Civil Service Executive Officer
What is the work like?
Executive officers are the first level of management in the civil service.
As an executive officer, you could work in any of the 170 civil service departments and agencies that deal with developing policies and delivering services to the public. All departments and agencies employ people at executive officer grade, but job titles may vary between departments.
Your duties would vary according to the department you work for, but could include:
- managing a team of administrative officers
- being responsible for motivating, training and appraising team members
- training in a specific area of work such as tax or immigration control
- handling a caseload
- applying complex laws and procedures to deal with problems and enquiries
- using computer systems and databases
- preparing and presenting reports.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You could join a Civil Service department in an administrative grade and work your way up, or you could be recruited directly as an executive officer.
Each department organises its own recruitment and sets its own entry requirements. You may need two A levels or equivalent for some executive officer jobs, but in many cases you will not be asked for any formal qualifications. Instead, when you apply you would go through various stages which might include:
- filling in an application form based on your skills and life experience
- taking a written test to check your level of English and maths
- passing more selection tests and an interview.
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 scheme that leads to senior management posts. Your degree can be in any subject, although some departments may prefer degrees in certain subjects that are 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 all jobs you must also meet the nationality requirement – all jobs are open to British nationals and around 75% are also open to Commonwealth citizens or European Union nationals.
What further training and development can I do?
You will be trained on the job, learning from experienced staff and attending in-house training courses.
In some jobs, you may be able to take work-based qualifications such as NVQ 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.
Where can I go for more information?
No central telephone number for information, see website for contacts for individual departments427 London Road
Camberley
Surrey
GU15 3HZ
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries at this grade are around £17,000 a year.
- This can rise to £22,000 to £25,000, depending on performance and length of service.
Salaries are higher in London. There may be extra allowances for working unsocial hours.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
In a full-time job you would work around 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You may need to work some evenings and weekends in departments that provide a service outside normal office hours. Flexitime, part-time work and job sharing opportunities are common.
You would be office-based, although there may be some travel to attend meetings, training courses and other organisations.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- management and leadership skills
- excellent written and spoken communication skills
- decision making ability
- good organisational and time management skills
- problem solving ability
- the ability to interpret figures and written information
- computer and administrative skills
- budget awareness
- good judgement and the ability to apply rules fairly
- respect for confidentiality.
What opportunities are there?
The Civil Service is one of the country's largest employers, employing around half a million people all over the UK. Jobs are advertised in the local and national press, on departmental websites, and Jobcentre Plus.
There is a clear promotion structure, which is linked to the appraisal system. Most people tend to stay in the department they were recruited into, but you could apply for jobs in other departments. Civil Service Fast Stream recruits can expect to reach senior level within about five years.
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