In the UK Civil Service, the behavior “Changing and Improving” is crucial for Administrative Officers (AO) to excel in their roles. This competency ensures that employees remain flexible, embrace change, and consistently seek ways to enhance their work’s efficiency and effectiveness.
The Civil Service emphasizes the need for continual adaptation and improvement, particularly through regular assessment of current practices and identification of potential enhancements. This process often involves adopting new digital technologies to streamline tasks and boost productivity. For an Administrative Officer, being well-versed in these innovations and helping colleagues adapt is key to maintaining a smooth operational flow.
Addressing challenges that arise from new implementations promptly is essential. An AO must ensure that transitions are seamless and that any issues are resolved quickly to prevent disruptions. This proactive approach nurtures a culture of resilience and ongoing improvement within the organization.
Writing Your Statement – Tips
When crafting a 250-word statement for the “Changing and Improving” behavior at the AO grade, clear and structured writing is vital. Here are some tips to help you create an impactful statement:
- Understand the Criteria: Read the job description and behavior framework for “Changing and Improving” at the AO level. Understand what the Civil Service values in this competency.
- Use the B-STAR Method: Structure your statement using the STAR approach:
- Belief: Explain your high level thoughts/feelings about the behavior
- Situation: Describe a specific instance where you saw a need for improvement.
- Task: Explain your responsibility in that situation.
- Action: Detail the steps you took to address the need for improvement.
- Result: Conclude with the outcome of your actions, emphasizing any positive impacts.
- Be Specific and Relevant: Use concrete examples from your experience that directly relate to the behavior. Highlight how you reviewed processes, suggested improvements, learned new procedures, and managed unexpected situations effectively.
- Quantify Achievements: Where possible, include measurable results to demonstrate the impact of your actions. Mention any increases in efficiency, cost savings, or service quality improvements.
- Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your role in the example. Showcase your contributions and the skills you employed to achieve the outcome.
- Reflect Civil Service Values: Ensure your statement aligns with the Civil Service values of integrity, honesty, objectivity, and impartiality. Show how your actions supported these values.
- Be Concise and Clear: With a 250-word limit, it’s important to be concise and avoid unnecessary jargon. Ensure every word adds value to your statement.
- Proofread: Before submission, proofread your statement to correct any grammatical errors and ensure it flows logically.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively demonstrate your capability in “Changing and Improving” and how it aligns with the responsibilities of an Administrative Officer in the Civil Service.
Check out 50 example statements covering all 9 behaviours
Changing & Improving AO Statement Example
I believe that being adaptable and continuously seeking better ways to approach tasks can significantly enhance efficiency and productivity.
I was recently part of a student-group responsible for organising a charity event. Initially, our group faced challenges with coordinating tasks and time-management, leading to confusion and delays. Recognising the need for improvement, I suggested implementing a more structured approach to our planning and execution.
My role involved organising meetings and assigning specific responsibilities to members based on their strengths. I proposed using a shared-document to track tasks, deadlines, and resources. This document served as a central point for updates and ensured everyone was aware of their responsibilities and progress.
To get everyone on board, I demonstrated how to use the shared-document and explained the benefits of having a clear and organised plan. I created a timeline with key milestones and encouraged open communication to address any issues promptly. I also provided support to my peers in using the new system and adjusting to the structured approach.
The result was a significant improvement in our coordination and efficiency. We successfully organised the charity event, which ran smoothly and raised more funds than anticipated. The structured approach allowed us to work more cohesively as a team and reduced the stress associated with last-minute changes and miscommunications.
This experience underscored the importance of continuous improvement and adaptability. By taking the initiative to implement a better system and supporting my peers through the change, I contributed to a more effective and successful team effort.
Click here to see 4 more “Changing & Improving” example statements for AA/AO grade roles