Archive Website of the UK government

Civil service

The civil service supports the government by helping it develop and carry out policy, and run public services.

Civil servants are employed across central and local government. Examples of government departments that civil servants work in include the:

• Foreign and Commonwealth Office
• Ministry of Defence
• Department for Work and Pensions

If you are interested in joining the civil service, or want to find out more about central or local government, follow the links below.

• Civil service recruitment gateway Opens new window

• Civil service Fast Stream Development Programme Opens new window

• A-Z of central government

• A to Z of local councils

Local council jobs

Local councils are responsible for running day-to-day services in your local area. Some of the services local councils are responsible for are:

• environmental protection
• recycling and rubbish collection
• traffic and parking control
• community centres and sports facilities

If you are interested in a job in local government, follow the links below.

• The official local government careers site Opens new window

• Apply for a job at your local council Opens new window

• A to Z of local councils

Health and care jobs

The NHS is the largest employer in Europe, employing more than one million people. As well as doctors, nurses and medical staff, the NHS also employs large numbers of people in support roles such as:

• administration
• cleaning
• maintenance
• catering
• security

Follow the link below to find a career in the NHS.

• NHS Careers Opens new window

Teaching jobs

Teachers are always in demand. From nursery to university, there are vacancies all across the country for teachers.

Find out about teacher training and what financial help you may receive by following the link below.

• Teacher training (TDA) Opens new window

Emergency services jobs

The emergency services are made up of the:

• ambulance service
• fire brigade
• police force
  

As well as front-line jobs, all three services have a number of roles supporting day-to-day activities. Find out more about working for the emergency services by following the links below.

• Careers in the Ambulance Service Opens new window

• Join the police force Opens new window

Armed forces jobs

The armed forces are made up of the:

• British Army
• Royal Air Force
• Royal Navy
  

All three are actively recruiting. For more information on life in the armed forces click on the links below.

• Air Force Opens new window

• Royal Navy Opens new window

• The British Army Opens new window