Civil Service administrative officer
Civil Service administrative officers work in government departments, carrying out policies and running services for the public.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As an administrative officer, your day-to-day duties will depend on the department you work for.
You could:
- handle enquiries in person, by telephone or online
- research information
- schedule meetings and arrange travel
- deal with complaints
- update records
- file documents, order stationery and do other administrative tasks
- refer complex queries or cases to an executive officer
Working environment
You could work in an office or from home.
Career path and progression
With experience, you'll deal with more complex enquiries, or take on more specialist work related to your department.
With further training, you could apply to become a Civil Service executive officer.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- administration skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to work on your own
- sensitivity and understanding
- to be flexible and open to change
- excellent verbal communication skills
- customer service skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks
- meet the Civil Service nationality requirements
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
You could take a course to give you some of the administrative skills needed for this job.
You could do a business administration course or a T Level in Management and Administration.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
You could do an apprenticeship like:
- Business Administrator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Public Service Operational Delivery Officer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
You could join the Civil Service as an administrative assistant. You'll usually need at least 2 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C).
You could then apply for a post as an administrative officer when vacancies become available.
You could apply directly to join the Civil Service as an administrative officer. You'll usually need at least 5 GCSEs. You may need A levels, or equivalent qualifications, for some administrative jobs.
You may also find it useful to have experience in related work like office administration or customer service.
As part of the application process, you'll be tested on your ability to:
- work well in a team
- communicate with others
- work with numbers
Career tips
Movement to Work offers work experience opportunities in the Civil Service for unemployed young people.
Further information
You can find out more about working as an administrative officer from Civil Service Careers.
Related videos
Suggested videos
Coffee With is in early release mode with a limited number of videos. New videos are being added every week, so please check back for updates.
External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.