Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Work

Chat with other users about all things related to working life on our Work forum.

Original poster

Civil Service 50+?

21 replies

Sortmylifeout52 · 22/08/2023 15:37

Has anyone secured a job within the civil service, over the age of 50?

I'm 52, been a TA in an SEN school for 5 years and need to change pathway quick. Earning power is zero and I need to develop some further skills.

All job roles prior to this, have been either in schools ( support staff) or advisory ( working for net mums ).

If you did manage to secure a role, what department do you currently work in?

Thanks.

OP posts:
Original poster
Sortmylifeout52 · 22/08/2023 16:02

Also, WFH jobs?
What do you all do?
Are there any specific websites which advertise WFH jobs?

Thanks

OP posts:
Dowhatnoway · 24/08/2023 12:18

My friend joined the civil service last year at 53. She works as a support officer and really likes it. She had been made redundant and thought she would struggle but actually got offered a couple of roles.

Original poster
Sortmylifeout52 · 24/08/2023 12:21

@Dowhatnoway that's great news and has given me hope! Thanks

OP posts:
AltheaVestr1t · 24/08/2023 12:28

I've never worked anywhere more diverse in terms of age, I don't think it will be a barrier at all.

Iamanunsafebuilding · 24/08/2023 12:42

I'm public sector rather than civil service but the newest member of my team was an external recruit and is 55

CharlotteStreetW1 · 10/10/2023 13:55
Dog GIF by ViralHog

I was early 50s when I was offered a CS job. My friend was recently offered a civilian police job at 60.

I got my current job (private sector) at 56 and we've had two new starters both aged 60.

Can't comment on wfh as I only did it for the first lockdown.

CharlotteStreetW1 · 10/10/2023 13:56

I have NO idea how that dog got there! 😂

MatthewsMumFromTikTok · 10/10/2023 14:28

I joined the prison service at 54!

Spiral1Spiral234 · 10/10/2023 16:14

When state retirement age is 66, 67, 68

Why would you think that there would be an age barrier ?

55guy · 17/11/2023 15:35

I got my CS job at 60, lot of devious CV editing so they couldn't work out my age, flew through the IV of course cos I have real skills :-)

Coffeeandchristmascake · 17/11/2023 15:39

All civil service recruitment is done blind anyway so the recruiting manager will have no idea how old you are until interview. It's really not an issue at all.

Turkeyhen · 25/11/2023 17:58

Thanks for this reassuring thread: I’m also applying for a CS job and I’m 55 🤞🏼

Purrrrrdy · 26/11/2023 05:23

I secured a CS job earlier this year as 54.

HappyMatureMum · 22/08/2024 20:09

Sortmylifeout52 · 22/08/2023 15:37

Has anyone secured a job within the civil service, over the age of 50?

I'm 52, been a TA in an SEN school for 5 years and need to change pathway quick. Earning power is zero and I need to develop some further skills.

All job roles prior to this, have been either in schools ( support staff) or advisory ( working for net mums ).

If you did manage to secure a role, what department do you currently work in?

Thanks.

Yes go for it. I got into the fast stream in my fifties and now in a nice role in DBT. Age is a protected characteristic plus many team leaders like people with experience and a level head - good luck! 😁

RRBB1920 · 23/08/2024 15:15

Another for the civil service, it was second career at 36.

Piknik · 28/07/2025 22:42

Sorry for restarting an old thread.

I am 55 and have spent my career in the world of Film, TV, Video, Events and Communications - as a creative producer/writer/content developer/campaign creative and various other roles of that nature.

Work is now thin on the ground and I don't recognise my industry any more.

At my age, a big change seems almost impossible but I am really attracted to the ideal of working for the CS, but have no idea whether that is completely unrealistic, or how to even begin. I also don't feel like I have any useful experience although I do think I have life experience and some personality skills/traits that might be of value. But those things don't really translate on a CV.

Any thoughts on whether this is a) worth considering b) best way of getting started

AnnetteFlix · 29/07/2025 03:31

When applying for CS you have to demonstrate Strengths and Behaviours relating to that specific role rather than submitting a CV. Search them up then you'll have an idea what I'm talking about.

The job description will say which S&B are required for that role and then you'll be asked to provide examples using the STAR format. With your breadth of experience you should easily be able to fulfil the criteria. Best of luck @Piknik

Piknik · 29/07/2025 10:43

Thanks @AnnetteFlix -so do I not even have to send a CV at all - I have started trawling through and seen the thing you are talking about. I will wait till I have a quiet couple of hours and start trying to make sense of it.

AnnetteFlix · 29/07/2025 16:00

From my recollections of when I applied to the CS ... CVs aren't required. They don't want your age, institutions you studied at or dates. I think this comes post offer.

Often there's a 500 (or something) word statement of suitability. This is where you look at the Strengths & Behaviours required for that role and use the STAR format to show you're suitable.

Sometimes there are online situation questions, where you choose how you would respond to an office dilemma.

BestIsWest · 29/07/2025 16:02

Joined at 54. Lots older than me there too.

Piknik · 29/07/2025 16:26

If you don't mind me asking, what do you do @BestIsWest?

New posts on this thread. Refresh page