Expressions of the satisfaction gained from the work that they do were striking. Instrumental features include commitment and dedication to their work, their belief in its value, and contribution to the common good. Factors intervening between negative experience and mental health and well-being centred on material resources; the buffering or protective effects of a fulfilling work content; the meanings attached to the problem or to factors relating to it; protective coping strategies, which may reflect a strong sense of agency, and supportive colleagues. Satisfying work can act as a buffer to relationship, home, or work problems, an effect not restricted to the higher grades, but we could expect the greater the job satisfaction for an individual, the more effective the buffer. Work can be dissatisfying and frustrating when the imposition of work considered by the official to have little intrinsic value diverts their energies from what they perceived as valuable work. Whilst problems around control issues tend to be less dominant a feature of the work of higher grade civil servants a convergence of negative experiences can result in a perceived lack of control, while an over heavy workload could nullify the positive aspects of the job.