Civil Service administrator: Job description

The role of Civil Service administrator is quite broad and can cover a wide range of tasks and responsibilities. The Civil Service is made up of a large number of different departments, which implement government policies and deliver services to the public. As an administrator you would contribute to the delivery of these services through duties such as research, compiling reports, working on policy documents.

The Civil Service is a significant employer, comprising departments, agencies and non-departmental government bodies (NDPBs), and employing just under half a million people. Approximately one quarter of which work in London or the South East, with the remaining three-quarters spread throughout the UK.

Typical work activities

The tasks involved vary greatly according to the department in which an administrator is based, but are likely to include some or all of the following activities:

• helping to formulate and implement policies;
• using excellent customer service skills to deal with service users, for example, other civil servants, members of the public or other organisations;
• interpreting and applying complex written information relating to policies and procedures;
• managing and working efficiently with resources, often on a limited budget;
• taking an impartial interest in economic and political issues;
• using communication skills, both oral and written, to explain often complex information to colleagues and members of the public;
• achieving and delivering results within deadlines;
• working quickly and under pressure, often according to complex rules and procedures;
• producing high-quality materials and reports;
• researching and carrying out analysis relating to particular areas of economic or political interest;
• providing evidence, based on research, and delivering findings to senior staff members, which may eventually feed into future policy work.