Ever wondered what it's like to work at one of Greater Manchester's leading tech employers?
Meet Ajoa, Digital Workforce and Capability Programme Delivery Lead at Government Digital & Data.
How did you get into your current role?
Having worked in various roles within the public sector prior to joining the civil service I have always had a passion for wanting to make a difference through my work. When I saw the role being advertised on the Civil Service jobs website and thought it would be something I would enjoy but also play well to my skill set whilst allowing opportunities for me to grow and push myself outside my comfort zone.
What do you enjoy most about working at Government Digital & Data?
I am enthused by the commitment to creating a learning culture within the team and ensuring everyone is able to take advantage of the potential to upskill. I really enjoy the fact that there is a willingness to learn, innovate and improve practice. You are able to clearly see how everyone’s individual experience comes together to shape the work that we do. Moreover, across Government Digital and Data there is a real sense of wanting to make a positive impact and be the best at what we do.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I would say that no two days are the same in my role. My role spans across the whole of the digital workforce and capability portfolio and therefore could range from working on organising a showcase of digital and data work across government, contributing to ministerial papers and commissions or helping to set out our aims and objectives for the new financial year. What is great about Government Digital and Data is the sense of community, as it means as delivery lead/manager (and probably in any role) you never feel alone and have a vast network that I am able to bounce new ideas off of.
Moreover, as a Delivery Lead there is of course also necessity to ensure we have a plan for our portfolio and that we are able to deliver on time and budget. This would probably be what I describe as being the most consistent element of my day.
I am proud to work in a team that values diversity of people and thought and is constantly striving to ensure we are representative of the communities we are working for. Being a part of the Race Champions pillar part of my day to day also includes helping to showcase the work of the Central Digital and Data Office, as the leaders of Government Digital and Data are doing to promote diversity and inclusion as well as our willingness to tackle difficult conversations and topics.
What is it like starting a new job post-pandemic?
I would say I have made a conscious effort to be in the office which has allowed me to better settle into my role, meet new people and get a better understanding of the team. The flexible ways of working with the team have also been very helpful in allowing me to balance working from home and the office.
What excites you the most about the work?
I am really excited about the endless possibilities associated with the work. I am really passionate about being able to be a positive role model for young women wanting to venture into both the civil service and digital and data. I enjoy the fact that working in Government Digital and Data you are able to see the differences the work makes across the public sector. Also the idea that we are really making a difference to public services and helping to transform people’s lives through the use of technology I find really inspiring.
Have you learned anything new since you started?
Since joining the Central Digital and Data Office, I have been able to push myself outside of my comfort zone by presenting at our show and tell sessions and having the opportunity to share my work. Being new to the civil service this has really helped me to grow in confidence and improve on my public speaking skills.
I have also had a chance to further improve my delivery management skills through learning and utilising different tools. I have also been intrigued by the number of AI related initiatives being run by Government Digital and Data.
