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- Manage teams that establish Civil Service policies and provide public services
- Make sure projects are completed on time and on budget
- Opportunities to move into the private sector or become a director of a department
As a Civil Service manager, you'll manage teams that establish policies and provide public services.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
Your day-to-day tasks will depend on your department and may include:
- Leading a team to develop policies, products and services
- Prioritising work and planning resources
- Making sure projects are completed on time and on budget
- Managing relationships with other departments and partner organisations
- Making sure policies meet legal guidelines
- Drafting briefings for senior colleagues and ministers
- Managing contracts
- Overseeing communications sent out by the department
- Mentoring developing staff
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You could work in an office.
You'll need
For this role, you'll need business management skills, leadership skills, customer service skills, the ability to use your initiative, excellent verbal communication skills, the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure, the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues, and to be thorough and pay attention to detail.
You'll need to pass security and enhanced background checks, and meet the Civil Service nationality requirements.
You may be able to start in the Civil Service, for example, as a higher executive officer. You could then apply for a place on the Civil Service Fast Stream scheme, which can eventually lead into a management career. Each department sets its own entry requirements, which often includes a university qualification. As an existing employee, you may be able to apply without a degree, though this varies between departments. After completing the scheme and gaining experience, you could move into a management role as vacancies become available.
To apply directly, you'll be expected to have relevant management experience, and technical skills relevant to the department you wish to join. You'll be assessed on your skills, knowledge and behaviours that fit in with the values of the Civil Service, as part of the application process.
If you're a graduate, postgraduate or in your final year of university, you can apply for a place on the Civil Service Fast Stream scheme, which can prepare you for a career in leadership and management. Competition for places is strong. Your degree can be in any subject, though some Civil Service departments may prefer a degree in a subject that is relevant to their work (E.g. economics for the Treasury). After completing the scheme, you'll be offered a role within a department. You would usually start as an executive officer or higher executive officer before moving into a management job.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could progress through the senior Civil Service management structure, becoming deputy director or director of a department. You could also become a senior policy adviser or permanent secretary, setting departmental strategy and supporting government ministers. Additionally, you could use your management skills and experience to work for other public sector organisations or move into the private sector.