Building a Career in UK Local Government After Moving from Hong Kong
Alvin Lo is a Senior Infrastructure Officer in the ICT Department at Bassetlaw District Council. His role involves delivering effective IT technical assistance across the organisation and providing critical support to the Infrastructure Specialist.
Originally from Hong Kong, Alvin is sharing his journey of adapting to a new professional environment and highlighting how his experience has translated into a rewarding career in UK local government.
A New Working Environment
Transitioning from working in Hong Kong to a role in the UK public sector came with some significant differences for Alvin: “Working in local government in the UK can be quite different from previous experiences in Hong Kong, especially in terms of organisational structure, work culture, and regulatory environment.
“Local government in the UK tends to have a more decentralised structure, with various councils and authorities managing different regions. In Hong Kong, the government structure is more centralised, with a focus on efficiency and streamlined processes.
“The work culture in the UK local government is also often more collaborative and community-focused, whereas in Hong Kong, the work culture might be more hierarchical and fast-paced, with a strong emphasis on meeting targets and deadlines.
Alvin also identified how regulatory frameworks also differ in the UK than Hong Kong, pointing out that the UK’s policies are often shaped by local and European standards, which can impact how IT infrastructure projects are planned and delivered.
“Both regions are advanced in terms of technology adoption, but the specific technologies and systems used might differ. The UK might have more focus on integrating services across different councils, while Hong Kong might prioritise cutting-edge technologies and rapid implementation.”
Adjusting to UK Workplace Culture
While the transition was positive overall, Alvin acknowledges that adjusting to a new workplace culture wasn’t without its challenges. One major difference was communication style: “In the UK, communication tends to be more indirect and polite.
“If you’re used to a more direct style, it might take time to adjust. To overcome this, observe and adapt to the communication patterns of your colleagues, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification when needed.
“The UK also places a strong emphasis on work-life balance, which might differ from the more intense work culture in Hong Kong. Embrace this by setting clear boundaries between work and personal time.”
Working collaboratively in teams was another shift for Alvin, who found that actively participating in meetings and sharing ideas helped him build strong working relationships.
What Makes the Role Rewarding
For Alvin, working in local government offers a great mix of job satisfaction and personal well-being. He especially enjoys the strong team spirit and collaborative atmosphere.
“Working with a team of dedicated professionals who share a common goal of serving the public is highly motivating. The collaborative environment fosters creativity and innovation, making it a great place to work.”
Advice for Fellow Hongkongers
Alvin is keen to encourage others from Hong Kong to explore careers in the UK public sector: “It’s a unique opportunity to contribute to society and support local communities.
“Be open to the cultural differences and embrace the collaborative and community-focused work environment. The UK values teamwork, public engagement, and transparency, which can be a refreshing change.
“With Hong Kong’s advanced technological landscape, professionals from Hong Kong often bring strong IT skills and experience in digital transformation.
“Roles in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital services can greatly benefit from this expertise.”
Getting Started
For those considering a local government career in the UK but unsure of where to begin, Alvin offers some practical tips:
- Do your research: Explore council websites and resources from the Local Government Association (LGA) to understand the range of roles available.
- Know your strengths: Identify which areas match your skills and interests, whether it’s IT, urban planning, community services, or another field.
- Tailor your CV: Emphasise transferable skills from your experience in Hong Kong, such as project management, technical expertise, and public engagement.
Alvin’s journey demonstrates how international experience can enrich UK public service. His advice and reflections offer valuable insight for anyone considering a similar move. With adaptability, openness, and a desire to contribute, Hongkongers can thrive in the UK public sector, just as he has.
