Civil Service executive officer

Civil Service executive officers work in government departments that develop policies and provide services to the public.

• Starter salary£30,000 a year
• Experienced£45,000 a year
• Typical hours37 to 40 a week

What you'll do

As a Civil Service executive officer, your tasks will depend on your role and the government department you work in.

You could:

• put into practice government plans for public services
• prepare and present reports
• communicate with the public
• give advice to government representatives
• manage a budget
• handle a caseload and update files

Working environment

You could work in an office.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use your initiative
• administration skills
• customer service skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• business management skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

How to become a civil Service executive officer

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly
• a graduate training scheme

University

You could apply to join the Civil Service after doing a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree, although a university qualification is not essential.

The Summer Internship Programme and the Civil Service Care Leavers Internship Scheme , offer undergraduates an insight into working in the Civil Service.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Apprenticeship

You could apply for a place on a higher or degree level apprenticeship with the Civil Service.

The apprenticeship you work towards will depend on the role and business area you work in.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You could start as an administrative officer . After gaining experience, you could apply for a post as an executive officer when vacancies become available.

Direct application

You can apply directly for jobs. You'll be expected to have relevant work or life experience to do this.

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.

Other routes

If you're a graduate or in your final year of university, you can apply for a place on the Fast Stream scheme . Competition for places is very strong, so a degree with a higher grade and work experience will help you.

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, for example science and engineering .

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks
• meet the Civil Service nationality requirements

Career path and progression

With experience, there's often the opportunity to apply for jobs in different government departments.

There is a clear promotion structure in the Civil Service. If you're on the Fast Stream you can expect to reach senior level in around 5 years.

Career tips

Movement to Work offers work experience opportunities in the Civil Service for unemployed young people.

Guides for this industry

• Administration: pay, interviews and getting started →

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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0