Mrs Tan served in directorate positions in a number of policy bureaux, resource bureaux and frontline departments.  She has also served as the Deputy Head of the Central Policy Unit which advised the then Governor, the Chief Secretary and the Financial Secretary on all major issues affecting Hong Kong.

Since 30 June 2003, she has assumed the post of Director of Home Affairs.

Date of Appointment       : 1 May 2001
Renewal of Appointment : 1 May 2004
                                            : 1 May 2007