About the programme
The UK Government is committed to creating a modern civil service equipped with the skills and capabilities needed to deliver excellent public services for citizens across the UK. We have launched an exciting Digital Secondments Programme which offers a range of interesting opportunities in a variety of architecture and data engineer roles across government.
We are seeking to build a partnership with organisations to identify candidates for a secondment and source suitable placements, in roles such as data architects, technical architects and data engineers. Working with experienced civil servants and subject matter experts within government to tackle unique and large scale challenges.
There will be access to unparalleled opportunities to deliver the type of high impact technology and data projects that are only possible in government. Individuals will be matched with a government department that is looking for their unique skill set; with access to senior decision makers; and help tackle public sector challenges making a difference to people’s lives in the UK.
In March 2025 we accepted the Commissioners Mark of Excellence Award, below, recognising the Digital Secondments Programme and the positive impact partnering with external organisations is having across-government.
“Help shape the future of public service through our Digital Secondments Programme. Join the digital team transforming government services, elevate your career, and play a key role in driving innovation with purpose.”
Thomas Beautyman
Deputy Director of Digital Workforce and Capability at the Government Digital Service.
The secondee would continue to be employed by the existing employer and their continuous employment at their home organisation would be unaffected. Salary and benefits would remain unchanged and continue from the existing employer. We will offer to reimburse employers salary costs.
There are occasionally circumstances where the secondee’s employer may agree not to be reimbursed for the salary costs, or may be partially reimbursed, for example where the secondment is very short.
We want to build partnerships with organisations to identify interested candidates for a secondment and source a suitable placement.
For more information on the skills required for the different digital roles in government please visit the Government Digital and Data Capability Framework.
Our goal is to leverage the potential of technology and data in order to enhance public services. We’re seeking the best digital and tech talent from industry and academia to help us accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge approaches. We are interested in candidates who have a background in digital and other specialisms such as technical architects, data engineers and data architects to name a few.
There are a range of different digital, data and technology roles available which require different skill sets. It is essential candidates have the relevant skills and experience for the digital role they are interested in being seconded to.
We welcome interest from other digital disciplines too. Please get in touch with us to discuss further.
The Digital Secondments programme offers distinct opportunities:
Talent development – an excellent skills development offer which will enable you to develop your digital, leadership skills and capabilities.
New perspectives – a targeted way for partnering organisations to support individuals with specific knowledge and technical expertise for a time limited period, and to welcome new perspectives and challenge conventional thinking.
Growth – professional growth through the expansion of networks and communities of practice.
Career development – valuable career development via the opportunity to lead and manage in a different operating environment context outside of your immediate organisation.
Interested?
Should you require any further information or if you are an applicant or home organisation that would like to be a part of the programme, please email the team register your interest using the form below.
Further information:
The programme offers secondment into various digital roles, covered in the Government Digital and Data framework (roles available are subject to department needs).
Grade: Deputy Director and Senior Manager level.
Organisation: Secondments are available in many department across government including the Foreign Office, Department of Health, Department for Trade, Office for National Statistics, Home Office, HMRC.
Locations: The location you will be based at will depend on the organisation you are matched to. We will work with you to understand your preferred location.
Duration of secondments: Up to 12 months