Civil service
This page has been designed to give a starting point for those looking into careers in the areas in civil service.
See also our information on Local Government
What is the civil service?
'The Civil Service deals with the most important issues of the day. Every time you open a newspaper or turn on the news, chances are you'll read or see the Civil Service in action. We are one of the UK's largest employers and aim to deliver world class, customer-focused services. Our departments work with the government to formulate policies, while our agencies deliver them. We have civil servants at every level, carrying out essential work in all kinds of areas - from advising on pensions, investigating fraud or formulating the policy that drives nursery education.' (www.careers.civil-service.gov.uk/ accessed 12/04/07).
Prospects
Prospects is a graduate careers website with profiles on the following jobs, which are available at
- Civil service fast streamer
- Diplomatic service operational entry (grade B3)
- GCHQ graduate management trainee
- Health service manager
- Local government administrator
The Prospects sector briefing on local, regional and national government also explains more about working in the civil service.
How do I get into it?
Most professions exist in the civil service - for example accounting, IT and human resources.
There are several routes into civil service roles. The civil service website details entry routes open to graduates, non-graduates and experienced professionals. You will also find details of work experience opportunities.
www.careers.civil-service.gov.uk/
Prospects Community - Public and voluntary sector
Information on education, health care, higher education, government jobs, social care and the voluntary sector.
Secret Intelligence Service - MI6
In 2006/07, 13,945 applications were received for the Civil Service Fast Stream programme, and 476 of these were recommended for appointment. Graduate Market Trends 2007 (www.prospects.ac.uk)
Finding a job in this sector
For jobs in civil service the following sites are useful:
Civil Service Recruitment Gateway
This website contains comprehensive careers information covering all routes into civil service roles as well as links to, and contact details to civil service agencies and departments.
Directgov
This website has information covering many aspects of government on a local, regional and national level. You will also find a searchable database of public appointments.
Cabinet Office Public Appointments
getalife - publics and voluntary sector
This is part of the Prospects website and details job opportunities, sector information and relevant news items.
government jobs direct
We provide direct links to the jobs & vacancies pages on the websites of 357 UK government and public sector organisations.
jobsgopublic
Public sector jobs and comprehensive links page of organisations.
Opportunities
The public sector recruitment and career development website.
Public Affairs Links
This site provides you with a directory of links for everything you need to know about the UK lobbying industry.
Further information and useful links
Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland