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Idyllic rural, aerial view, of the Cotswolds UK on a clear sunny day

Careers at the Rural
Payments Agency

RPA employs around 2,600 staff, based at various sites across England. We’re a dispersed team, and many of our employees live in the communities we serve.

Our People come from a wide variety of backgrounds and include:

  • Customer Service Team Members
  • Operational Delivery Team Leaders and Team Managers
  • Operational Delivery Caseworkers and Stakeholders
  • Field Officers
  • Business Analysts

Here at the RPA we are passionate about helping our people progress and develop through a range of different opportunities, with a minimum of five dedicated learning days each year.

All new starters receive a formal two day introduction to RPA. Following this, you will get support from within your business area in your new role, which could include formal scheme training, shadowing colleagues, and access to mentors and coaches. We also provide a wide range of resources to support with leadership development.

You’ll have the opportunity to join our Customer Excellence training, enabling you to gain a qualification at 3 levels, to develop understanding of customer service and encourage continuous improvement. We support apprenticeships ranging from level 2 – level 7 and offer a range of nationally recognised qualifications linked to professions.

Our comprehensive benefits offer includes:

  • a fantastic Civil Service Pension with 27% employer contributions
  • 25 days annual leave (rising, over 5 years, to 30 days) for full-time new joiners, plus 8 public holidays a year and an additional day for the King’s birthday
  • recognition schemes, wellbeing support, employee discounts and travel to work schemes

“I began my career with the RPA in 2022 as an Operational Delivery Apprentice. As this was a complete career change, it was quite nerve-racking to begin with. I soon found that I had nothing to worry about. I was immediately put at ease by my team leader and new colleagues as I was welcomed into the world of the RPA.

Throughout my apprenticeship, I felt I could always access the help and support I needed to succeed in my role. As I learnt new skills, I gained confidence in my work and personal life.

Having successfully completed my apprenticeship with a distinction in August 2023, I continue to feel very much part of a great team.”

Photo of Sarah. She has a large floral tattoo on her shoulder and is wearing a brightly coloured striped top. Sarah has sparkly make-up around her eyes.

Sarah

Customer Service Team Member, York