A Cautionary Tale: Toxicity and Incompetence - Software Engineer DWP Digital Employee Review

1.0
Mar 27, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You meet a handful of genuinely talented people that normally would not enter more competitive and stressful environments.

Cons

Despite initially promising prospects, my tenure revealed a workplace culture marred by incompetence, toxicity, and an alarming lack of professionalism. I encountered numerous colleagues whose skill sets and capabilities were sorely lacking. It was disheartening to witness individuals occupying positions beyond their competence level, often leading to subpar work quality and unnecessary complications in projects. Furthermore, the absence of educational qualifications beyond high school among a significant portion of the staff is concerning. As a software engineer, I found myself in an environment where decisions were frequently made by individuals who lacked the necessary academic background or expertise in the field. Moreover, the toxic atmosphere prevalent within the company is palpable. Low-level managers wielded unchecked authority over hiring and firing decisions without proper HR oversight. This lack of accountability fostered an environment of fear and uncertainty, where employees felt disposable and vulnerable to arbitrary dismissals. The turnover rate is alarmingly high, with skilled engineers frequently entering and exiting the organization within short intervals. The absence of a cohesive management structure and a disregard for employee well-being contributed to an atmosphere of disillusionment and discontent.

Explore other reviews about DWP Digital

5.0
Nov 15, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Flexi time Holidays Over time

Cons

Pay Nothing else really all good

4.0
Jun 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Overall the culture was pretty good. Colleagues were friendly, supportive and motivated with the work they're doing. Data Science community was quite engaged and everyone generally helps each other when they've got problems. People are quite responsive to feedback. I've previously worked in departments were little is done to change things but the team I was working in was very receptive to change and making an effort to improve things for everyone in mind.

Cons

Although the salary did improve whilst I was there, not being eligible for the digital allowance was part of the reason I left. The requirement to go into the office regularly felt a bit daft especially since digital teams are so spread out across the country so I was very often the only person in the office in my team (and sometimes in the broader digital programme). I do appreciate that's not the fault of the department completely but politics with the wider Civil Service though. SMT weren't very visible as well but that was compounded by the fact that teams were spread out. More often than not, opportunities would go down to consultancies or contractors instead of permanent staff which was a shame but I know there's been effort internally to change that.

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