Skip to main content

https://dfedigital.blog.gov.uk/benefits/

The benefits of working in DfE Digital and Technology

This page was last updated on 6 September.

In DfE we have over 7,500 employees. We all play a vital part in providing world-class education, training, and care for everyone – whatever their background.

If we value and invest in our employees they are more likely to stay and do an excellent job. Here's a list of some of the things we offer to staff who join DfE Digital.

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.

Diversity networks and groups

These groups work across DfE to educate and engage people at all levels on equality, diversity and inclusion.

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

Quote from user researcher Alice Kiernan which reads: "looking after your wellbeing is an act of selflessness that ultimately benefits you and everyone you encounter"

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

Work life balance

DfE believes in creating a healthy balance between work and home life.

Flexi-time

You can vary your hours around personal preferences and commitments.

Generous holiday allowance

We offer 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after 5 years of service. We also offer 8 public holidays, as well as 1 day for the King's birthday.

Alternative working patterns

As well as full time working we offer part-time, job sharing, compressed hours and remote working.

Different types of leave

We offer many different types of paid leave which include:

  • 1 day off for The King's birthday
  • 25 to 30 days of annual leave (more for long service)
  • adoption, surrogacy, and foster care leave
  • special leave for caring responsibilities, career breaks, and sporting activities
  • study leave for apprenticeships or degrees
  • 3 days for volunteering

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

members of a team stood around a colourful agile wall with lots of post-its on it

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.

Training and development

There’s a wide range of courses across the Civil Service and within DfE to support an employee’s professional and personal development. We offer 5 days paid leave a year for this type of learning.

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.

On site facilities

A photo of a big metal bee structure in our Manchester office.

Our digital, data and technology (DDaT) teams are located across many of DfE’s 12 sites. The digital service delivery teams tend to be based in Manchester, London, Sheffield and Coventry.

Depending on which site you're based, you may have access to these facilities:

  • a coffee shop
  • a restaurant
  • a convenience shop
  • a gym
  • a prayer and meditation room
  • shower and changing rooms
  • bike racks
  • free on-site parking
  • dedicated learning spaces
  • a cashpoint
  • breakout areas
  • sports clubs
  • smoking and vaping areas
  • vending machines

Incentives

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

Photo of woman standing on Green Park tube station platform
Licence: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial Davide Simonetti

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.

If you want your work to truly count and be genuinely valued, join us.