Menu
Departments
Back to main menu
Professions
Back to main menu
Life in the Civil Service
Back to main menu

DWP
Our Benefits

The Department for Work and Pensions is one of the biggest government departments, delivering vital services to some of the most vulnerable people in society. To make this happen, we need our people to feel their best and be supported in their work.

We offer an excellent employee package, which includes:

  • an occupational pension with an employer contribution of over 28% plus a range of other benefits – Benefits of the pension scheme – Civil Service Pension Scheme
  • generous holiday allowance of 23 or 25 days for new starters (dependent on grade) based on full-time work pattern, which increases to 30 days over time, in addition to public/bank holidays
  • flexible working options, including full-time, part-time, job share and hybrid working for some roles
  •  a range of family friendly policies such as generous maternity, adoption or shared parental leave 
  • excellent learning and development opportunities
  • a culture encouraging inclusivity and diversity with a range of local and national employee networks
  • a comprehensive wellbeing offer which includes support for mental and physical wellbeing
  • an Employee Assistance Programme – a free and confidential service providing information and counselling to help with a range of work, family and personal issues
  • a comprehensive reward scheme which includes vouchers and monetary awards
  • sports and social activities
  • access to discounts on a range of products and services
  • a range of schemes to help you budget certain costs
  • support for volunteering and charitable giving activities, including time off

Talent and development opportunities

At DWP we want our employees to reach their full potential, which is why we offer a range of different opportunities such as development schemes and a variety of courses which can be accessed virtually or in-person. Some examples are:

Beyond Boundaries

Beyond Boundaries is a one-year cross-government development programme designed to help participants develop the knowledge, skills and networks required to build a satisfying and effective career in the Civil Service. 

Continuous learning

Across DWP we offer virtual learning sessions providing learning on different topics. We also support colleagues through a range of different professional qualifications.

Future Leaders Scheme

The Future Leaders Scheme (FLS) is a Civil Service accelerated development scheme for high potential senior managers. Through a blend of formal and experiential learning, participants are supported to drive forward their own development and aspirational goals. 

Leaders Like You

Leaders Like You is aimed at future leaders with the aspiration, engagement and potential to progress to a more senior grade. The scheme is tailored to individuals, with targeted career support from a cohort leader and a focus on their individual learning and development.

Mentoring

Our colleagues have a wealth of knowledge, capability and experience. We encourage sharing that expertise across the organisation for colleagues who are still growing in their careers. 

Operational Delivery Profession (ODP) Leadership Programme

This Leadership Programme is an exciting 3 year programme which aims to develop future senior leaders within the ODP.

Summer School

Our Summer School runs annually and provides participants with a range of activities, including the opportunity to work in a project group, to increase business knowledge and support personal development.

“I can confidently say that I started this Apprenticeship Programme as a child, a scared teenager who didn’t know where life was heading and now before the Programme has even ended, I’m a young adult. I’m someone who will have the qualifications and the experience to go further than I had ever imagined.” 

Mailise

Social Mobility Apprentice

Apprenticeships

Recently ranking 9th in Apprenticeships Top 100 Employers, DWP value the role that apprenticeships play in developing capability and ensuring we have talent for the future. Doing an apprenticeship is a great way for our employees to develop new skills and knowledge or enhance those already developed while gaining a recognised qualification.

DWP offer a range of apprenticeships including operational delivery, counter fraud, digital, human resources, finance, commercial, project delivery, communications and occupational psychology.

Hybrid working

Since the pandemic, many of us have realised the importance of having a healthy work-life balance. At DWP, we’ve always valued the importance of work-life balance for our employees, but now more than ever we are making this our priority. For roles where people can work from home, we offer hybrid working and other flexible working options.

Hybrid working is where an employee works part of the week in their DWP office and part of the week from home.  This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and an office identified as a base will be the contractual place of work. The number of days that anyone will be able to work at home will be determined primarily by business need, but personal circumstances and other relevant circumstances will also be taken into account. If the role is suitable for hybrid working this will be clearly stated in the advert. Opportunities for hybrid working, will be discussed with you before you take up your post.

An apprenticeship puts you in a paid position whilst allowing you to study for professional accreditation, which then enables you to progress in your chosen field.

Find out more about the range of benefits offered by the Civil Service Pension Scheme.