe that investing in us as individuals is how we can best help make ‘Dorset, a great place to live, work and visit’. And so, every employee in ICT Operations has access to Pluralsight, a technical training platform. We are starting to use this to assess skill levels and develop learning pathways for job roles and individuals so that you can continually develop your skills and knowledge whilst with us – building your value to the council, and creating new career opportunities for you. We allow individuals a day a month to focus on their technical development – but the tool is also there outside working time to help individuals further their careers.
James Ailward, Head of ICT Operations
