Unlocking HEO & SEO talent: what it takes to make the grade

Unlocking HEO & SEO talent: what it takes to make the grade

Tuesday 18th March | In partnership with FDA

Unlocking HEO & SEO Talent is a unique event aimed at providing you with practical support and guidance to advance your career into HEO (Higher Executive Officer) and SEO (Senior Executive Officer) roles.  With fewer roles available and more competition at every grade this event is tailored to address two key questions:

• How can I enhance my chances of securing a HEO or SEO position?
• How do I successfully navigate the challenges of these roles once I am there?

Why Attend?

Attending this conference offers numerous benefits, including the chance to:

• Learn from experienced civil servants and trainers who have guided civil servants into HEO/SEO and higher positions, on how to improve your chance of success
• Develop a deeper understanding of the skills, qualities, and competencies needed to thrive as a HEO/SEO across the civil service
• Explore the barriers and enablers affecting your career progression and obtain practical tools to help build your resilience and personal growth
• Hear first-hand experiences from recent HEO/SEO entrants about their journey and current roles
• Network with peers and counterparts across government to gain insights into what is happening in other departments and the wider civil service ecosystem

09:20

Welcome and Introduction to the Conference

09:25

Examining HEO & SEO roles and responsibilities

• Breaking down the key aspects of HEO & SEO roles and what it takes to make the grade

10:00

Comfort Break

10:15

Preparing for Your HEO & SEO Role: Are you Application and Interview Ready? 

• Understanding the Success Profile process 
• Getting through the sift and the interview: understanding what influences the selectors 

Richard Hillsdon, Dods Training Facilitator and Selection Lead. Former Civil Servant

11:15

Comfort Break 

11:30

Becoming a leader: a practical toolkit for building confidence and influence

• Learning to balance operational delivery with strategic thinking
• Developing and maintaining resilience throughout adversity 
• Pitching your skills and putting yourself forward for new opportunities
• Identifying your unique skills and passions to build a personal brand 

Sandra Johnson​, Founder, Success Navigator; Former Whitehall Civil Servant

12:05

Comfort Break 

12:15

Personal Perspectives - My Route into HEO & SEO

A HEO & SEO panel share their career journey and answer questions about their experience of gaining entry to HEO & SEO grade and managing yourself to excel  

13:15

Chair's Closing Remarks & Conference Close