This application process has been fun. I am a critical thinker, and the questions gave me a good opportunity to think critically and apply my knowledge and key concepts to the scenarios. I was worried I would get anxious and not have anyone to talk to at the Assessment Centre Day, but it was such an enjoyable experience and I even made new friends!

The team has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to inclusivity throughout the process. Their proactive efforts to create an environment where I've been made to feel valued and heard from the get-go! By fostering and encouraging open dialogue and respecting different perspectives, I've felt that they've shown an unwavering dedication to ensure my voice has been heard.

The Hays Skills application process was a great insight into the world of business analysis and project management, it was very inclusive and accessible with clear signposts along the way pointing to where help could be acquired. As someone with ADHD, I felt that this process was very accessible and provided me with any help that I needed. The initial assessment was a creative way to provoke thought about the actual role and the following assessment centre was informative and challenging but still had a more fun feel to it than other assessment centres that I have attended. There was still obviously a competitive element, but it still was a great insight, and the teaching section was delivered very well.

For me, the Academy has been a refreshing and positive experience throughout the application process. As someone from minority background, there is always an underlying concern that your face may not fit or that cultural differences would be a hinderance to your development. Therefore, when I was made aware of the Academy and their values, I was impressed to see that the focus is on you as an individual, your story so far, your aspirations, and your core values. Every stage of the process was an opportunity to learn more about each other, with the emphasis being on who you are, and not where you are from or what you have done. For these reasons, I am more than happy to recommend and have been recommending friends and family to explore similar paths. This has by far been my most enjoyable and insightful application process and has left me feeling confident and validated.

Since starting the Cloud Academy I must say I have been extremely well supported by Hays Recruitment, right from the initial telephone interview to the assessment centre the experience was great; this is a totally new concept for Defra so at times there have been challenges. These have been made immeasurably easier due to the support received by the engagement managers and staff at Hays. Alongside that my line manager has been an inspiration during some frustrating periods as the academy has progressed, we have been the guinea pigs for this concept; my line manager has certainly been the backbone on which our onward successful trajectory has been based.

This application process has been a fun process. I am a critical thinker and the questions gave me a good opportunity to think critically and apply my knowledge and key concepts to the scenarios. I was worried I would get anxious and not have anyone to talk to at the Assessment Centre Day, but it was such an enjoyable experience and I even made new friends!