Your guide to

a fulfilling Civil Service

CAREER

ACHIEVE

YOUR

POTENTIAL

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This career guide is designed to help you develop and progress in the Civil Service.

It includes plenty of links to a variety of places where you can find further information, tools, tips and resources. All links are marked with

Contents

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Introduction Introduction

The purpose of this guide

Whatever position you are in, whether you are a new joiner or consider yourself a seasoned civil servant, this guide will help you think about your own career, your potential and how to achieve more. It takes you through a series of building blocks to help you think about what you want from your career and start your own personal career plan.

This career guide is designed for you. It sets out what support is available to you as you develop and progress in the Civil Service.

Around us the world is changing, and this includes the world of work. Technology brings flexible working, digitalisation of services and use of social media, for instance. We are seeing shifts towards sustainability, localisation and greater cross-sector collaboration.

See this link from the Corporate Research Foundation to learn more.

These developments are also changing the concept of ‘a career’ and how individuals approach successful and fulfilling employment. Careers are becoming more fluid and flexible, allowing individuals greater freedom to design their career in the best possible way for them.

The Civil Service is a successful, open, diverse and professional organisation. As civil servants, we are committed to performing the best we possibly can. This commitment underpins everything we do, from supporting the government of the day to ensuring high quality services are available to UK citizens.

However, we are currently developing at an unprecedented scale and pace so we can continue to serve the public and implement the Government’s reform programme.

This means a unique opportunity to reinterpret what it is to be a civil servant, what a career in the Civil Service looks like and – the focus of this guide – how you can achieve your potential.

The key is to find a good match between your individual strengths, aspirations and experience, and the needs of your organisation. Paying attention to your development and career options will help you secure a fulfilling career. In years to come, the answer to the question ‘what does a Civil Service career look like?’ may be very different to today, with individuals taking greater ownership of their careers and grasping opportunities to gain a variety of experiences from both within and outside the Civil Service.

There are many different ways to

progress your career. In this guide you will be

prompted to consider

a variety of options.

The people who

get on in this world are the people who get up

and look for the circumstances

they want, and if they can’t

find them, make them.

-- George Bernard Shaw

GOOD LUCK!

The key to achieving your potential will be how you use your initiative and creativity to seek out development opportunities – and how you make the most of them to create a dynamic and flexible career path for yourself.

Building Block 1 – Lay the foundation for success Building Block 1 – Lay the foundation for success

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Planning your career

Not everyone has a set career plan. Some people have a clear vocation; some have a specific ambition such as moving sectors or being promoted; some people simply enjoy working in public services. Wherever you are, doing some career planning now can set you on the path for progression.

You will also want to look at the types of jobs and careers that are available. It is easy to just look at familiar territory or to focus purely on moving upwards in your team. But it is important to look at other roles and other organisations to see what is possible.

Once you have clarified your goal, think about how to get there. If you need new skills, then look for development opportunities. If you need specific experience, explore secondment opportunities. If it might involve promotion, look at the competencies required at the next level and consider how you can stretch and develop to meet them.

Most importantly, be flexible. If you are set on a particular career but hit a stumbling block, you could take a different route. A lateral move may help you gain the breadth or depth of expertise you need.

To be in the driving seat of your career you need to understand yourself, your preferences and what motivates you. Some people are goal orientated and work to a plan. Others seize opportunities as they arise. Whichever approach you take, self-knowledge and knowledge of the world around you will help you make the right career choices.

You might also want to assess your achievements and career prospects from a different angle, namely how you consciously and proactively manage your managers, your relationships and your work environment.

For more information, read about the Career Helium.

Self knowledge

Many of us do a good job when we are interested in what we do. So when you plan your career, spend a little time thinking about which issues, challenges or subject areas personally interest you and how you could work in those areas.

Short checklist of things to consider for your development

The world around you

It is valuable to keep an eye on changes in the wider world and think about what could create opportunities for you. For example, recent years have brought about so-called ‘green jobs’ – jobs related to sustainability and climate change. In the future, we will see other new kinds of jobs arising from developments in society.

There are personal factors to consider:

� What is important to you in a job (for example, working with people)

� Practical issues such as your working pattern, salary level and location

� Your skills and qualifications

� Your aspirations and goals

� What drives and inspires you.

Get to know yourselfand the world around you!

Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability

to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing it is stupid.

-- Albert Einstein

Everyone’s idea of a fulfilling career is different. Wherever you want to get to, it pays to do some planning.

The secret of getting started is breaking

your complex overwhelming tasks

into small manageable tasks,

and then starting

on the first one.

-- Mark Twain

The secret of getting

ahead is getting started.

Building Block 1 – Lay the foundation for success Building Block 1 – Lay the foundation for success

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Lateral career moves are just as important as vertical ones. You may need experience of two or more roles at the same level before you are ready to take on more responsibility. Whichever approach you take, you will benefit from focusing on your learning and development along the way. This is likely to include personal skills, such as team working, and technical skills, such as writing reports, as well as knowledge needed for the next stage of your career.

Working in the Civil Service – the essential requirements

When you consider your future career it is important that you know which skills and behaviours the Civil Service values – ‘what good looks like’.

The Civil Service Competency Framework is a good starting point. It applies to all departments and sets out what is expected from everyone. The Framework is designed to deliver a pacier, innovative, results-orientated culture and will be used for recruitment, performance and development discussions, and decisions about progression across the Civil Service.

Use the Framework when you plan your career

The Framework can help you plan your career path as it shows you the behaviours civil servants are expected to demonstrate at different levels.

The Framework is also an important tool for you when reviewing your current performance. You should discuss with your line manager which competencies apply most to your role, but familiarise yourself with all the competencies and suggested effective behaviours for your level. Then take a look at the effective behaviours for the levels above and below yours to understand what is expected of you and how this compares to colleagues at different levels.

What will be your chosen path?

There are various ways you can view your approach to career choices, including:

� The linear approach: Find a distinct path or specialism and look to broaden or deepen your expertise in that field

� The butterfly approach: Experiment with different job roles, looking to build up a rich mix of experiences that will be valued by future employers

� The career anchor approach: Develop a consistent thread that runs through the different roles you undertake, or have an area of expertise which you return to at various points in your career.

� What are you aiming for and what are your plans?

� Do you meet what is required at your level?

� What are you good at and where might you want to strengthen your performance?

� What feedback have you had from your manager and others around you about how you do your job now?

Recap... some useful questions

Keep away from people who try to belittle

your ambitions.Small people always do that, but

the really great make you feel that you too can become great.

-- Mark Twain

Practical exercise to understand your career anchors

Career crossroads interactive self-assessment

Luck is what happens

when preparation

meets opportunity

-- Seneca

Building Block 2 – Learn to learn

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Building Block 2 – Learn to learn

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Key to developing a successful career is the ability to learn and constantly focus on acquiring new skills, knowledge and behaviours.

Make sure your learning is effective

There are a variety of ways to get more out of the learning you do, whether it is individually or with your team. For instance, this table shows you how to add different ways of learning to what you already do.

If you like: Just getting on with it and gaining experience

Think about what you have done which has worked well, observe experienced colleagues and chat to your line manager about how you can build on what you have learnt

If you like: Thinking about what works, what doesn’t and why

Read about the theory behind it, try things out, experiment with different ways of working

Adding this will help you learn more

If you like: Experimenting with different ways of doing something

Reflect on what works best, notice what happens as you have the experience, find out about different approaches or methods

If you like: Finding out about relevant theory/ models/ approaches

Try out what you read, reflect on it and have another go – experiment with different approaches

Add it! More about learning styles

Use workplace learning to reach your next career target faster

Traditionally, learning was thought of as a formal activity that took place in classrooms away from the day job. Nowadays we are starting to appreciate that often the best learning happens on the job. In fact, most days will offer you opportunities to learn something that will help you do your job better and get closer to the next target on your career plan. You just need to look for those opportunities and think about what you can make of them. Workplace learning is:

� An informal and integrated part of your day job, not an add-on

� For all of us, whatever our level of experience and responsibility

� ‘Blended’: informal learning in the workplace can be mixed with other types of learning such as e-learning and shadowing

� Self-directed: you access the learning you need, when you need it

� Manager-supported: your manager should guide you and help you take stock of your progress – and their own learning can set a good example for you.

There are many ways to learn informally at work. Having a chat with a colleague about a different way to do something and then implementing it is an example of workplace learning. Passing that knowledge on to others can strengthen what you have learnt. The following are examples of everyday occurrences, but what you learn from them could help you develop in the future.

1. Observing someone more experienced

2. Getting feedback from a colleague

3. Trying a new approach to getting something done

4. Getting a useful tip over lunch from a friend.

Civil Service Learning’s Guide to Learning in the Workplace tells you more about effective workplace learning

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Discover more about how to learn at work – check out key principles or go straight to practical methods by using the icons below and to the right.

Introduction: What is learning in the workplace?1

Making the most of your learning opportunities5

How to seize learning opportunities3

Further reading and resources7

How to identify just what you need to learn 2

What to do next? 6

Practical ways to learn at work4 a) Methods and techniques• Learningthroughwork

Learning by doingReflective practiceLearning from change

• LearningthroughothersObservation and shadowingFeedbackCoachingMentoring

• LearningwithothersAction learningTeam learningNetworkingVolunteering

• LearningwithtechnologyOnline resourcesSmarter searchingSocial media & mobile learning

• LearningbyreadingBooks and articlesStudy skills

b) Materials and resources• VirtualAshridge• GoodPractice• CivilServiceLearning

Resources

c) Learning journeys: Examples of learning at work in action

Discover more about

how to learn at work

Building Block 3 – Seek out support Building Block 3 – Seek out support

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Your career is yours and not anyone else’s but there is no reason why you should not get input from others to help you shape it.

Your manager can be an important ally for you. You can also draw on other sources of support available when developing your career, for instance learning and development resources, coaching and talent schemes.

Line manager support

The Civil Service expects you to strive to be the best you can be and take advantage of the opportunities provided. The responsibility for this lies with you, but your manager is there to help you achieve your goals and to support you as you develop and progress. See competency six ‘Building Capability for All’ in the Civil Service Competency Framework.

� Take responsibility for your own development and career path

� Have a strong focus on continuous learning so your knowledge and skills are current and evolving in line with what the business requires.

� Engage with you about your

development needs as well as

your longer term career plans

� Help you take a wider

perspective on how you

can progress

� Demonstrate through their

behaviour that they value

and prioritise learning for

themselves, others, your

department and the whole

of the Civil Service.

Find out more through these links:

Individual’s checklist for development

Manager’s checklist for developing people

Questionnaire to help you assess your management skills

Managing People learning journey for managers

Resource for managers on succession planning

What YOU nEED to do yourself What YOUR MAnAGER

is expected to do

no man is an island -- John Donne

Role modelling – the power of example

Unpublished research of learning in the Civil Service shows the power of example. In departments where managers and senior leaders openly demonstrated their own learning, as well as their commitment to learning, their teams felt able to try out new skills and apply new learning with greater freedom.

Building Block 3 – Seek out support

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Building Block 3 – Seek out support

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A leader leads by example

whether he intends to or not.

-- Albert Einstein

Learning and development – how can Civil Service Learning help you?

Civil Service Learning (CSL) is your route to flexible, high quality learning which will help you achieve your potential and reach your career targets.

We have worked with many government departments to create a curriculum for the skills that you as a civil servant need to do your job effectively. Our offer complements the learning and development programmes that are specific to your department or your profession.

Our highly respected suppliers include Ashridge, Capita, Good Practice, Roffey Park and Westminster Explained. This means you can be certain that the learning you do with us is high quality, relevant and fit for purpose.

On our portal you will find bite-size introductions to topics, e-learning courses, classroom-based workshops and longer development programmes. Much of what we offer can be combined to create your own blend of opportunities. You can take as little – or as much – as you need, when you need it.

You will need to register with CSL using your Civil Service email address. Registering only takes a couple of minutes and is free – visit www.civilservice.gov.uk/learning

You will need to register with CSL using

your Civil Service email address.

@

Talent schemesYou may already be familiar with the Civil Service Fast Stream programme. The Graduate Fast Stream is open to people from any academic discipline. Within it, you can choose from a range of options, according to your preferences and interests. In addition there are five separate Fast Stream schemes designed for specialists and other groups. Existing Civil Servants, including non-graduates, can also apply to the scheme – your Department’s HR team will be able to give you more information.

More about the Civil Service Fast Stream programmes

Some departments have their own talent schemes. Get in touch with your department’s HR team to find out more. There are also several leadership talent schemes for those at middle management level and above.

Coaching

Coaching can help to narrow gaps between your potential and your performance. Normally a coach will work with you in a series of one-to-one sessions to help you identify, plan and achieve your goals. Go to CSL’s coaching page to find out more.

For more information, take a look at our Guide to getting the most out of Civil Service Learning.

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www.civilservice.gov.uk/learning

Contact us by emailing

Your department will continue to deliver training on topics that are specific to your business. Your local L&D lead or HR Business Partner can advise you on what is available.

If you are looking for specialist training that is relevant to your profession, start with the ‘Professions’ section on the Civil Service Learning site, which includes links to a range of professional bodies.

helpdesk@civilservicelearning.org.uk

7. Can’t find what you need?

7

“I always find something really helpful in the Virtual Ashridge Resource Centre” (BIS)

Or call 0203 367 8316

Discover more...

Building Block 4 – Gain depth of expertise Building Block 4 – Gain depth of expertise

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The Civil Service needs people with expertise in many different areas. It offers opportunities for individuals to develop and apply this expertise in professional roles, in specialist jobs and in areas where particular qualifications are needed.

Professions in government

There are over 20 established professions across the Civil Service. Some are specific to the Civil Service, like policy and operational delivery. Others are recognised across both public and private sector, like law, HR, communications and finance.

Some Civil Service roles require you to be a member of a particular profession (although many do not). It may be your ambition to join a profession and make this your career path. You might already be a member of a profession and be keen to progress within it. You may decide to gain professional experience by moving between the public and the private sector during your career. If you are keen to join a profession you will want to look carefully at which roles will offer you that opportunity.

Some professions require formal qualifications to join, others do not. You will be expected throughout your career to continue to develop your specialist knowledge, in whatever roles you take on, enhanced by broader experiences and exposure to other professional skills.

More about the professions recognised across the Civil Service

Career pathways in the Operational Delivery profession

Other specialisms and expertise

Other specialist roles require you to have particular knowledge but are not seen as formal Civil Service professions. Examples are roles in health and safety or diversity and equality – these are specialist roles found across the whole of the Civil Service and in other sectors.

Learning resources for specialisms and professions

Qualifications, continuing professional development and accreditation

Whether you need formally recognised qualifications will be decided by your department or the profession you may have joined. Alternatively you may decide, linked to your own personal career ambitions, that you need formal recognition of your skills. In some cases there will be funding available for this, but not always. It will depend on the return on investment and how important it is for the Civil Service that you hold formally recognised qualifications.

It can be very satisfying to develop your expertise. Using in-depth knowledge to do your job well and being established with colleagues as an expert can be hugely motivating.

What is the recipe

for successful

achievement?

-- Benjamin F. Fairless

To my mind there are just four

essential ingredients: Choose

a career you love, give it

the best there is in you, seize

your opportunities, and be

a member of the team.

1

Building Block 5 – Gain breadth of experience Building Block 5 – Gain breadth of experience

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Mentors

A different perspective can be very valuable. A good way of getting that is to work with a mentor. This will typically be someone outside your immediate team who is more experienced in an area that is important to you. For instance, if you want to become a better manager your mentor could be someone who is known for their excellent management skills. Some departments run mentoring schemes or you can approach people yourself and ask them if they would consider becoming your mentor.

Projects, lateral moves and secondments

Applying for a shorter term project opportunity in a different team or department, or a permanent lateral move, could help you gain the skills and experience you are looking for. Depending on where you live CS Local may be the best way to find out what is near you. Time spent in another area of the Civil Service, or another team within your department, is also likely to help you develop a broader perspective and help you get better at what you do – both of which will be important for your career.

Another option to consider is a secondment to the private or voluntary sector. If you have worked in the Civil Service for a while you might like to think about refreshing your broader experience by going outside the public sector. People who have done this often find the experience invaluable and are able to use what they have learnt to improve the way they do their job once they return to the Civil Service. Your home department will be able to advise you further.

See also this pocket book on career transitions

Breadth of experience is an important counterbalance to in-depth expertise. Successful civil servants need to be able to work well across organisational and sector boundaries.

These links are a good place to start if you are interested in finding a mentor:

What is mentoring?

Practical ways to develop your mentoring skills

Short interview about the secrets of successful mentoring programmes

There is more information on mentoring

on the CSL portal.

Source: Wikipedia

someone who imparts wisdom to

and shares knowledge

MEnTOR

with a less experienced colleague

You should regularly look for opportunities

to expand your

experience, skills

and knowledge.

Building Block 6 – Make it happen

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Building Block 6 – Make it happen

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Whatever your role in the Civil Service, the advice and suggestions in this guide can help you shape your development and your career. Making it happen is up to you – but actually, making it happen is the best part.

True heroes are made of hard work and integrity. -- Hope Solo

We hope you have found the different elements of this guide useful. Now it is time to bring your reflections, research and conversations together and turn them into your own personal career plan. You decide on the format, but it is important to take your time and work out what you want from your career, and how you might go about achieving it.

IT’S Up TO YOU !!!

people with clear, written goals

accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than people without them

could ever imagine -- Brian Tracy

See also this guide to career planning

Make a plan

Have you: � Reviewed where you are now and spoken to your manager about this?

� Thought about what you are good at and what motivates you?

� Considered what would make you feel happy and fulfilled in your career?

Then it is time to get more specific and start your planning.

Consider your answers to these questions:

� What does success in your career look like for you? What are your goals?

� What steps are you going to take to help you get there? For example, what are you going to have a go at? What are you going to do to learn more?

� Who can help you find out more about opportunities that might exist?

� What timescales are you going to set yourself to achieve this?

Your development and career plans may well change as you learn new things or new opportunities arise. Build in points to stop and re-evaluate. Book time in your diary over the coming months to review your progress, on your own and with your manager.

Progress review

� Are you on track?

� What have you learnt about yourself?

� Do you want different things now?

Vision without action is merely a dream.

Action without vision just passes the time.

Vision with action can change the world.

-- Joel A. Barker

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Building Block 6 – Make it happen

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Career planning and development may feel time consuming or even a bit intimidating. If you work through your actions and goals in smaller steps you will find before you know it that you are making progress. Integrating these things into your daily working life will mean you do not need to set aside large amounts of time to consider your career development – it becomes an integral part of your working routine.

Why not put yourself in the good company of all those before you who worked hard to master something and eventually excelled at it? The athletes at the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics for instance, who set their goals, created a plan and stuck to it, impressing the whole world with their achievements.

Don’t put a limit

on anything

The more you dream,

the further you get.

-- Michael phelps

www.civilservice.gov.uk/learning

Find out more on the Civil Service Learning website

Many of your peers will already

be planning their career. Why not join them?