Stuck at VPS5 for 7 years despite acting at VPS6 - what actually drives progression?
Hi all,
Looking for honest experiences from public servants, particularly in the VPS.
I’ve been at VPS5 level for 7 years and previously acted at VPS6 for a sustained period. I’ve consistently been told I operate at a higher level and have been doing senior policy/legal work (including legislative reform work, stakeholder engagement, and complex advisory work).
After a restructure and loosing my main Director who was supporting my upgrading, I chose to move into a new area (legal policy) to broaden my experience and capability, but since then I’ve felt quite stuck at the VPS5 level despite continuing to work at a fairly senior level with good feedback from senior executives and junior staff.
I’ve applied for 10-15 VPS6 roles with a few interviews but no job offer and am wondering what makes the difference in moving from VPS5 to VPS6 in practice. Is it usually:
- sponsorship / visibility
- timing and vacancies
- staying in one area long enough
- something about how people position themselves.
I would really appreciate perspectives from anyone who has:
- made the jump after being stuck at VPS5
- acted at VPS6 but struggled to secure ongoing roles, or
- understands how progression actually works in reality
I'm trying to get a clearer sense of whether this is normal or whether I need to approach things differently. It's certainly beginning to weigh on me.
Thanks all!