Recruitment and public appointments

Recruitment and public appointments

Information on this page is organised as follows:

• Introduction
• Salary, benefits, etc
• Commitment to equality
• Nationality requirements, etc

Separate pages cover:

• Current vacancies
• Current public appointments
• Interchange
• Defra agencies and NDPBs

Introduction

Careers in Defra (128 KB) provides information on the variety of jobs available in the Department (latest edition July 2004)

Defra recruits many grades at first line manager level or above (see selective list below), and also recruits for administrative posts. All play a defining role in the development of Defra policy.

Salary and benefits

The related annual salary or other remuneration will be stated in the relevant vacancy details.

On appointment successful applicants will be able to choose between two pensions arrangements:

• Membership of the premium a final salary occupational scheme with a member contribution rate of 3.5%.
• Joining a partnership pension account, a stakeholder pension with an employer contribution based on your age. You do not have to contribute but if you do your employer will also match your contributions up to 3% of pensionable pay.

You do not have to join the Civil Service Pension arrangements, you may opt out and be covered instead by a personal pension or the State Second Pension (S2P).

In addition to any specific benefits that will be stated in relevant vacancies, other benefits include 10½ days public holidays, flexible working patterns, subsidised canteens in some locations and sports facilities.

All offices operate a non-smoking policy.

Commitment to equality

The Department, including its Executive Agencies, is an equal opportunities employer. We have a policy of equality of opportunity for all staff. Applications are welcome regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or age. The Department operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for people with disabilities (as defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995) who meet the minimum criteria for appointment.

Nationality requirements, etc

The vacancies listed are open to:

• EC nationals
• Members of the Commonwealth, European Area (EEA) and certain non-EEA family members.

Candidates from the Commonwealth must be free from any restrictions to reside and take up employment in the UK.

As part of the selection process for a Defra vacancy, you will be asked to provide, in confidence, evidence of entitlement to work in the UK and references for your character and health. We will take up these references as appropriate, depending on the progress of your application.