Unlocking the Senior Civil Service

Thursday 26th January 2023

Despite the prevailing public sector environment, opportunities continue to exist to enter the Senior Civil Service. However, the process is rigorous, the competition is fierce and openings are restricted. This unique event, now in its ninth year, provides practical help and guidance to those wishing to see their career 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 a 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
• Network with peers and counterparts from across government who are also contemplating an SCS career

9:30

Welcome & introduction to the conference

Amy Leversidge, Assistant General Secretary, FDA

9:40

Permanent Secretary opening address

10:15

Comfort break

10:30

What do Ministers expect from their SCS?

Understand what Ministers require from their SCS

Rt Hon Lord Lansley CBE, Secretary of State for Health, 2010-12 & Leader of the House 2012-14 

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.

Richard Hillsdon, Dods Facilitator and Selection Lead

12:30

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.

Richard Hillsdon, Dods Facilitator and Selection Lead

14:30

Comfort break

14:45

Personal perspectives - my route into the SCS

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

Michele Anderson, Strategic Command, Ministry of Defence

Andrea Beveney, Deputy Director, Government Legal Department

16:00

Chair's closing remarks & conference close

Amy Leversidge, Assistant General Secretary, FDA

Women into Leadership is aimed at all those who aspire to move into a leadership role or those already in a senior role looking to progress.