Public sector
The public sector employs around 5.6 million people and has opportunities across the UK. Find out more about working in the sector...
The majority of jobs in the public sector will fall under the responsibility of one of the major government departments:
For examples of job roles, see graduate jobs in the public sector.
Central government departments, such as those listed above, are major employers in the public sector. In addition, executive agencies are part of the sector and deliver services on behalf of departments. For example, Jobcentre Plus is an agency managed by the Department of Work and Pensions.
Non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) work independently of government departments but are accountable to ministers. Employees of NDPBs are not normally civil servants, and their role may be executive, for example the Student Loans Company, or advisory, such as the Council for Science and Technology.
You can also work in local government, which is responsible for issues such as housing, planning, leisure services and refuse collection. It works closely with central government departments on major issues including education and social services.
There is also the Welsh Assembly government, the Scottish government and the Northern Ireland Assembly. Devolved UK governments work closely with the UK central government but also have direct jurisdiction over major issues such as education, health and the environment.
The armed forces and emergency services are also major employers in the public sector.
The range of work is diverse and working conditions reflect this. It is possible to work a typical 9am to 5pm day in a desk-based role, while it is also possible to be working outdoors, do irregular, unsociable hours or make frequent journeys within the UK and beyond.
Graduates entering the public sector can expect starting salaries to vary depending on the job role and department, for example:
The public sector has historically been recognised as offering extensive training, good equal opportunities policies and great benefits and pensions. However, public sector cutbacks have led to a reduction in the number of roles available and the removal of some work-related benefits.
The Autumn Statement in November 2011 set out plans for an average of a 1% pay increase for two years. This followed the pay freeze that was placed on public sector workers for two years from June 2010. This was set for all public sector staff paid the full-time equivalent of more than £21,000 a year.
The sector covers a wide range of public services including education and the armed forces. Discover what jobs are on offer...
These job profiles are examples of graduate careers in the public sector:
To find the graduate job roles that best match your skills and interests, login to what jobs would suit me?
For job vacancies, search graduate jobs in the public sector.
Find out what skills employers in the public sector want and where you can find a job...
There are many opportunities for graduates from any discipline in the public sector. However, some areas, such as teaching and social work, require specific subjects.
Find out what the options with your subject are.
Employment-related skills that are sought across the public sector include:
To find work experience in a government department, try writing to the human resources (HR) manager and asking if there are any work experience schemes available.
One example of a formal programme is the Government Legal Service (GLS) , which offers around 70 places on its vacation scheme. Placements run between June and September and last for two to three weeks.
There are also specialised jobs boards, such as Local Government Talent: Jobs , where you can search for work placements.
To find work placements and internships in the public sector, search for work experience.
Depending on the role you want to do, there are different routes to finding a job and various methods of applying. For example, each local council has a jobs website where you can find general vacancies advertised for all levels.
There are a number of graduate programmes available in the public sector. One of the most prominent is the Civil Service Fast Stream . The scheme has opportunities for a variety of people including economists, social researchers and HR professionals.
The Prison Service runs the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) Graduate Programme , which trains graduates to be managers.
To find job vacancies, search graduate jobs in the public sector.
Discover how important it is to obtain membership of a professional body and which jobs require you to have a postgraduate qualification
In some public sector professions, a postgraduate degree is necessary. For example, to become a teacher often a postgraduate certificate in education is required and then a year as a newly qualified teacher (NQT). Get teaching advice on the routes to the classroom, qualifications required and how to apply.
The Civil Service Fast Stream offers professional accountancy qualifications and some departments will support graduates through other professional qualifications.
For more information on entry requirements and career development in the public sector, see types of jobs.
To find postgraduate public sector courses in the UK, search courses and research.
Membership of an industry-specific professional body will enhance your status within your field of expertise. In many public sector roles, membership of a professional body is compulsory.
By joining a professional body, you can also:
As there are so many different roles in the public sector, the range of recognised professional qualifications is vast. A selection of professional bodies include: