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
Frequently asked questions
What is the recruitment process?
1. Initial call to discuss the programme with the individual/ organisation and determine if it’s the right fit.
2. Review the individuals CV
3. Source a suitable role
4. Matching meeting between the individual and Department
5. If there is mutual agreement, the onboarding process will start which includes a secondment agreement, security checks etc.
As you will be working within the Civil Service, you must undergo pre-appointment checks in the same way as any new joiner. Any security checks required will be undertaken as part of the on-boarding process upon confirmation of your secondment into the Civil Service. Right to work requirements must also be met.
Some additional approvals may be required, but these would be role dependent and would be advised by the departmental HR teams.
What are the salary bands in the Civil Service for the purposes of secondments?
As the Secondment programme is looking for individuals at Deputy Director (Senior Civil Service 1 band) the salary band will vary from £73,000 to £128,900, and for Senior Manager level (Grade 6) it will be £57,000 to £72,000. However, please get in touch to discuss what the options for reimbursement may be, including if they are outside of these salary brackets.
How long will a Secondment placement last?
The initial secondments contract will be for up to 12 months, with the possibility of extending for a further 12 months. However any placement length will need to be agreed between you, your host department from the Civil Service and your home organisation (your existing employer). This is not a permanent position, any permanent positions it will be subject to the standard Civil Service application process for roles.
The secondment start date will be subject to receiving appropriate security clearance which may vary depending on the role.
What are the locations and will I be able to work remotely?
Secondment placements will be in various locations across the UK, although some additional travel may be required to other UK-based offices operated by host departments. Please specify if you have any geographical restrictions at the time of expressing your interest in secondment opportunities.
Most roles are hybrid roles with a mix of home working and within your office location. There are various office locations* across the UK including London, Manchester, Cardiff, Darlington, Nottingham, Ipswich, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Croydon, Exeter, Birmingham and Leeds.
*Subject to the department’s location you are matched with.
All Secondments are expected to be based in the UK for the duration of their Secondment. Individuals will be given a dedicated workspace in the host department locations and may be allowed to work flexibly or in a hybrid manner. Depending on the nature of the placement, flexible working arrangements with the host department once offered the role.
Are any part-time positions available?
Working patterns will be discussed on an individual basis. We appreciate it may not be possible for you to be released from your home organisation on a full time basis and there may be some flexibility in some of the roles/locations so please get in touch to discuss. You may also be able to agree flexible working arrangements, such as compressed hours, with your host department once you are offered the role.
What support is available during the process?
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. The Secondment programme aims to recruit individuals from a range of different backgrounds and will provide every candidate with equal opportunities. If you require adjustments to allow you to complete the process, you will be given the opportunity to indicate this when you apply and we will arrange this for you.