Progressing to G7 from Tax Compliance – Experiences?
I’m currently an SO Tax Consultant at HM Revenue and Customs, working in tax compliance with line management responsibility for caseworkers. I’m starting to think seriously about my next career step and how to progress to Grade 7, but I’m feeling a bit stuck and would appreciate advice from others who’ve been through it.
I’m planning to apply for the Tax Specialist Programme (TSP) again after not getting through last year, but I’m also wondering whether progression to G7 through the tax compliance route is realistically possible without the TSP qualification, or if it just feels that way from where I’m sitting.
For those who’ve moved from SO to G7 in HMRC, particularly from tax compliance, did you progress through TSP or take a different route? I’d also be interested to hear whether other pathways such as policy, strategy, operational leadership or specialist roles are worth considering, and how much weight is placed on technical tax expertise versus leadership and management experience at G7 level.
Finally, if anyone has advice on the kinds of roles or experience that help strengthen progression prospects or tips for improving my chances with TSP this time around, as I’d really appreciate it. I enjoy the technical side of tax, but I also don’t want to feel like I’m waiting on one programme if there are other ways to build towards Grade 7.