Our Learning & Development
Defra is committed to helping you develop your skills and there are a wide range of learning opportunities available to you which are fully funded as necessary.
As a part of the Civil Service you’ll have access to an extensive programme of learning and development courses, products and services through ‘Civil Service Learning’ as well as the bespoke career framework for Finance Professionals.
Other development opportunities include
- Coaching and mentoring programmes
- Talent management programmes
- Volunteering – We support up to 3 day's paid special leave per year for you to participate in an unpaid voluntary activity undertaken for a non-profit making organisation.
Apprenticeships
Defra is committed to supporting professional development and offer both Level 4 AAT and Level 7 CIMA, CIPFA or ACCA. These apprenticeships are fully funded and you also get paid study leave which equates to around 20% of your working time.
If the apprenticeship route is not suitable Defra will also fund you to complete qualifications via Civil Service Learning. All your studying and exams will be funded and you are also entitled to study leave up to 20 days per year depending on the level of qualification.
Your pension is a valuable part of your total reward package, and you will be given the chance to join one of three different pension plans. You can find more information on the Civil Service Pension on the MyCSP Website at www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk
We offer 25 days annual leave (rising, over 5 years, to 30 days) for full time new entrants to the Civil Service and those Civil Servants on modernised terms and conditions. Existing Civil Servants on pre-modernised terms will retain these.
Bank Holiday You receive 8 public holidays a year together with an additional day in May to mark the King’s Birthday.
We work in a blended way, so we spend two to three days each and every week in an office and work the rest of the time from home. Working in this way helps us to balance our work and home lives and supports our policy of flexible working.
We offer you the opportunity to be recognised for your work through a number of staff recognition schemes.
We offer access to learning and development with world class providers, and our comprehensive curriculum offers a mix of different types of learning including management and leadership, diversity and inclusion, and your professional development.
Mentoring is an effective means of developing your career, boosting your confidence and empowering both the mentor and mentee. You will have the opportunity to voluntarily engage and work confidentially with a mentor or coach. We are also able to provide accredited external coaches on a case by case basis.
We offer interest-free loans towards the cost of a bike and a Cycle to Work Scheme. This means we loan you a bike for your commute as a tax-free benefit.
We offer interest-free season ticket loans, to you when you have more than three months’ service.
You will have access to our discount scheme which offers savings at hundreds of top retailers potentially saving you hundreds of pounds each year.
The Mental Health Network offers support, information and raises awareness of mental health issues. Employee Assistance Programme is a free and confidential 24/7 telephone advice service available to our staff.
Our Occupational Health Service (OHS) provides a range of support services to help with the way you feel at work.
