Reece Marlon Teape

Reece is a Senior Policy Advisor at HMRC where he focuses on import policy, tackling non-compliance issues like smuggling and illegal imports. 

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

After graduating, I applied multiple times for the Civil Service Fast Stream but was unsuccessful. I initially worked in sales, but after being made redundant during the pandemic, I transitioned into finance. Eventually, I secured a role in the Civil Service, working at DEFRA for two years as a Policy Advisor on exotic and endemic disease control. I then moved to HMRC, where I now work in Borders and Trade on import policy.

My role focuses on reviewing import policies for goods entering the UK, addressing non-compliance issues such as smuggling and illegal imports of alcohol. I work closely with Border Force, helping them understand and apply legislation to seize goods or issue penalties. I also collaborate with technical teams to enhance the import system (GVMS), ensuring greater compliance and smoother trade flows.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

It varies. Some days are filled with meetings, whether with internal teams or colleagues from other departments, discussing policy challenges and solutions. Other times, I’m drafting ministerial submissions on high-profile issues, reviewing legislation, or responding to policy queries from stakeholders.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

One of my biggest achievements was working on the Poultry Register consultation. I led the drafting of a public consultation on whether the registration threshold should be changed, which received over 10,000 responses. The outcome went live as law in October 2024, marking a major piece of policy work that I’m incredibly proud of.

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

Having a degree was essential for joining the Civil Service, and studying Politics gave me a strong foundation in policy and international relations. It also helped me develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, research, and stakeholder engagement, all of which are crucial in my role.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

Gain work experience in the public sector, especially in stakeholder-focused roles, as those skills are highly transferable. The qualifications needed to enter the Civil Service aren’t necessarily high, but the application process is extremely tough—it often takes 10+ attempts just to get an interview.

Find a Civil Servant to mentor you—this is invaluable in preparing your personal statement and competency-based application. The recruitment process is brutally competitive and completely different from private sector hiring, where personality can sometimes carry you through. In the Civil Service, how well you structure your application and interview responses is everything.

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student

Tennis, Taekwondo, Table Tennis and going out!

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

I loved living off-campus with my housemates—the banter, the freedom, the carefree student life. It felt like the world was my oyster.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

Not at all. I had the full university experience, and to this day, Canterbury holds a special place in my heart. I wouldn’t change a thing. Especially my year abroad- a life changing experience.

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

Yes! Some of them are my closest friends to this day.

What are your future ambitions?

One day, I would love to enter party politics or diplomacy.