Understanding the Civil Service

This website and its accompanying publications provide a thorough introduction to the duties, responsibilities and working practices of Whitehall officials. They also contain detailed information about civil service numbers, pay, pensions etc. as well as a detailed history of civil service reform and a great deal of advice for new recruits. Other sections focus on specific subjects such as  Women Civil Servants,   Special Advisers  and  Ministerial Directions.

The most popular pages are listed below and there is a more detailed Contents page here.  There is also a comprehensive online library.  You might also find this search facility useful:-

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