A civil servant works for the government, helping to implement policies and deliver public services. Civil servants are employed in departments such as the Home Office, Department for Education, and HM Treasury, as well as in local councils and agencies. The work is varied and can involve administration, policy development, analysis, and customer service. Roles range from entry-level administrative positions to specialist and management posts. Civil servants play a key role in supporting ministers, ensuring that the government runs smoothly, and that public money is spent effectively. The Civil Service offers opportunities for career progression, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference to society.
The average salary for a UK civil servant ranges from £21,000 for administrative officers to over £80,000 for senior civil servants.
There are approximately 519,000 people employed in the UK Civil Service as of 2023.
Civil service jobs are available across the UK, with significant numbers in London, but increasing opportunities in regional hubs.
Develops and reviews government policies, working closely with ministers and stakeholders to address public issues.
Manages office systems, supports senior staff and ensures the smooth running of government departments.
Handles public relations, media enquiries and internal communications within a government department.
Learn about different types of Civil Service jobs and what they involve.
Explore the UK Civil Service website and read job profiles to understand the variety of roles available, such as administrative assistants, policy advisers, or specialist positions. Consider which departments or areas interest you, such as the Home Office, Department for Education, or HM Treasury.
Find out the main ways to join the Civil Service, such as apprenticeships, graduate schemes, or direct entry.
The Civil Service Fast Stream is a popular graduate programme, while Civil Service apprenticeships offer another route for school leavers. There are also direct applications for specific jobs, with entry requirements varying depending on the role and department.
Achieve the qualifications needed for your chosen entry route.
For many administrative roles, GCSEs or equivalent are required, particularly in English and Maths. Higher-level roles may require A-levels or a university degree. Check specific job adverts for detailed requirements.
Build skills valued in the Civil Service, such as communication, teamwork, and problem solving.
Participate in activities at school or in your community that develop relevant skills. Consider volunteering, joining clubs, or taking on leadership roles. Civil Servants need to be adaptable, organised, and able to work under pressure.
Search and apply for suitable Civil Service jobs or schemes.
Use the Civil Service Jobs website to find current vacancies. Prepare a tailored CV and application form, and practise common assessment tasks, such as situational judgement tests and interviews. Be ready to demonstrate your motivation and understanding of the Civil Service values.
Take opportunities for training and promotion within the Civil Service.
Once employed, you can access training, mentoring, and further qualifications. Promotion is often based on performance and experience. Many Civil Servants move between departments to broaden their skills and progress to higher grades.
Works for local councils delivering services such as housing, education, and planning at the community level.
Researches and develops policies for government or public organisations, providing advice to ministers and senior officials.
Supports Members of Parliament with research, correspondence, and constituency work.
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 performs administrative, clerical, and organisational duties within government departments, which aligns most closely with the role of a Civil Service administrative officer. Both involve supporting government functions, implementing policies, and ensuring the smooth operation of public services.
You can get into this job through:
You could take a course to give you some of the administrative skills needed for this job.
You could do a business administration course or a T Level in Management and Administration.
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
You could do an apprenticeship like:
You'll usually need:
You could join the Civil Service as an administrative assistant. You'll usually need at least 2 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C).
You could then apply for a post as an administrative officer when vacancies become available.
You could apply directly to join the Civil Service as an administrative officer. You'll usually need at least 5 GCSEs. You may need A levels, or equivalent qualifications, for some administrative jobs.
You may also find it useful to have experience in related work like office administration or customer service.
As part of the application process, you'll be tested on your ability to:
Movement to Work offers work experience opportunities in the Civil Service for unemployed young people.
You can find out more about working as an administrative officer from Civil Service Careers.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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