Unlocking the Senior Civil Service

Wednesday 09 October| In partnership with FDA

Entering the Senior Civil Service is difficult due to a variety of factors. The recruitment process is highly competitive, with a large pool of applicants vying for a limited number of positions. Also, the selection criteria are rigorous, focusing on relevant experience and personal qualities such as leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills. Additionally, the civil service has a hierarchical structure with clearly defined career paths, sometimes meaning that promotion to senior positions is based on performance or tenure. The nature of the work at SCS level also requires a high level of responsibility, expertise, and knowledge, which can only be gained through years of experience and training.

Unlocking the Senior Civil Service is a unique conference offering practical help and guidance to those wishing to develop into the Senior Civil Service. It is specifically designed to give you the answer to two vital questions:

• How can I improve my chances of entering the SCS?
• What will life be like once I am there?

Why Attend?

• The benefits of attending this conference include the opportunity to:
• Resolve the questions in your mind about whether or not the SCS is right for you
• Learn from experts about what you can do to improve your chances of making the grade
• Gain deeper understanding of the skills, qualities and competencies required to be successful in the SCS
• Examine the barriers and enablers affecting your progression
• Hear from recent entrants about how they made the move and what life is like now they are there

09:30

Welcome & introduction to the conference

09:40

Permanent Secretary Opening Address

Dame Bernadette Kelly DCB - Permanent Secretary at the Department for Transport

10:15

Comfort break

10:30

What do ministers expect from their SCS?

Understand what ministers require from senior civil servants

Steve Brine, Former Health Minister & Chair of the HSC, Co-host of the 'Prevention is the new cure' health and politics podcast

11:10

Comfort break

11:30

Preparing for the SCS: Success Profile Selection

You've decided you're ready for the challenge and want a leadership role in the SCS. In this practical and interactive session, you will discover what it will take to make the most of your application using the new Success Profile process.

SPEAKER: Richard Hillsdon, Dods Training Facilitator and Selection Lead. Former Civil Servant

12:30

Break for lunch

13:30

Making the most of your Application and Interview Performance

You want to take the next step but now face the sift/interview accessment stages based on Success Profile elements. In this second practical and interactive session, you will review your approach, lessons from the past, and what influences panels.

SPEAKER: Richard Hillsdon, Dods Training Facilitator and Selection Lead. Former Civil Servant

14:30

Comfort break

14:45

Personal perspectives - my route into the SCS

An SCS panel look back on their careers and answer questions about their experience of gaining entry to the SCS & discuss what life is like now they are there

Joseph Gaytten, Deputy Director - Motoring and Freight Insights, Department for Transport
Tim Ketton-Locke, Deputy Director for DX4D Digital Exploitation, Ministry of Defence
Jo Salway, Director, Welsh Government
Frances Parrott, Senior Civil Servant, Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities

16:00

Chair's closing remarks & conference close