Internal Civil Service job opportunities

[Hello1290]

There seems to be quite a few jobs advertised on the CS jobs website. If you work internally for CS do you have access to job opportunities before they go out to external candidates. I'm trying to get an idea of whether there are greater opportunities if you already work for the CS and if jobs on the external website have already been offered to current CS staff.

Yes, there’s generally a lot more jobs available to existing civil servants, but not everyone can apply for everything - you need your department to agree to releasing you. Most jobs advertised externally will have been advertised internally first, but not all. Generally my advice to people wanting to make the civil service a career is to get in first, then worry about moving to the part you want to be in.

Yes, lots of jobs are internal only. For example, within 50miles of my home, 48 jobs are publicly available but 174 are available if I log in as a verified civil servant.

Yes definitely. I think you bypass a few of the minimum requirements for the fast stream/ track programme.

Ahh I see - thank you everyone this is very helpful info.

How does the releasing thing work?

I think this may mean you need your managers permission to apply for an internal vacancy I'm not 100 per cent sure though.

@TigerBreath

How does the releasing thing work?

There is a cross civil service transfer process all departments use. Departments are required to release you within a given timeframe and there is usually a discussion between departments and the individual to agree a mutually convenient date.

@Hello1290

I think this may mean you need your managers permission to apply for an internal vacancy I'm not 100 per cent sure though.

Yes that's right. Mine always say no!

@Orangeinmybluelightcup me too. And it was my dream job. I was annoyed for ages

You don't need your managers permission to apply for an internal vacancy on civil service jobs. You do for EOI jobs (they're usually jobs advertised just in department and the application process is much simpler). If you get a job, you'll need to get your managers permission to move, but not if it's a promotion. Also sometimes the manager for the job you're moving to will go and speak to your current manager to help get them agree.