civil service executive officer

The work

Civil Service executive officers are junior managers in the Civil Service. There are around 170 Civil Service departments and agencies that deal with developing policies and delivering services to the public. All the departments and agencies employ executive officers.

Their duties can vary according to the department they work for, but can include:

• managing a team of administrative officers
• being responsible for motivating, training and appraising team members
• in some departments, training in a specific area of work such as tax or immigration control, and handling a caseload
• applying complex laws and procedures to deal with problems and enquiries
• using computer systems and databases
• preparing and presenting reports.

Hours and Environment

Most staff work 36-37 hours a week, normally between 9am and 5pm. However, there may be a shift system in departments that provide a service outside normal office hours. Many jobs have flexitime hours, and part-time and job share opportunities are common.

Most jobs are office-based, although there may be some travel to attend meetings, conferences or training courses. Depending on their job and department, some specialist managers may need to visit industrial sites, business premises and other organisations.

Skills and Interests

To be a Civil Service executive officer, you should:

• be able to manage people, resources and budgets
• be able to lead and motivate a team
• have excellent written and spoken communication skills
• be able to take responsibility and work on your own initiative 
• manage your time and be able to prioritise your workload
• be well-organised
• be able to think creatively and analyse information
• have good mathematical and computer skills
• respect confidential information.
  
  

Entry

Each department and agency organises its own recruitment and sets its own entry requirements.

You must meet the nationality requirement - all jobs are open to British nationals and around 75 per cent are also open to Commonwealth citizens or European Union nationals.

For many jobs, you will not be asked for formal qualifications. Instead, you would take an aptitude test to prove your abilities in teamwork, communication, reasoning and number skills. However, some departments may ask for two A levels/Highers or equivalent qualifications. Around half of directly-recruited executive officers are graduates.

If you have a first or second class honours degree, you can apply to the Fast Stream Development Programme. This is a four-year training and development programme that leads to more senior management posts. Your degree can usually be in any subject, although some departments may ask for degrees in certain subjects that are most relevant to their work.

Competition for places on the Fast Stream is very strong, and you must pass a series of selection tests and interviews. Fast Stream is usually only open to UK nationals. See the Fast Stream website for more details - for contact details see Further Information.

There is a structured promotion system in the Civil Service, so you may be able to enter in a lower administrative grade and be promoted to a management grade.

Training

In some jobs, you may be able to take vocational qualifications related to your area of work, for example NVQs/SVQs levels 3, 4 or 5 in Management.

You will be encouraged to identify your own training needs as part of an appraisal and staff development programme.

After at least two years' service, you could apply to join the Fast Stream programme if your manager thinks you have the potential. See the Fast Stream website for information on the in-service nomination programme.

Opportunities

The Civil Service is one of the country's largest employers, employing around half a million people all over the UK. Most civil servants are based in towns and cities, with about one in five based in London.

Jobs are advertised in the local and national press, on departmental websites, Jobcentre Plus, and in some relevant professional journals. 

There is a clear promotion structure, which is linked to the appraisal system. It can also be possible to move into accounts, personnel or training work in your department. Most people tend to stay in the department they were recruited into, but it is possible to apply for jobs in other departments.

Fast Stream entrants can expect to become senior managers within five years.

Annual Income

The annual income section is only a guide. 

Executive officers usually earn around £15,000 to £18,000 a year.
Depending on performance and length of service this can increase to £22,000 to £25,000.

Salaries may be higher in London. There may be extra allowances for working unsociable hours.

Further information

No central telephone number for information, please see website for contacts for individual departments Room G.1.4
Admiralty Arch
The Mall
London
SW1A 2WH

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