Working for DWP
Information about applying for jobs with and working for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
DWP operates on a scale that is almost unmatched anywhere in Europe and most people in Britain come into contact with us at some point in their lives. We offer:
- a wide range of interesting and rewarding careers
- the chance to make a real difference to people’s lives
- an excellent package of employee benefits
We lead on the government’s policies for welfare, pensions and child support. We help people to find jobs and employers to fill vacancies. We make payments to jobseekers, pensioners, disabled people, parents and carers. Our staff are making the largest changes in the welfare system for a generation, including the introduction of Universal Credit and the new State Pension.
Read more about working for the Department for Work and Pensions.
Jobs
We advertise all our jobs on the Civil Service jobs website. You can find out more about working for DWP on the following websites:
Equality and diversity
DWP provides services that embrace diversity and promote equality of opportunity.
As Disability Confident Leaders, we will offer disabled people an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for the role.
We will not tolerate discrimination on the grounds of gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, colour, nationality, religion, age, disability, HIV positivity, working pattern, caring responsibilities, trade union activity, political beliefs or any other grounds.
What DWP can offer you
Pay
We provide:
- a competitive salary which is reviewed annually
- a comprehensive reward scheme which includes in year voucher and monetary awards
- an occupational pension
Employee benefits
- career development and the opportunity to learn new skills and gain relevant qualifications
- up to 30 days annual leave and 9 days public and privilege leave in a year (pro rata for part time staff)
- maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks full pay followed by 13 weeks of statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid, and paternity leave of up to 2 weeks full pay subject to eligibility
- time off to deal with emergencies, unexpected situations and certain other unplanned special circumstances
- a minimum of 3 days special leave each year to undertake volunteering opportunities
- paid time off for public service duties, for example if you are an armed forces reservist
- family friendly policies including flexible working patterns
- support for mental and physical wellbeing
- Employee Assistance Programme - a free and confidential service providing information and counselling to help with a range of work, family and personal issues
- the option to join a trade union
What we expect from you
We believe that DWP offers excellent opportunities and generous rewards. In return, you have a responsibility to:
- contribute to the department’s agenda, take personal responsibility for that contribution and show commitment and effort in the work you do
- commit to improving your performance throughout your employment at DWP
- ensure you understand, accept and comply with the Department’s policies and procedures
- comply with the Civil Service code
- be flexible and adaptable – for example, by changing your working pattern if there is a business need
- treat colleagues and customers with respect and as you would want to be treated
- attend work on time and stay in touch if you are not able to work
- keep up to date with developments, changes and information
- be committed to improving customer service
- respect the confidential nature of the information you receive as part of your job
How we recruit
Our selection process is based on success profiles. This is a flexible framework which allows us to match the right people for the right jobs by assessing them against a maximum of 5 different elements using a variety of selection methods.
The elements that are relevant to each role will vary depending on the profession, level and type of role. For example, an advert for an entry level role in the Operational Delivery Profession may include different elements to a management role in Finance.
The assessment approach could include an application form, a CV and/or supporting statement, online tests, interview, presentation or Assessment Centre.
Read further information on Success Profiles.
Complaints
Our recruitment processes follow the principle of selection on merit based on fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles.
If you feel your application has not been treated in line with these principles and you want to complain, you should first contact the person responsible for the recruitment exercise in DWP.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from DWP, you can contact the Civil Service Commission.