A service has been launched to enable civil servants to apply for any new civil service jobs that become vacant within the region where they work or live. The introduction of the service follows a gradual roll-out in the English regions, where it has been led by the developing regional civil service networks.

The Civil Service in the English Regions Vacancy-Filling Scheme ensures that civil servants can see all job vacancies in other departments. On 7 September, the scheme was signed in as a permanent change to civil service policy by both the cabinet secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell and the secretary of the Council of Civil Service Unions, Charles Cochrane.

Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O’Donnell said: “I am delighted that this scheme is now in operation in the civil service and opening up the internal jobs market. As we all know, we are facing a difficult period for civil service jobs. Anything that can help individuals find wider job opportunities and managers to choose from a more diverse range of suitable candidates must be good news and will help create a more dynamic civil service for the future.”

Previously, most civil servants were unable to see all job vacancies in other departments. Practices differed across the civil service but some departments would advertise vacancies only within the department.

The scheme originated two years ago as a trial in the West Midlands and the service will now be available across England.

Written by CSW