The Department for Education

Profile

DfE Digital and Technology is part of the Department for Education (DfE).

In the DfE we have over 7,500 employees, that all play a vital part in providing world-class education, training, and care for everyone – whatever their background. We are a community of specialists who work across the department to meet our users’ needs. We deliver world class services to improve the outcomes for children and learners in education and care.

Our products and services help to improve the lives of our users and the people that deliver them, such as those that are working in schools, colleges, universities, nurseries and social care.

What you could be doing at DfE

We’re looking for people to help us build excellent user-centred services. Our work supports people on the frontline working in schools, colleges, universities, nurseries and social care.

Our Work

DfE Digital and Technology is part of the Department for Education (DfE). It’s our job to transform DfE so we can better meet our users’ needs.

We do this by building excellent services that are user-centred and easy to use and by improving people’s digital and technology skills and capabilities.

Our work supports the DfE in its vision to provide world-class education, training and care for everyone, whatever their background. We’re proud to support the Diversity Charter.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for talented and enthusiastic candidates who are excited by the challenge of designing user-centred policies and services for the public.

We work in multidisciplinary teams which have a rich mix of people with digital skills. Some positions are junior, others are more senior. And some are leaders of their particular digital profession. Typically our teams recruit people into these roles:

• delivery managers
• product managers
• user researchers
• developers
• technical architects
• content designers
• policy designers
• service designers
• interaction designers

We also have a number of operation service roles in finance, HR, Recruitment and administration, so whatever your background, its likely you will find something that suits your skills and experience.

We also offer apprenticeships, T-Levels and Graduate roles.

Why work for us?

The Civil Service is committed to becoming the most inclusive employer by 2023. It embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities.

A fully representative workforce means we can develop policies that make opportunities equal for children and young people. In our DfE Digital and Technology teams we want everyone to bring their whole self to work and be a place where honesty, challenge and innovation are encouraged and valued.

All of our roles offer flexible working patterns. We have great learning and development opportunities, excellent annual leave, and all members of staff have the opportunity to take 5 volunteering days a year to do charity work. – Take a look in more detail below.

• We offer an environment with flexible working options, such as job sharing, term-time working, part-time working, flexitime and compressed hours.
• As an organisation, which exists to support education and lifelong learning, we offer our staff excellent professional development opportunities which are tailored to your role.
• As our work represents the whole of our population, the only way we can provide effective services is by being an inclusive and diverse organisation. We are passionate about maintaining an open and positive working culture.
• A generous annual leave allowance of 25 days leave, increasing by 1 day every year to a maximum of 30 days after five years’ service. In addition, all staff receive the Queen’s Birthday privilege holiday and 8 days’ bank and public holidays.
• Paid special leave for volunteering.
• A wide variety of staff support networksincluding a Women’s Network, BAME Network, Wellbeing Network, and many more.
• As a member of the DfE, you will be entitled to join the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme, which many experts agree is one of the most generous in the UK. For further information on these schemes please refer to the following website: Civil Service Pensions website.
• Being a member of the Department for Education will give you access to schemes offering discount on various amenities including groceries, sports & activity groups and gym memberships.
• Cycle to Work scheme and loans towards bicycle purchase, Through this scheme, civil servants can buy and spread the cost of a new bike (including e-bikes) and cycling equipment worth up to £4,000

Incentives

Employee well-being

Work can have a positive impact on our health and wellbeing. And a healthy and motivated workforce is paramount.

These are some of the services employees can access for support if they need.

24 hour support, 7 days a week

A confidential support service giving advice and counselling.

Workplace adjustments

We make adjustments to remove or reduce the effect of an employee’s disability so they can do their job to the best of their ability. Adjustments range from an accessible car parking space close to the office entrance to a particular type of office chair.

Staff Networks and Groups

There is a wide variety of staff networks and groups across DfE, which reflect the various diverse aspects of our workforce. They have been establish to educate, engage and offer support to our people.

Fair treatment ambassadors

Trained volunteers promote and foster a working environment in which everyone is treated fairly and equally.

Several ways to raise a concern

We take bullying, harassment and discrimination very seriously. If you have a concern, you will always be supported to find the help you need.

Mental health first aiders

These trained colleagues work across the DfE giving support and guidance to staff experiencing mental health problems.

Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave

DfE offers maternity leave and parents can take shared parental leave if they wish.

There is also statutory paternity leave for fathers.

Recognition and reward

Recognising people for their work, commitment and effort can be motivational and encourage them to perform to their full potential. We therefore have different ways in which we thank our employees. These include:

• awards for people when they’ve done a really great piece of work
• awards for people who consistently perform very well throughout the year
• the Civil Service awards for individuals and teams who exemplify the Civil Service values of excellence, teamwork and innovation

Learning and development opportunities

Career development and training

DfE offers a wide range of development and career opportunities to develop and grow its people. Learning and talent teams make sure people’s career and personal development aligns to the departments’ aims and priorities.

Professional training and development

We support staff who want to study for a professional qualification by offering funding and study leave.

Secondment opportunities

There are secondment and loan opportunities for people to work in another DfE team, in a different part of government or even overseas.

Routes into leadership positions

To support potential leaders within the Civil Service we offer places on schemes such as the Future leaders scheme and the Positive action pathway.

Regular feedback

Everyone has, and is encouraged to give, feedback. We have regular reviews of our work and agree and set clear work objectives. There’s a strong 360 degree feedback culture.

Civil Service Sports and Social Club

The membership club for civil servants offers a range of sporting and social activities, plus member discounts and offers.

Members club

By joining Boundless, civil servants and their families can make the most of their free time and save money in the process.

Cycle to work scheme

Through this scheme, civil servants can buy and spread the cost of a new bike (including e-bikes) and cycling equipment worth up to £4,000.

Employee discount scheme

You can get discounts in a wide range of shops including supermarkets and department stores.

Free eye tests and money towards glasses

We pay for your eye tests. If you are prescribed glasses, solely for work, the DfE will reimburse you.

Salary advance policy

If you need, you can request part of your salary in advance to help pay:

• for preparation for a religious festival
• for a holiday or special leave
• a care provider, such as a nursery

Rental deposit scheme

We offer support to employees to meet the cost of a deposit for a privately-rented home.

Charity for civil servants

There is a dedicated charity for people who work in the Civil Service and for those who used to. It offers practical, financial and emotional support.

Season ticket loan

You can apply for a loan to pay for a season ticket for travel between home and work.

Pension scheme

We offer a very competitive, industry-leading pension scheme for new and existing employees. Find out more on the Civil Service Pensions website.