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Working for APHA

Details of working for APHA, along with current vacancies and study opportunities, and information on how to apply.

Jobs

Our current vacancies are advertised on Civil Service jobs website.

To explore joining the APHA veterinary team visit our dedicated site APHA Vets.

Ways of working

Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an equal opportunities employer. Our policy is to provide equal opportunities in employment, career development and promotion.

All posts in the agency are open to UK nationals, Commonwealth citizens, EEA nationals and certain members of their families who are non-EEA nationals, and British Protected Persons.

You can apply for any job in the Civil Service as long as you are a UK national or have dual nationality with one part being British. In addition, about 75% of Civil Service posts are open to Commonwealth citizens and nationals of any of the member states of the European Economic Area (EEA). The remainder, which require special allegiance to the state, are reserved for UK nationals.

Civil Service Code

We are guided by the principles in the Civil Service Code, including:

  • working professionally and with integrity
  • being open and honest with our colleagues and the public
  • being objective and basing our decisions on evidence so that the latest science feeds into policy-making
  • making sure our work is impartial

Extramural study (EMS) placements for veterinary students

To apply for an EMS placement at APHA, you must be a veterinary student and either:

  • studying in the UK
  • resident in the UK and studying abroad

Applications are accepted in the summer from students in year 3 and above (years 2 to 5 at most universities, or years 2 to 6 at Cambridge). Attendance at the extra‑mural studies (EMS) London and Weybridge Future Veterinary Leaders and Policy Week is decided case by case, based on your university’s requirements.

More information on EMS and the application form are available in EMS placements with APHA (ODT, 31.6 KB).

All universities have copies of the latest version of the application form. Please email completed applications to EMS@apha.gov.uk. Forms can also be requested via this email address.

Your application will be considered based on eligibility and availability. Please read all the information on the application form before submitting your request.

Alternative arrangements can be discussed with APHA on a case-by-case basis, requests will be considered and assessed separately depending on the circumstances.

Virtual work experience programme

APHA offers a free online work experience programme for students aged 13 and over. It includes more than 10 hours of activities and information about careers at APHA. You can complete the programme online at your own pace from home, school or college.

The programme includes:

  • a welcome from our Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
  • an introduction to APHA and the range of careers available
  • interactive activities, quizzes and self-assessments
  • blogs and videos from APHA colleagues sharing their experiences
  • realistic workplace scenarios based on APHA roles
  • guidance on key workplace skills, including teamwork and communication
  • practical advice on applying for jobs, including success profiles and behaviour-based interview questions

Students who complete the programme receive a certificate recognised by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), which they can use to support future applications.

To find out more and take part, visit the Defra and APHA virtual work experience programme website.

Further education courses

We work jointly with universities to provide further education courses, including:

Corporate information

Find out more about APHA, read about us.

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