The Civil Service is politically impartial and independent of government. We’re accountable to the public so need to meet the highest possible standards in all what we do.
The Civil Service provides services directly to people all over the country, including:
- paying benefits and pensions
- running prisons
- issuing driving licences
What is a civil servant?
The work civil servants do touches all aspects of life in the UK, from education and the environment, to transport and defence.
You could work as a vet, a customer service adviser, a weapons engineer, a marine biologist or a web developer, to name a few.
Hear from Miriam about perceptions of the Civil Service
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- [Miriam – Plant Health Project Support Officer – Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs] My perception of the Civil Service before I joined was that it was a little bit stuffy. That it was a lot of people in suits marching around and maybe I’d been a bit influenced by TV shows like The Thick of It. I didn’t realise that it could be a really warm culture, a really inviting and focused on development culture, and that the Civil Service has people from all sorts of different backgrounds, and nobody I know wears a suit!
A career in the Civil Service offers you
- the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives in the UK and abroad
- learning on the job and good career development opportunities
- flexible working wherever we can and comprehensive benefits
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship puts you in a paid position whilst allowing you to study for professional accreditation.
Hear from Lewis about career development
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- [Lewis – Campaign Delivery Officer, Government Recruitment Service] As a kid I never thought that I would be able to get into a job so professional. I’ve always thought of myself as quite an easygoing person but I’ve blended into the team really well, and it’s honestly great for anyone no matter what your dreams are as a kid. I think the Civil Service is a great opportunity to just develop yourself and your career as well.
Hear from Samaira about diversity in the Civil Service
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- [Samira – Internal Comms and Employee Engagement Apprentice, Cabinet Office] I think the Civil Service is definitely tackling diversity and inclusion in a good way. Within my cohort I think we’re a very diverse group of people, people from different backgrounds, social backgrounds and I would say for myself, as a woman of colour, I definitely think the Civil Service is doing better to become more diverse and inclusive.
Find out more about the Civil Service
Professions
Every civil servant is part of a profession. Your profession is linked to the type of job you do. Find the one that matches your talents.
Departments
The Civil Service is divided into departments. Whatever your passion is, whether its the environment or welfare, there is a department to match.
Locations
The Civil Service has locations across the UK. Explore the range of career opportunities available to you closer to home.