Gurbinder Bahra - Training Consultant

"If you feel passionate about what you're doing (and I really do), you'll find all the support you need and the encouragement to develop your career within this organisation is constant."

“I come from a family of civil servants, so you might say it was a natural progression for me to come and work here, but I actually took a somewhat circuitous route into the public sector, as I came from a Training and Development management position in the Retail sector. Although I considered a few other positions, I was very attracted to the Audit Commission, primarily because of their core values.

“The altruistic focus and commitment to public services and improvements for the community as a whole, is very much aligned to my background and religion as a Sikh. It's very important to me that I feel like I'm making a real difference and doing that on a National Stage has been thoroughly rewarding.

“The HR function here is quite large – there's around 80 of us and although we work loosely as a team, we're also given lots of autonomy. If you feel passionate about what you're doing (and I really do), you'll find all the support you need and the encouragement to develop your career within this organisation is constant.

“In my time here, I've broadened my remit hugely and taken on some large-scale projects which have really given me the chance to stretch my capabilities. I've set up a leadership development programme and a coaching and mentoring scheme and I've done it all to tight deadlines.

“All this means I occasionally need to give my mind a rest, which is why I do DIY when I'm not at work! With a 5 month old baby, there's not much time for anything else, but we do socialise as a team when we can, including our quiz nights when my competitive streak is apparent to all!”