I’ve been an HEO for around 2 years now across a mix of policy and project roles in the Civil Service, and I’m at the point where I’m trying to properly understand what the “real” expectation of an HEO actually is in practice.
I understand the formal competency side, but I’m more interested in how people see the role day-to-day within teams and wider structures.
For example:
- What should an HEO truly own vs support?
- How much should an HEO be driving workstreams or shaping conversations?
- Where’s the line between “this is for G7/SEO leadership to manage” and “I should take initiative and run with this”?
- How do good HEOs feed into senior discussions without overstepping?
- What does a high-performing HEO actually look like from a senior perspective?
- How do you balance delivery/support work with strategic thinking and adding value?
I sometimes find the role can sit in an awkward middle ground where you’re senior enough to be expected to think independently and influence work, but not always senior enough to know when to push, challenge, lead, or step back.
Would really value perspectives from people at SEO/G7 level or anyone who felt they properly “figured out” the HEO role over time.