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- Work in government departments, carrying out policies and running services for the public
- Part-time work, job sharing and temporary work are all widely available
- Requires the ability to work well in a team and have good organisational, communication, and time management skills
Civil Service administrators play an essential role in government departments and agencies, usually in an administrative support or operational delivery role.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Handling enquiries from the public in person, by telephone or online,
- Researching information, contacting customers to follow up enquiries
- Dealing with complaints, processing benefit payments
- Updating computerised and paper-based records
- Filing, photocopying and other administrative tasks
- Referring complex queries or cases to an executive officer
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You'll often be based in an open plan office, which may be open to the public.
You'll need
This role requires the ability to work well in a team and have good organisational, communication, and time management skills.
You could apply directly to join the Civil Service as an administrative officer. Usually you'll need at least 5 GCSEs and may need A levels, or equivalent qualifications, for some administrative jobs.
You may find it useful to have experience in related work like office administration or customer service.
As part of the application process, you'll be tested on your ability to work well in a team, communicate with others and work with numbers.
You could do an advanced apprenticeship in business and administration or as an public service operational delivery officer to gain the relevant skills required for this role.
It could be useful to study Level 2 or 3 in Business Administration or a T Level in Management and Administration.
Alternatively, you could join the Civil Service as an administrative assistant and then apply for a post as an administrative officer when vacancies become available.
'Movement to Work' offers work experience opportunities in the Civil Service for unemployed young people.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you'll deal with more complex enquiries or complaints, or take on more specialist work related to your department. With further training, you could apply to become a Civil Service executive officer.