Unlocking the SCS: do you have what it takes to make the grade?

Wed 04 May 2022

Unlocking the SCS: do you have what it takes to make the grade?

Gather your colleagues for an immersive day of coaching at this year’s Unlocking the SCS in Leeds, London or online


There has never been a better time to progress your career in the civil service than now. Diversity and inclusion are high on the agenda across public sector organisations, driven by a new strategy that has social mobility as one of the key considerations for ensuring the civil service reflects the community it serves. The higher ranks of decision making are no exception.

The opportunity is there, but are you ready? How confident are you in applying for a leadership position? What can you do to improve your chances through the application process? The Unlocking the SCS conference returns this year with two in-person events and an online experience to help you answer these questions. Choose your location and register to attend.

Long-standing success

The Unlocking the SCS conference has been running for almost a decade, and its success over the years lies in its robust agenda and speaker line-up. 

Delivered by Dods in partnership with the civil service trade union FDA, the event gathers inspirational leaders from within and outside the civil service, coming together to share their experiences. These sessions are a unique opportunity to learn more about the dos and don’ts of realising a career progression that works for you.

So, what to expect at the event? Unlocking the SCS is an immersive day of coaching aimed at all those who aspire to join the Senior Civil Service and wish to learn more about the application process, the demands of senior leadership, and what life once there is really like.

Leeds will be the first location to welcome the conference this year on 23 June, followed by the online conference on 27 September. The 2022 event series closes in London on 6 October.

The venues, agendas and speaker line-up will be announced shortly. But whichever date you decide to join us, you can expect to meet and network with experienced senior civil servants and peers from all corners of the public sector.

Hands-on advice and workshops

Each event begins with the opening address of a permanent secretary, setting the tone for what will be an inspirational day of reflection about the why and how you can progress in the civil service.

There will be a panel discussion with SCS leaders who will look back on their experience, ready to answer your questions, offering practical advice for paving the way to a leadership position in the SCS and sharing what life is like while they are there.

You will participate in workshops to help you understand what ministers expect from you as a leader in the SCS and gain a better understanding of how you present your application so it passes the sift panel, and you succeed at the interview stage.

Upcoming dates and locations

  • Leeds, 23 June 
  • Online, 27 September 
  • London, 6 October 

Visit the dedicated event website to register online


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