Working in government

Working in government is a vast topic, ranging from basic awareness through to specialist expertise - but the common themes throughout a Civil Service career will include things like managing public money, understanding the relationship with ministers and Parliament, and having a basic grasp of other professional areas and how to work with them.

Watch this video on getting things done in government

Our new induction course is designed to give new joiners a basic awareness of the Civil Service and how government works.

Explore the working in government strand
Opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of specific aspects of government are highlighted below. As well as formal training, look out for informal opportunities, these will add greatly to your understanding of the government context.

Work on cross-government projects
Join Civil Service networks
Participate in initiatives like shadowing and mentoring.
Here is a selection of some examples of the training available within Strand 2, to help you build your knowledge of working in government:

Effective communication - Government Communications Service
How you contribute to the delivery of public services - Operational Delivery
Gaining basic Data, Digital and Technology skills (DDaT)
Gaining analysis skills
Being commercially aware
Being a consultant in government
Contract management for non contract professionals
Finance for non finance professionals
Understanding policy - delivering meaningful outcomes
Understanding Parliament
Devolution and you
Understanding the Civil Service
Advising, briefing and drafting
Navigating legal processes
Effective communication - Government Communications Service
We all have a duty to ensure that ministers, senior officials and organisational leaders are briefed and informed to enable the effective operation of public services and improve people?s lives. We communicate using a variety of means on a regular basis, for example writing effective emails training provides useful tips on how to write and structure your emails.

For more information on how you can develop your communication style visit Government Communication Service.

How you contribute to the delivery of public services - Operational Delivery
Operational Delivery, sits at the heart of public service delivery, in order to create and deliver exceptional services to citizens. Whether you work directly or indirectly with individuals or businesses, ultimately we deliver for people and it is key that we develop understanding to support our citizens. You can undertake the Operational Delivery Induction and further your knowledge and skills through a vast range of development training and opportunities to network wider within the community. For more information about how you contribute to the delivery of public service visit the Operational Delivery profession GOV.UK page.

Gaining basic Data, Digital and Technology skills (DDaT)
The DDaT profession has published the DDaT Essentials which are vital skills for senior civil servants to keep pace with digital, data and technology developments and help government provide better services for users. The following courses will support upskilling in these vital areas.