GCS apprentice revisited: Jatin Nayi
Since joining the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) in October 2020, I’ve been able to explore my passion for digital and written content with placements in both the Digital and Internal Communications Teams.
During the pandemic, I ran a social media campaign to promote local prison initiatives to reassure staff and prisoners’ friends and families that wellbeing is at the forefront of our plans. I created content to highlight the great work of staff and prisoners who produced approved grade scrubs for the NHS, visits from Prison Governor’s dogs and in-cell packs for prisoners to keep their minds occupied. This was a great opportunity to showcase the innovative ways our staff are helping prisoners maintain family ties and supporting their wellbeing.
More recently, I’ve co-led the delivery of various events, including the MoJ staff awards, with over 150 staff, and MoJ’s senior leadership team, including the Permanent Secretary. This involved collaborating with a range of internal and external stakeholders to coordinate event logistics on the day, and prior to the event. I also implemented a comms campaign for an award which was voted for by staff and assisted with briefings for senior leaders and award hosts. The ceremony took place at Lancaster House, a stunning location featured in the Netflix programme ‘The Crown’. The valuable experience assisted me in earning a Distinction!
How has the GCS Apprenticeship helped you to get to where you are today?
Since then, I’ve been involved in delivering key events with the Deputy Prime Minister, the Permanent Secretary and the Executive Committee – an excellent example of senior exposure I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise!
The Level 4 PR and Communications apprenticeship has exposed me to a variety of amazing opportunities and provided me with an array of skills, but the most valuable aspect of the entire experience so far has to be mixing with people from right across the department, whether that be in our prison service, our courts, and those in Legal Aid. I work with people to increase awareness of the various roles in the Justice System through case studies for our intranet and other communications channels. The challenge of a busy working day in comms is made even more worthwhile when I meet people from all walks of life.
It’s been great to grow and develop from someone with very little knowledge about government communications to being a confident Communications Officer at the MoJ. My line manager and the wider team have been instrumental in ensuring I had varied opportunities and projects to get involved in to develop my government communication skillset, as well as supporting my personal career development.
What would you say to anyone considering the GCS Apprenticeship?
Choosing an apprenticeship can often be daunting, but it is by far the best opportunity for anyone to get into the Civil Service. It is so helpful to understand central government functions and to learn how everything works. I really enjoyed the challenge of my apprenticeship and feel proud to have seized the opportunity for a permanent role at the MoJ. If you’re eligible, don’t hesitate to apply!
If you are encouraged to apply for the GCS Apprenticeship, you can find out if you are eligible here and apply on the Civil Service jobs website.