A civil servant works for the government, helping to develop and implement policies and deliver public services. Civil servants can be found in many departments and agencies, covering areas such as education, health, environment, transport, and foreign affairs. The work can include research, policy development, project management, administration, and customer service. Civil servants play a crucial role in keeping the country running and making sure that government decisions are put into practice fairly and efficiently. The sector offers many opportunities for career development, with structured promotion paths and options to specialise in different fields.
The average salary for a UK civil servant ranges from £21,000 to £58,000 per year, depending on the grade and department.
As of 2023, there are approximately 510,000 people employed in the UK Civil Service.
Graduate Fast Stream starting salaries typically begin at around £28,000 to £32,000 per year.
Works within government departments to research, develop and implement new policies on specific issues such as education, health or the environment.
Protects UK borders by carrying out immigration and customs checks at airports, seaports and rail terminals.
Manages administrative tasks and supports the delivery of public services in a particular government department.
Learn about the different departments and types of jobs available in the Civil Service.
The Civil Service includes a wide range of roles, from policy advisors and administrative assistants to project managers and analysts. Research the different departments, such as the Home Office, Department for Education, and Department of Health and Social Care, to understand what each does and where your interests might fit best.
Discover the various ways to enter the Civil Service, including apprenticeships and graduate schemes.
The Civil Service offers several entry routes, such as the Civil Service Fast Stream for graduates, apprenticeships for school leavers, and direct entry jobs advertised on the Civil Service Jobs website. Look into the requirements for each route to find which suits your qualifications and interests.
Work towards the required qualifications for your chosen role or entry route.
Most Civil Service jobs require at least GCSEs, with many roles asking for A-levels or a university degree, especially for the Fast Stream. Check the specific requirements for the roles you are interested in and work towards achieving these qualifications through school, college, or university.
Gain skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem solving, which are valued in the Civil Service.
You can develop these skills through part-time jobs, volunteering, school projects, or extracurricular activities. The Civil Service looks for candidates who can demonstrate these skills in application forms and interviews.
Look for suitable job vacancies on the Civil Service Jobs website and apply.
Create an account on the Civil Service Jobs website and set up alerts for roles that match your interests and qualifications. Carefully read the job descriptions and person specifications, and tailor your application and CV to demonstrate how you meet the criteria.
Get ready for online tests, interviews, and assessment centres as part of the recruitment process.
The Civil Service recruitment process often includes online tests (such as situational judgement or verbal reasoning), written exercises, and interviews. Practise these types of assessments in advance using online resources to improve your confidence and performance.
Start your career in the Civil Service and explore opportunities for progression.
Once you secure a role, you will receive training and support to help you develop in your position. There are many opportunities to progress to higher grades and move between departments, depending on your interests and career goals.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Civil Servant. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Civil Servant often works within government departments performing administrative, policy, and operational duties, which aligns closely with the role of a Civil Service executive officer. Both positions typically require a good understanding of public administration and involve serving in a supporting or managerial capacity within the civil service framework.
You can get into this job through:
You could apply to join the Civil Service after doing a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree, although a university qualification is not essential.
The Summer Internship Programme and the Civil Service Care Leavers Internship Scheme, offer undergraduates an insight into working in the Civil Service.
You'll usually need:
You could apply for a place on a higher or degree level apprenticeship with the Civil Service.
The apprenticeship you work towards will depend on the role and business area you work in.
You'll usually need:
You could start as an administrative officer. After gaining experience, you could apply for a post as an executive officer when vacancies become available.
You can apply directly for jobs. You'll be expected to have relevant work or life experience to do this.
You'll be assessed on your skills, knowledge and behaviours that fit in with the values of the Civil Service, as part of the application process.
If you're a graduate or in your final year of university, you can apply for a place on the Fast Stream scheme. Competition for places is very strong, so a degree with a higher grade and work experience will help you.
Your degree can be in any subject, though some Civil Service departments may prefer a degree in a subject that is relevant to their work, for example science and engineering.
Movement to Work offers work experience opportunities in the Civil Service for unemployed young people.
You can find out more about working in the Civil Service from Civil Service Careers.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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