Working for county council - opinions?
Discussion
An unexpected opportunity has opened up with the county council in their digital department. It's a relatively blended role covering public facing digital services to those that get used in the back office.
Salary and pension it's a few % off the equivalent Civil Service role but for me that's off-set by being based in my home town meaning the commute would be a 15 min walk taking taking in my favourite coffee shop.
I'm driven by delivering impactful work to citizens so this is appealing although I would prefer the salary to be higher.
Thought are welcome, particularly comparisons with other public sectors orgs.
Salary and pension it's a few % off the equivalent Civil Service role but for me that's off-set by being based in my home town meaning the commute would be a 15 min walk taking taking in my favourite coffee shop.
I'm driven by delivering impactful work to citizens so this is appealing although I would prefer the salary to be higher.
Thought are welcome, particularly comparisons with other public sectors orgs.
I've never worked for a public sector institution but all my clients are public sector and have been for 25 year. I'm a framework supplier to two County Councils so have a good insight into how they work.
County Councils are very different to District or Borough Councils - much more 'professional' and more aligned to corporate organisations.
The key beneficial differences are that you will receive much more support, treated with respect and have proper scope for growth and promotion. As you say, you'll be involved in meaningful work that makes a positive difference to society. There's also something that's going to sound wrong but bear with me..... you don't need to do your best work or be on your 'A' game 100% of the time. That doesn't mean you can be lapse or door poor work but most of the time, it's about doing the best second rate job you can. Going the extra mile is seldom necessary or recognised and you won't get paid any more for it.
Downsides: They are necessarily process-driven institutions which can be infuriating at times. You can quickly become institutionalised because the benefits and conditions are seldom found in the private sector meaning there's always a reluctance to jump back to that side of things. If you're one of those people who push back on the woke-agenda, you may find life there a little tiring.
But, they're all different. I've worked with some truly brilliant County Councils that operate more like a leading tech-firm and also others that are the opposite, though the latter are rare.
HTH
County Councils are very different to District or Borough Councils - much more 'professional' and more aligned to corporate organisations.
The key beneficial differences are that you will receive much more support, treated with respect and have proper scope for growth and promotion. As you say, you'll be involved in meaningful work that makes a positive difference to society. There's also something that's going to sound wrong but bear with me..... you don't need to do your best work or be on your 'A' game 100% of the time. That doesn't mean you can be lapse or door poor work but most of the time, it's about doing the best second rate job you can. Going the extra mile is seldom necessary or recognised and you won't get paid any more for it.
Downsides: They are necessarily process-driven institutions which can be infuriating at times. You can quickly become institutionalised because the benefits and conditions are seldom found in the private sector meaning there's always a reluctance to jump back to that side of things. If you're one of those people who push back on the woke-agenda, you may find life there a little tiring.
But, they're all different. I've worked with some truly brilliant County Councils that operate more like a leading tech-firm and also others that are the opposite, though the latter are rare.
HTH
A big frustration of council staff are the elected members.
There can be a big difference between working at a member led authority Vs an officer led authority. Most are becoming member led. This means the councillors have the final say on everything. And most councillors don't have a clue about whatever portfolio they've been given.
The officers (staff) are the experts in what they do and can recommend a certain course of action, only for a Cllr to disagree and tell them to do something different. Cllrs should set policy and stay out of delivery, but they love to get involved for the publicity.
There can be a big difference between working at a member led authority Vs an officer led authority. Most are becoming member led. This means the councillors have the final say on everything. And most councillors don't have a clue about whatever portfolio they've been given.
The officers (staff) are the experts in what they do and can recommend a certain course of action, only for a Cllr to disagree and tell them to do something different. Cllrs should set policy and stay out of delivery, but they love to get involved for the publicity.
xx99xx said:
A big frustration of council staff are the elected members.
There can be a big difference between working at a member led authority Vs an officer led authority. Most are becoming member led. This means the councillors have the final say on everything. And most councillors don't have a clue about whatever portfolio they've been given.
The officers (staff) are the experts in what they do and can recommend a certain course of action, only for a Cllr to disagree and tell them to do something different. Cllrs should set policy and stay out of delivery, but they love to get involved for the publicity.
This is a very good point.There can be a big difference between working at a member led authority Vs an officer led authority. Most are becoming member led. This means the councillors have the final say on everything. And most councillors don't have a clue about whatever portfolio they've been given.
The officers (staff) are the experts in what they do and can recommend a certain course of action, only for a Cllr to disagree and tell them to do something different. Cllrs should set policy and stay out of delivery, but they love to get involved for the publicity.
I have encountered Members in charge of the Environment Portfolio who publicly deride things like recycling!! It can be incredibly frustrating. And at County level, they can exert more influence than at District levels.
Not all are alike and I have worked with some truly brilliant Members but it's the variability in this that's the issue.
Depends which one. Locally I hear good things about North Yorks CC, but that is mostly people who are out in the field, with many days in the dales as part of their commute, lovely locations to stop for lunch and the opportunity to end the day with a walk in some very nice scenery...
Think a lot depends on which one. Some better than others.
I work for a large council. Nice place to work, flexible hours, most departments seem to mostly WFH. Our offices are deserted 2-3 days a week.
What keeps me there is the employer contribution rate pension, far higher than anywhere else (other than civil service). Think that was always historically seen as the trade off, slightly lower salary but job security and a decent pension. Not sure if that still works these days.
Overall I like it, but there can be downsides too. There is a lot of hmm, well we've always done it like that when you suggest changing something, low performers are basically immune from being got rid of, a few people who really can't be arsed and are just holding out for their pension and projects that would be quick in the private sector can move glacially slow.
I work for a large council. Nice place to work, flexible hours, most departments seem to mostly WFH. Our offices are deserted 2-3 days a week.
What keeps me there is the employer contribution rate pension, far higher than anywhere else (other than civil service). Think that was always historically seen as the trade off, slightly lower salary but job security and a decent pension. Not sure if that still works these days.
Overall I like it, but there can be downsides too. There is a lot of hmm, well we've always done it like that when you suggest changing something, low performers are basically immune from being got rid of, a few people who really can't be arsed and are just holding out for their pension and projects that would be quick in the private sector can move glacially slow.
Edited by Rhubarb19 on Saturday 8th March 10:55
TheFungle said:
An unexpected opportunity has opened up with the county council in their digital department. It's a relatively blended role covering public facing digital services to those that get used in the back office.
Salary and pension it's a few % off the equivalent Civil Service role but for me that's off-set by being based in my home town meaning the commute would be a 15 min walk taking taking in my favourite coffee shop.
I'm driven by delivering impactful work to citizens so this is appealing although I would prefer the salary to be higher.
Thought are welcome, particularly comparisons with other public sectors orgs.
Councils are mostly staffed with clueless lazy low IQ people who only got the job because they ticked all 10 diversity and equality boxes. If you have pink or blue hair and want people to call you by pronouns then that's probably you and you'll get the job without even trying. If you are a normal person with intelligence then working there will frustrate the hell out of you as you'll be the only person actually doing any work and everyone else will hate you for showing them up for being the incompetent deadwood that they are.Salary and pension it's a few % off the equivalent Civil Service role but for me that's off-set by being based in my home town meaning the commute would be a 15 min walk taking taking in my favourite coffee shop.
I'm driven by delivering impactful work to citizens so this is appealing although I would prefer the salary to be higher.
Thought are welcome, particularly comparisons with other public sectors orgs.
Tisy said:
TheFungle said:
An unexpected opportunity has opened up with the county council in their digital department. It's a relatively blended role covering public facing digital services to those that get used in the back office.
Salary and pension it's a few % off the equivalent Civil Service role but for me that's off-set by being based in my home town meaning the commute would be a 15 min walk taking taking in my favourite coffee shop.
I'm driven by delivering impactful work to citizens so this is appealing although I would prefer the salary to be higher.
Thought are welcome, particularly comparisons with other public sectors orgs.
Councils are mostly staffed with clueless lazy low IQ people who only got the job because they ticked all 10 diversity and equality boxes. If you have pink or blue hair and want people to call you by pronouns then that's probably you and you'll get the job without even trying. If you are a normal person with intelligence then working there will frustrate the hell out of you as you'll be the only person actually doing any work and everyone else will hate you for showing them up for being the incompetent deadwood that they are.Salary and pension it's a few % off the equivalent Civil Service role but for me that's off-set by being based in my home town meaning the commute would be a 15 min walk taking taking in my favourite coffee shop.
I'm driven by delivering impactful work to citizens so this is appealing although I would prefer the salary to be higher.
Thought are welcome, particularly comparisons with other public sectors orgs.
Anyway, congratulations on being the first to respond in such a manner, it took a good few days longer than I expected.
Tisy said:
Councils are mostly staffed with clueless lazy low IQ people who only got the job because they ticked all 10 diversity and equality boxes. If you have pink or blue hair and want people to call you by pronouns then that's probably you and you'll get the job without even trying. If you are a normal person with intelligence then working there will frustrate the hell out of you as you'll be the only person actually doing any work and everyone else will hate you for showing them up for being the incompetent deadwood that they are.
Depends. There are very well trained and smart people who work for the council. Librarians, environmental health, etc are all laudable jobs that need doing. 
2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
TheFungle said:
meaning the commute would be a 15 min walk taking taking in my favourite coffee shop.
That in itself is worth a few thousand I would have thought!TheFungle said:
Tisy said:
TheFungle said:
An unexpected opportunity has opened up with the county council in their digital department. It's a relatively blended role covering public facing digital services to those that get used in the back office.
Salary and pension it's a few % off the equivalent Civil Service role but for me that's off-set by being based in my home town meaning the commute would be a 15 min walk taking taking in my favourite coffee shop.
I'm driven by delivering impactful work to citizens so this is appealing although I would prefer the salary to be higher.
Thought are welcome, particularly comparisons with other public sectors orgs.
Councils are mostly staffed with clueless lazy low IQ people who only got the job because they ticked all 10 diversity and equality boxes. If you have pink or blue hair and want people to call you by pronouns then that's probably you and you'll get the job without even trying. If you are a normal person with intelligence then working there will frustrate the hell out of you as you'll be the only person actually doing any work and everyone else will hate you for showing them up for being the incompetent deadwood that they are.Salary and pension it's a few % off the equivalent Civil Service role but for me that's off-set by being based in my home town meaning the commute would be a 15 min walk taking taking in my favourite coffee shop.
I'm driven by delivering impactful work to citizens so this is appealing although I would prefer the salary to be higher.
Thought are welcome, particularly comparisons with other public sectors orgs.
Anyway, congratulations on being the first to respond in such a manner, it took a good few days longer than I expected.
t, who are utterly clueless to some of the highly skilled and highly motivated staff. There are great many important and challenging roles staffed by incredibly hard working people inspired to contribute to society and do a good job.TheFungle said:
An unexpected opportunity has opened up with the county council in their digital department. It's a relatively blended role covering public facing digital services to those that get used in the back office.
Salary and pension it's a few % off the equivalent Civil Service role but for me that's off-set by being based in my home town meaning the commute would be a 15 min walk taking taking in my favourite coffee shop.
I'm driven by delivering impactful work to citizens so this is appealing although I would prefer the salary to be higher.
Thought are welcome, particularly comparisons with other public sectors orgs.
Sounds interesting, the only drawback may be pace of change - IT solutions develop quickly and councils are not in the best position to adopt new tech without a lot of justification and hoops to jump through. It's a challenge to deliver effective digital services on older equipment. I'd never see a horrendous commute + more money as something that was a positive to your life.Salary and pension it's a few % off the equivalent Civil Service role but for me that's off-set by being based in my home town meaning the commute would be a 15 min walk taking taking in my favourite coffee shop.
I'm driven by delivering impactful work to citizens so this is appealing although I would prefer the salary to be higher.
Thought are welcome, particularly comparisons with other public sectors orgs.
Silvanus said:
Whenever public sector jobs are mentioned a certain group of people swarm like flies around st, who are utterly clueless to some of the highly skilled and highly motivated staff. There are great many important and challenging roles staffed by incredibly hard working people inspired to contribute to society and do a good job.
I've worked for one for 6 years before I finally saw the light. I know exactly the sort of people who are preferred and it isn't those with experience or who are adept at the job. The jobs are aimed at leftist types whose number one priority is diversity and equality. Actual experience and competency at the role is a distant second place. The jobs attract the people who are lazy/useless and couldn't make it in the private sector where a comparable role typically pays at least 20% more.t, who are utterly clueless to some of the highly skilled and highly motivated staff. There are great many important and challenging roles staffed by incredibly hard working people inspired to contribute to society and do a good job.What SteveB said in his 4th paragraph and the post after it by xx99 are spot on - that's the reality.
All the warning signs are right there on the application form where 80% of it are questions about your opinions on diversity, equality and people with disabilities and nothing to do with the actual job. You get grilled on all the same stuff at your interviews too, hence my crass comments on you being hired for your blue/pink hair and diversity credentials, not your actual experience and competence at the role, because it's true.
2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
TheFungle said:
meaning the commute would be a 15 min walk taking taking in my favourite coffee shop.
That in itself is worth a few thousand I would have thought!Are you aware of "Local Government Reform" which means all two tier authorities (i.e. Counties with smaller district councils) must transform into unitary authorities by April 2028 (some by April 2027).
This essentially means amalgamating numerous back office roles. Hence this job will be for 3 years max, then you will reapply if lucky, redundant if worse, I don't believe TUPE will apply.
This essentially means amalgamating numerous back office roles. Hence this job will be for 3 years max, then you will reapply if lucky, redundant if worse, I don't believe TUPE will apply.
I've worked for County Councils.
I've not worked for civil service but have dealt with a lot of them
My general feel is CS are a lot more restrained/formal in how they operate so CC should be nicer to work at.
Some CC re going through very tough times - one recently offered all of their staff the chance to leave and another has just put in a 'no spend' policy until April. Unfortunately this can create a bad atmosphere as you never feel like things are 'normal'.
As above, it is likely all CC in England will be done away with by 2028 (if not already one layer of council)
I've not worked for civil service but have dealt with a lot of them
My general feel is CS are a lot more restrained/formal in how they operate so CC should be nicer to work at.
Some CC re going through very tough times - one recently offered all of their staff the chance to leave and another has just put in a 'no spend' policy until April. Unfortunately this can create a bad atmosphere as you never feel like things are 'normal'.
As above, it is likely all CC in England will be done away with by 2028 (if not already one layer of council)
SmithCorona said:
Are you aware of "Local Government Reform" which means all two tier authorities (i.e. Counties with smaller district councils) must transform into unitary authorities by April 2028 (some by April 2027).
This essentially means amalgamating numerous back office roles. Hence this job will be for 3 years max, then you will reapply if lucky, redundant if worse, I don't believe TUPE will apply.
Broadly, yes but I'm also on a serious learning curve. This essentially means amalgamating numerous back office roles. Hence this job will be for 3 years max, then you will reapply if lucky, redundant if worse, I don't believe TUPE will apply.
I believe 'my' council has gone through the process and is now classed as a single UA.
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