Head of the Civil Service, Sir Bob Kerslake meets staff at Preston Benefit Centre and Preston Tax Office
Sir Bob Kerslake recently visited Preston to meet staff working at the benefit and tax centres, to get an understanding of the work they do delivering key services to people in the area. It was the second in a programme of visits that will see him getting out and about round the country to meet civil servants.
His first stop was Preston Benefit Centre, where he talked to staff about his new role as Head of the Civil Service, and answered their questions around issues including pay, pensions, job security and Universal Credit.
He also heard from staff about some of the excellent work they have been doing making sure that local people get the benefits they need.
Sir Bob said:
I want to get out and about to see first hand what is happening around the country on the frontline, as the majority of civil servants work outside of London.
I was hugely impressed by the professionalism and commitment of the staff I met at both Preston benefits centre and tax credit office, who provide essential services directly to the public and are doing a first class job.
Charlotte Hocking, Manager of Preston Benefit Centre, said that the staff really appreciated Sir Bob taking the time to listen to their views and concerns.
She said:
He spoke to a large group of staff about his role as Head of the Civil Service and the challenges that will face us all in the coming months, particularly the scale of the changes involved in implementing the welfare reforms. It was clear that he believes in the strengths and values of the Civil Service, and he acknowledged that the work done in benefit centres makes a real difference to people.
Sir Bob then went to Preston Tax Credit office where he talked to staff about their challenging work delivering benefits and credits, before visiting the Error and Fraud performance hub.
Andy Farrar, Head of Exchequer losses, said:
It’s great that the new Head of Civil Service chose to visit us so early in his new role. I know he was impressed with our achievements and how we approach our work.
Sir Bob then visited a pre-award area in the Guild Centre where staff explained how they use PaceSetter ways of working to improve processes and cut waste. He also held a Q&A session with staff and talked to them about his vision for the Civil Service.
Dave Keane, said:
It was great for our frontline staff to have the opportunity to speak first hand the Head of Civil Service. They used the forum to put across their thoughts on the future and to hear his views on the wider Civil Service.