Transparency data

BEIS: Civil Service people survey 2019

Published 26 March 2020

Survey report of employee engagement at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) for 2019.

Returns: 4,116

Response rate: 92%

Key

‘*’ indicates statistically significant difference from comparison
‘^’ indicates a variation in question wording from the previous survey

Summary

Engagement index

62% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: -1*
Difference from CS High Performers: -5*

My work

78% positive

Difference from previous survey: -2*
Difference from CS2019: 0
Difference from CS High Performers: -2*

Organisational objectives and purpose

80% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: -3*
Difference from CS High Performers: -7*

My manager

73% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: +2*
Difference from CS High Performers: -1*

My team

85% positive

Difference from previous survey: +1*
Difference from CS2019: +3*
Difference from CS High Performers: 0

Learning and development

64% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: +9*
Difference from CS High Performers: +4*

Inclusion and fair treatment

83% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: +5*
Difference from CS High Performers: +2*

Resources and workload

75% positive

Difference from previous survey: +2*
Difference from CS2019: +1*
Difference from CS High Performers: -2*

Pay and benefits

39% positive

Difference from previous survey: +2*
Difference from CS2019: +5*
Difference from CS High Performers: -3*

Leadership and managing change

57% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: +8*
Difference from CS High Performers: -1*

Headline scores

Taking action

B52. I believe that Senior Civil Servants (SCS) in BEIS will take action on the results from this survey

62% positive

B53. Where I work, I think effective action has been taken on the results of the last survey

48% positive

Discrimination, bullying and harassment

E01. Have you been discriminated against at work, in the past 12 months?

11% responding yes

E03. Have you been bullied or harassed at work, in the past 12 months?

10% responding yes

Wellbeing

W01. Overall, how satisfied are you with your life nowadays?

68% positive

W02. Overall, to what extent do you feel that the things you do in your life are worthwhile?

72% positive

W03. Overall, how happy did you feel yesterday?

63% positive

W04. Overall, how anxious did you feel yesterday?

33% negative

Proxy Stress Index and PERMA Index

Proxy Stress Index

26%

PERMA Index

74%

Your plans for the future

Option %
I want to leave BEIS as soon as possible 7%
I want to leave BEIS within the next 12 months 23%
I want to stay working for BEIS for at least the next year 50%
I want to stay working for BEIS for at least the next 3 years 21%

Highest positive scoring questions

Question % Positive
B09. My manager is considerate of my life outside work 90%
B54. I am trusted to carry out my job effectively 90%
B01. I am interested in my work 89%
B26. I am treated with respect by the people I work with 89%
B31. I have the skills I need to do my job effectively 89%

Highest neutral scoring questions

Question % Neutral
B43. When changes are made in BEIS they are usually for the better 45%
B17. Poor performance is dealt with effectively in my team 44%
B53. Where I work, I think effective action has been taken on the results of the last survey 38%
B50. BEIS inspires me to do the best in my job 35%
B51. BEIS motivates me to help it achieve its objectives 35%

Highest negative scoring questions

Question % Negative
B37. Compared to people doing a similar job in other organisations I feel my pay is reasonable 43%
B35. I feel that my pay adequately reflects my performance 39%
B36. I am satisfied with the total benefits package 35%
B49. I feel a strong personal attachment to BEIS 27%
B45. I have the opportunity to contribute my views before decisions are made that affect me 24%

(Please note that only questions B01-B60 are included in the above rankings).

All questions by theme

My work

78% positive

Difference from previous survey: -2*

B01. I am interested in my work

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B01. I am interested in my work 41 48 6 3 1 89% positive

Difference from previous survey: -1*
Difference from CS2019: -1*
Difference from CS High Performers: -3*

B02. I am sufficiently challenged by my work

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B02. I am sufficiently challenged by my work 33 45 10 9 3 78% positive

Difference from previous survey: -4*
Difference from CS2019: -2*
Difference from CS High Performers: -5*

B03. My work gives me a sense of personal accomplishment

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B03. My work gives me a sense of personal accomplishment 26 48 14 8 3 75% positive

Difference from previous survey: -3*
Difference from CS2019: -3*
Difference from CS High Performers: -5*

B04. I feel involved in the decisions that affect my work

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B04. I feel involved in the decisions that affect my work 20 44 17 14 5 63% positive

Difference from previous survey: -2*
Difference from CS2019: +4*
Difference from CS High Performers: -1*

B05. I have a choice in deciding how I do my work

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B05. I have a choice in deciding how I do my work 34 48 10 5 2 82% positive

Difference from previous survey: -1*
Difference from CS2019: +4*
Difference from CS High Performers: 0

Organisational objectives and purpose

80% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0

B06. I have a clear understanding of BEIS’s objectives

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B06. I have a clear understanding of BEIS’s objectives 22 57 13 7 1 79% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: -3*
Difference from CS High Performers: -7*

B07. I understand how my work contributes to BEIS’s objectives

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B07. I understand how my work contributes to BEIS’s objectives 27 53 12 6 1 81% positive

Difference from previous survey: -1*
Difference from CS2019: -3*
Difference from CS High Performers: -7*

My manager

73% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0

B08. My manager motivates me to be more effective in my job

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B08. My manager motivates me to be more effective in my job 31 45 13 8 3 76% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: +4*
Difference from CS High Performers: 0

B09. My manager is considerate of my life outside work

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B09. My manager is considerate of my life outside work 54 36 6 2 2 90% positive

Difference from previous survey: +1*
Difference from CS2019: +3*
Difference from CS High Performers: +1*

B10. My manager is open to my ideas

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B10. My manager is open to my ideas 47 40 8 4 2 87% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0*
Difference from CS2019: +4*
Difference from CS High Performers: +1*

B11. My manager helps me to understand how I contribute to BEIS’s objectives

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B11. My manager helps me to understand how I contribute to BEIS’s objectives 23 41 24 9 3 64% positive

Difference from previous survey: -1*
Difference from CS2019: -3*
Difference from CS High Performers: -7*

B12. Overall, I have confidence in the decisions made by my manager

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B12. Overall, I have confidence in the decisions made by my manager 38 43 11 5 3 80% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: +4*
Difference from CS High Performers: 0

B13. My manager recognises when I have done my job well

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B13. My manager recognises when I have done my job well 42 43 9 4 2 84% positive

Difference from previous survey: +1*
Difference from CS2019: +4*
Difference from CS High Performers: +1*

B14. I receive regular feedback on my performance

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B14. I receive regular feedback on my performance 26 44 16 11 4 69% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: +1*
Difference from CS High Performers: -3*

B15. The feedback I receive helps me to improve my performance

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B15. The feedback I receive helps me to improve my performance 24 42 22 9 3 66% positive

Difference from previous survey: -1*
Difference from CS2019: +2*
Difference from CS High Performers: -2*

B16. I think that my performance is evaluated fairly

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B16. I think that my performance is evaluated fairly 26 46 20 6 3 71% positive

Difference from previous survey: +2*
Difference from CS2019: +3*
Difference from CS High Performers: 0

B17. Poor performance is dealt with effectively in my team

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B17. Poor performance is dealt with effectively in my team 10 28 44 12 6 38% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: -2*
Difference from CS High Performers: -5*

My team

85% positive

Difference from previous survey: +1*

B18. The people in my team can be relied upon to help when things get difficult in my job

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B18. The people in my team can be relied upon to help when things get difficult in my job 44 44 7 3 1 88% positive

Difference from previous survey: +1*
Difference from CS2019: +2*
Difference from CS High Performers: 0*

B19. The people in my team work together to find ways to improve the service we provide

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B19. The people in my team work together to find ways to improve the service we provide 37 48 10 4 1 86% positive

Difference from previous survey: +1*
Difference from CS2019: +3*
Difference from CS High Performers: -1*

B20. The people in my team are encouraged to come up with new and better ways of doing things

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B20. The people in my team are encouraged to come up with new and better ways of doing things 34 46 13 5 1 80% positive

Difference from previous survey: -1*
Difference from CS2019: +3*
Difference from CS High Performers: 0

Learning and development

64% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0

B21. I am able to access the right learning and development opportunities when I need to

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B21. I am able to access the right learning and development opportunities when I need to 22 51 17 8 2 73% positive

Difference from previous survey: +1*
Difference from CS2019: +8*
Difference from CS High Performers: +2*

B22. Learning and development activities I have completed in the past 12 months have helped to improve my performance

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B22. Learning and development activities I have completed in the past 12 months have helped to improve my performance 18 43 28 8 2 61% positive

Difference from previous survey: -1*
Difference from CS2019: +7*
Difference from CS High Performers: +2*

B23. There are opportunities for me to develop my career in BEIS

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B23. There are opportunities for me to develop my career in BEIS 21 44 20 9 5 65% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: +15*
Difference from CS High Performers: +8*

B24. Learning and development activities I have completed while working for BEIS are helping me to develop my career

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B24. Learning and development activities I have completed while working for BEIS are helping me to develop my career 17 41 29 10 3 57% positive

Difference from previous survey: +1*
Difference from CS2019: +7*
Difference from CS High Performers: +2*

Inclusion and fair treatment

83% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0

B25. I am treated fairly at work

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B25. I am treated fairly at work 39 47 7 4 2 86% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: +5*
Difference from CS High Performers: +2*

B26. I am treated with respect by the people I work with

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B26. I am treated with respect by the people I work with 44 45 7 3 2 89% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: +3*
Difference from CS High Performers: +1*

B27. I feel valued for the work I do

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B27. I feel valued for the work I do 31 45 13 8 3 76% positive

Difference from previous survey: +1*
Difference from CS2019: +8*
Difference from CS High Performers: +3*

B28 I think that BEIS respects individual differences (such as cultures, working styles, backgrounds, ideas)

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B28 I think that BEIS respects individual differences (such as cultures, working styles, backgrounds, ideas) 36 46 11 5 2 82% positive

Difference from previous survey: -1*
Difference from CS2019: +4*
Difference from CS High Performers: 0*

Resources and workload

75% positive

Difference from previous survey: +2*

B29. I get the information I need to do my job well

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B29. I get the information I need to do my job well 16 57 15 9 2 74% positive

Difference from previous survey: +2*
Difference from CS2019: +3*
Difference from CS High Performers: -2*

B30. I have clear work objectives

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B30. I have clear work objectives 19 52 15 11 3 71% positive

Difference from previous survey: -2*
Difference from CS2019: -4*
Difference from CS High Performers: -8*

B31. I have the skills I need to do my job effectively

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B31. I have the skills I need to do my job effectively 29 60 8 3 0 89% positive

Difference from previous survey: +1*
Difference from CS2019: 0
Difference from CS High Performers: -3*

B32. I have the tools I need to do my job effectively

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B32. I have the tools I need to do my job effectively 21 58 13 6 1 79% positive

Difference from previous survey: +3*
Difference from CS2019: +7*
Difference from CS High Performers: +1*

B33. I have an acceptable workload

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B33. I have an acceptable workload 14 51 16 14 5 66% positive

Difference from previous survey: +4*
Difference from CS2019: +2*
Difference from CS High Performers: -2*

B34. I achieve a good balance between my work life and my private life

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B34. I achieve a good balance between my work life and my private life 24 48 14 10 3 72% positive

Difference from previous survey: +3*
Difference from CS2019: +1*
Difference from CS High Performers: -4*

Pay and benefits

39% positive

Difference from previous survey: +2*

B35. I feel that my pay adequately reflects my performance

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B35. I feel that my pay adequately reflects my performance 7 34 20 24 14 41% positive

Difference from previous survey: +2*
Difference from CS2019: +7*
Difference from CS High Performers: 0*

B36. I am satisfied with the total benefits package

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B36. I am satisfied with the total benefits package 7 35 24 23 12 42% positive

Difference from previous survey: +3*
Difference from CS2019: +3*
Difference from CS High Performers: -7*

B37. Compared to people doing a similar job in other organisations I feel my pay is reasonable

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B37. Compared to people doing a similar job in other organisations I feel my pay is reasonable 7 28 22 25 18 35% positive

Difference from previous survey: +3*
Difference from CS2019: +7*
Difference from CS High Performers: -1*

Leadership and managing change

57% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0

B38. Senior Civil Servants (SCS) in BEIS are sufficiently visible

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B38. Senior Civil Servants (SCS) in BEIS are sufficiently visible 21 53 14 9 3 74% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0*
Difference from CS2019: +11*
Difference from CS High Performers: +1*

B39. I believe the actions of Senior Civil Servants (SCS) are consistent with BEIS’s values

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B39. I believe the actions of Senior Civil Servants (SCS) are consistent with BEIS’s values 17 48 26 6 3 65% positive

Difference from previous survey: +1*
Difference from CS2019: +10*
Difference from CS High Performers: +1*

B40. I believe that the Permanent Secretary and directors general have a clear vision for the future of BEIS

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B40. I believe that the Permanent Secretary and directors general have a clear vision for the future of BEIS 14 41 34 9 3 55% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: +5*
Difference from CS High Performers: -6*

B41. Overall, I have confidence in the decisions made by BEIS’s Senior Civil Servants (SCS)

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B41. Overall, I have confidence in the decisions made by BEIS’s Senior Civil Servants (SCS) 15 48 28 7 3 62% positive

Difference from previous survey: +1*
Difference from CS2019: +11*
Difference from CS High Performers: 0

B42. I feel that change is managed well in BEIS

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B42. I feel that change is managed well in BEIS 7 38 34 17 5 45% positive

Difference from previous survey: +1*
Difference from CS2019: +10*
Difference from CS High Performers: 0

B43. When changes are made in BEIS they are usually for the better

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B43. When changes are made in BEIS they are usually for the better 6 33 45 12 3 40% positive

Difference from previous survey: -4*
Difference from CS2019: +4*
Difference from CS High Performers: -4*

B44. BEIS keeps me informed about matters that affect me

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B44. BEIS keeps me informed about matters that affect me 12 57 21 8 2 69% positive

Difference from previous survey: -1*
Difference from CS2019: +9*
Difference from CS High Performers: +1*

B45. I have the opportunity to contribute my views before decisions are made that affect me

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B45. I have the opportunity to contribute my views before decisions are made that affect me 8 36 32 18 6 44% positive

Difference from previous survey: -2*
Difference from CS2019: +4*
Difference from CS High Performers: -6*

B46. I think it is safe to challenge the way things are done in BEIS

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B46. I think it is safe to challenge the way things are done in BEIS 11 46 26 11 5 57% positive

Difference from previous survey: +2*
Difference from CS2019: +8*
Difference from CS High Performers: +1*

Engagement

The following 5 questions, measuring pride, advocacy, attachment, inspiration and motivation, are used to create your Employee Engagement Index score.

B47. I am proud when I tell others I am part of BEIS

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B47. I am proud when I tell others I am part of BEIS 18 45 28 8 2 62% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: -4*
Difference from CS High Performers: -10*

B48. I would recommend BEIS as a great place to work

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B48. I would recommend BEIS as a great place to work 21 49 22 6 2 70% positive

Difference from previous survey: +4*
Difference from CS2019: +9*
Difference from CS High Performers: 0

B49. I feel a strong personal attachment to BEIS

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B49. I feel a strong personal attachment to BEIS 12 28 34 21 5 40% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: -13*
Difference from CS High Performers: -19*

B50. BEIS inspires me to do the best in my job

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B50. BEIS inspires me to do the best in my job 12 37 35 13 3 49% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: -3*
Difference from CS High Performers: -11*

B51. BEIS motivates me to help it achieve its objectives

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B51. BEIS motivates me to help it achieve its objectives 11 37 35 14 4 48% positive

Difference from previous survey: +1*
Difference from CS2019: -2*
Difference from CS High Performers: -8*

Taking action

B52. I believe that Senior Civil Servants (SCS) in BEIS will take action on the results from this survey

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B52. I believe that Senior Civil Servants (SCS) in BEIS will take action on the results from this survey 16 46 23 10 5 62% positive

Difference from previous survey: +1*
Difference from CS2019: +11*
Difference from CS High Performers: +2*

B53. Where I work, I think effective action has been taken on the results of the last survey

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B53. Where I work, I think effective action has been taken on the results of the last survey 14 34 38 9 4 48% positive

Difference from previous survey: +2*
Difference from CS2019: +10*
Difference from CS High Performers: +4*

Organisational culture

B54. I am trusted to carry out my job effectively

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B54. I am trusted to carry out my job effectively 36 53 6 3 1 90% positive

Difference from previous survey: -1*
Difference from CS2019: 0*
Difference from CS High Performers: -2*

B55. I believe I would be supported if I try a new idea, even if it may not work

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B55. I believe I would be supported if I try a new idea, even if it may not work 25 54 13 6 2 79% positive

Difference from previous survey: +1*
Difference from CS2019: +6*
Difference from CS High Performers: +2*

B56. In BEIS, people are encouraged to speak up when they identify a serious policy or delivery risk

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B56. In BEIS, people are encouraged to speak up when they identify a serious policy or delivery risk 22 51 18 6 2 73% positive

Difference from previous survey: +1*
Difference from CS2019: +3*
Difference from CS High Performers: -2*

B57. I feel able to challenge inappropriate behaviour in the workplace

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B57. I feel able to challenge inappropriate behaviour in the workplace 19 51 18 8 3 70% positive

Difference from previous survey: -1*
Difference from CS2019: +3*
Difference from CS High Performers: 0

B58. BEIS is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B58. BEIS is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace 30 52 12 4 2 82% positive

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: +6*
Difference from CS High Performers: +2*

Civil Service vision

B59. I am aware of the Civil Service vision for ‘A Brilliant Civil Service’

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
B59. I am aware of the Civil Service vision for ‘A Brilliant Civil Service’ 18 51 14 14 3 69% positive

Difference from previous survey: +4*
Difference from CS2019: +11*
Difference from CS High Performers: 0

Leadership statement

B60. Managers in my area/directorate/division actively role model the behaviours set out in the Civil Service Leadership Statement^

The question text has changed since the previous survey so please exercise caution when comparing the results.

Question Always Most of the time Sometimes Rarely Never % Positive
B60. Managers in my area/directorate/division actively role model the behaviours set out in the Civil Service Leadership Statement 26 50 19 4 1 75% positive

(The % positive for this question is the proportion who selected either ‘Always’ or ‘Most of the time’ transformation).

Difference from previous survey:Not available
Difference from CS2019: +9*
Difference from CS High Performers: +3*

Wellbeing

The 4 wellbeing questions use a 11-point scale.

The scale ranges from 0 to 10 for each question, where 0 is equivalent to ‘not at all’ (for example ‘not at all satisfied’ or ‘not at all worthwhile’) and where 10 is equivalent to ‘completely’ (for example ‘completely satisfied’ or ‘completely anxious’).

W01. Overall, how satisfied are you with your life nowadays?

Question Low (0-4) Medium (5-6) High (7-8) Very High (9-10) % Positive
W01. Overall, how satisfied are you with your life nowadays? 10 22 55 13 68% positive

(For question W01 the percent positive is the proportion answering 7, 8, 9 or 10).

Difference from previous survey: +1
Difference from CS2019: +1*
Difference from CS High Performers: -2*

W02. Overall, to what extent do you feel that the things you do in your life are worthwhile?

Question Low (0-4) Medium (5-6) High (7-8) Very High (9-10) % Positive
W02. Overall, to what extent do you feel that the things you do in your life are worthwhile? 8 20 52 20 72% positive

(For question W02 the percent positive is the proportion answering 7, 8, 9 or 10).

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: 0
Difference from CS High Performers: -2*

W03. Overall, how happy did you feel yesterday?

Question Low (0-4) Medium (5-6) High (7-8) Very High (9-10) % Positive
W03. Overall, how happy did you feel yesterday? 13 23 47 16 63% positive

(For question W03 the percent positive is the proportion answering 7, 8, 9 or 10).

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: +1*
Difference from CS High Performers: -1*

W04. Overall, how anxious did you feel yesterday?

Question Very Low (0-1) Low (2-3) Medium (4-5) High (6-10) % Negative
W04. Overall, how anxious did you feel yesterday? 16 29 22 33 33% negative

(For question W04 the percent negative is the proportion answering 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10).

Difference from previous survey: -3*
Difference from CS2019: +1*
Difference from CS High Performers: +2*

Your plans for the future

C01. Which of the following statements most reflects your current thoughts about working for BEIS?

Option % Difference from previous survey Difference from CS2019
I want to leave BEIS as soon as possible 7% +1 0*
I want to leave BEIS within the next 12 months 23% +3* +8*
I want to stay working for BEIS for at least the next year 50% -2* +17*
I want to stay working for BEIS for at least the next 3 years 21% -2* -23*

The Civil Service Code

(Differences are based on ‘% Yes’ score).

D01. Are you aware of the Civil Service Code?

Question Yes No % Yes
D01. Are you aware of the Civil Service Code? 98 2 98% yes

Difference from previous survey: +1*
Difference from CS2019: +6*
Difference from CS High Performers: +3*

D02. Are you aware of how to raise a concern under the Civil Service Code?

Question Yes No % Yes
D02. Are you aware of how to raise a concern under the Civil Service Code? 61 39 61% yes

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: -5*
Difference from CS High Performers: -11*

D03. Are you confident that if you raised a concern under the Civil Service Code in BEIS it would be investigated properly?

Question Yes No % Yes
D03. Are you confident that if you raised a concern under the Civil Service Code in BEIS it would be investigated properly? 76 24 76% yes

Difference from previous survey: +1*
Difference from CS2019: +5*
Difference from CS High Performers: 0*

Discrimination

E01. Have you been discriminated against at work, in the past 12 months?^

The question text has changed since the previous survey so please exercise caution when comparing the results.

Option % Difference from previous survey Difference from CS2019
Yes 11% +2* 0
No 84% -2* +2*
Prefer not to say 5% 0 -3*

(Of those who said they had experienced discrimination at work in the last 12 months, 78% said it occurred in BEIS while 22% said it occurred in another organisation).

E02. On which of the following grounds were you discriminated against?^ (multiple selection)

For respondents who selected ‘Yes’ to E01.

The question text has changed since the previous survey so please exercise caution when comparing the results.

Option Response count
Age 116
Caring responsibilities 37
Disability 52
Ethnic background 89
Gender 91
Gender reassignment or perceived gender
Grade or responsibility level 113
Main spoken/ written language or language ability 26
Marital status or civil partnership
Mental health 57
Pay 36
Pregnancy, maternity or paternity 10
Religion or belief 12
Sex 25
Sexual orientation 19
Social or educational background 52
Working location 32
Working pattern 84
Any other grounds 39
Prefer not to say 45

(Please note: Counts of fewer than 10 responses are suppressed and replaced with ‘–’).

Bullying and harassment

E03. Have you been bullied or harassed at work, in the past 12 months?^

The question text has changed since the previous survey so please exercise caution when comparing the results.

Option % Difference from previous survey Difference from CS2019
Yes 10% +2* -1%
No 85% -2* +3*
Prefer not to say 5% 0 -2*

(Of those who said they had experienced bullying and/or harassment at work in the last 12 months, 77% said it occurred in BEIS while 23% said it occurred in another organisation).

E03A. How would you describe the nature of the bullying and/or harassment you experienced?^ (multiple selection)

For respondents who selected ‘Yes’ to E03.

The question text has changed since the previous survey so please exercise caution when comparing the results

Option Response count
Comments about my personal appearance 42
Sexual harassment (for example sexual comments or jokes, unwelcome sexual advances, touching or assault) 40
Spreading gossip or making false accusations about me 99
Intimidation or verbal aggression (for example shouting, swearing, making threats) 143
Physical assault (for example object thrown at me, pushed, hit)
Humiliated in front of team or others 179
Negative Micromanagement (for example excessive control; made to feel incompetent) 218
Removal of job responsibilities, unconstructive criticism, or impossible/changing expectations 162
Treated less favourably to others 156
Ignored, excluded, marginalised 152
Undermining or taking credit for my work 149
Denied time off for personal ill health
Denied time off for family or caring responsibilities
Disclosure of personal / sensitive information to colleagues without my consent 40
Something else not listed here 47
Prefer not to say 17

(Please note: Counts of fewer than 10 responses are suppressed and replaced with ‘–’).

E04. Who bullied and/or harassed you?^ (multiple selection)

For respondents who selected ‘Yes’ to E03.

The question text has changed since the previous survey so please exercise caution when comparing the results.

Option Response count
A colleague in my area/directorate/division 142
A colleague in a different area/directorate/division of BEIS 39
My manager 131
Another senior member of staff in BEIS 76
Someone I manage 20
Someone working in a different Civil Service organisation 43
Someone working for a non-Civil Service organisation 22
A contractor 12
A service user (for example a customer, claimant, offender)
A member of the public
Someone else not listed here 11
Prefer not to say 48

(Please note: Counts of fewer than 10 responses are suppressed and replaced with ‘–’).

E05. Did you report your experience of bullying and/or harassment?^

For respondents who selected ‘Yes’ to E03.

The question text has changed since the previous survey so please exercise caution when comparing the results.

Option % Difference from previous survey Difference from CS2019
Yes 56% +14* +5*
No 37% -8* -5*
Prefer not to say 7% -6* +1

E06. How would you describe your situation now?^

For respondents who selected ‘Yes’ to E03.

The question text has changed since the previous survey so please exercise caution when comparing the results.

Appropriate action was taken to address the behaviour I experienced:
Option % Difference from CS2019
Yes 16% 0
No 61% -2*
Prefer not to say 23% +2*
The bullying and/or harassment has stopped:
Option % Difference from CS2019
Yes 45% +8*
No 32% -6*
Prefer not to say 23% -1
The culture in my area allows this kind of behaviour to continue:
Option % Difference from CS2019
Yes 53% -2*
No 29% +4*
Prefer not to say 18% -1
I felt like I was punished for reporting the incident:
Option % Difference from CS2019
Yes 16% -1*
No 59% +4*
Prefer not to say 25% -2*
I moved to another team or role to avoid the behaviour:
Option % Difference from CS2019
Yes 37% +15*
No 48% -12*
Prefer not to say 15% -1

Additional questions selected by organisation

Please note that the benchmark for the questions in this section is the average score across the organisations that chose to include them in their survey, so it is not representative of the whole Civil Service.

Safe to challenge

LQB1. In the last 12 months, I have seen someone else being bullied or treated unfairly in BEIS

Question Yes No Prefer not to say % Positive
LQB1. In the last 12 months, I have seen someone else being bullied or treated unfairly in BEIS* 19 75 5 75% positive

Difference from benchmark: +7*

(% positive is the proportion who selected ‘no’).

LQB2. I make a point of tackling bullying, harassment and other inappropriate behaviours when I see it happening around me

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
LQB2. I make a point of tackling bullying, harassment and other inappropriate behaviours when I see it happening around me 19 48 29 3 0 67% positive

Difference from benchmark: -1*

LQB3. I feel comfortable speaking to those more senior than me about their actions and impact

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
LQB3. I feel comfortable speaking to those more senior than me about their actions and impact 15 41 21 19 4 56% positive

Difference from benchmark: +3*

LQB4. I feel confident that if I challenged someone more senior than me in my area/directorate/division they would be open to receiving the challenge

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
LQB4. I feel confident that if I challenged someone more senior than me in my area/directorate/division they would be open to receiving the challenge 12 37 29 16 6 49% positive

Difference from benchmark: +7*

Change management

LQC1. I get to find out the reasons behind key changes that happen in BEIS

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
LQC1. I get to find out the reasons behind key changes that happen in BEIS 7 41 31 18 3 48% positive

Difference from benchmark: +2*

LQC2. I understand what support is available to me as I am affected by organisational change

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
LQC2. I understand what support is available to me as I am affected by organisational change 9 47 28 14 2 56% positive

Difference from benchmark: +4*

LQC3. I feel that change is managed well in my area/directorate/division

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
LQC3. I feel that change is managed well in my area/directorate/division 10 45 29 13 4 54% positive

Difference from benchmark: +11*

LQC4. I feel positive about the future of BEIS

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
LQC4. I feel positive about the future of BEIS 12 45 31 9 3 57% positive

Difference from benchmark: +2*

Performance management

LQH1. I feel empowered by my manager to do my job

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
LQH1. I feel empowered by my manager to do my job 35 46 9 7 3 82% positive

Difference from benchmark: +5*

LQH2. The one-to-one conversations I have with my manager are helping me to achieve my full potential

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
LQH2. The one-to-one conversations I have with my manager are helping me to achieve my full potential 27 42 18 9 5 69% positive

Difference from benchmark: +6*

LQH3a. In general, how often do you discuss the following with your manager: How well I am meeting my work objectives?

Question Weekly Monthly Quarterly Annually Never % Positive
LQH3a. In general, how often do you discuss the following with your manager: How well I am meeting my work objectives? 27 32 33 4 4 -

LQH3b. In general, how often do you discuss the following with your manager: My development needs and career goals?

Question Weekly Monthly Quarterly Annually Never % Positive
LQH3b. In general, how often do you discuss the following with your manager: My development needs and career goals? 10 33 43 7 7 -
Question Weekly Monthly Quarterly Annually Never % Positive
LQH3c. In general, how often do you discuss the following with your manager: My personal wellbeing and/or work-related stress? 40 30 16 3 11 -

Continuous learning

LQJ1. I think my current job makes the most of my skills and strengths

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
LQJ1. I think my current job makes the most of my skills and strengths 15 44 17 18 6 59% positive

Difference from benchmark: -2*

LQJ2. I am learning on a regular basis from working with my colleagues

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
LQJ2. I am learning on a regular basis from working with my colleagues 26 53 12 7 2 79% positive

Difference from benchmark: +1*

LQJ3. My manager coaches me regularly to support my continuous learning and to improve the services/work we deliver

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
LQJ3. My manager coaches me regularly to support my continuous learning and to improve the services/work we deliver 16 40 24 16 5 56% positive

Difference from benchmark: +1*

LQJ4. Investing time in learning and development activities is given priority in my area/directorate/division

Question Strongly agree Agree Neither Disagree Strongly disagree % Positive
LQJ4. Investing time in learning and development activities is given priority in my area/directorate/division 18 43 23 12 4 61% positive

Difference from benchmark: +9*

Proxy Stress Index and PERMA Index

Proxy Stress Index

26%

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: -2*
Difference from CS High Performers: 0

This index aligns to the Health and Safety Executive’s stress management tool, using the 8 questions from the People Survey shown below. We calculate it in the same way as the Employee Engagement Index.

We have ‘inverted’ the final index so that it is a measure of conditions which can add to stress rather than alleviate stress, meaning a higher index score represents a more stressful environment.

Question % Positive
B05. I have a choice in deciding how I do my work 82%
B08. My manager motivates me to be more effective in my job 76%
B18. The people in my team can be relied upon to help when things get difficult in my job 88%
B26. I am treated with respect by the people I work with 89%
B30. I have clear work objectives 71%
B33. I have an acceptable workload 66%
B45. I have the opportunity to contribute my views before decisions are made that affect me 44%
E03. Have you been bullied or harassed at work, in the past 12 months?** 85%

(** this is a negatively phrased question where % positive is the proportion who selected ‘no’).

PERMA Index

74%

Difference from previous survey: 0
Difference from CS2019: 0
Difference from CS High Performers: -1*

This index measures the extent to which employees are ‘flourishing’ in the workplace around the 5 dimensions:

  • positive emotion
  • engagement
  • relationships
  • meaning
  • accomplishment

The index is computed using the questions from the People Survey shown below and combining them in the same way as the Employee Engagement Index.

A high score represents a greater proportion of employees agreeing with the statements below or rating the 2 wellbeing questions as high.

Question % Positive
B01. I am interested in my work 89%
B03. My work gives me a sense of personal accomplishment 75%
B18. The people in my team can be relied upon to help when things get difficult in my job 88%
W01. Overall, how satisfied are you with your life nowadays? 68%
W02. Overall, to what extent do you feel that the things you do in your life are worthwhile? 72%

Appendix

Glossary of key terms

% positive

The proportion who selected either ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ for a question (or all questions within a theme in the case of Theme score % positive), unless otherwise indicated.

Previous survey

Comparisons to the previous survey relate to the results from the 2018 Civil Service People Survey. Where a question is flagged as changed since the last survey (^) comparisons should be treated with caution as changes to wording may affect how people respond to the question.

CS2019

The CS2019 benchmark is the median percent positive (unless otherwise indicated) across all Civil Service organisations that participated in the 2019 Civil Service People Survey, where data was not suppressed.

CS High Performers

For each question, unless otherwise indicated, this is the upper quartile score across all Civil Service organisations that took part in the 2019 Civil Service People Survey, where data was not suppressed. For question W04 and the Proxy Stress Index, we have used the lower quartile.

Difference from benchmark

For these questions, the benchmark is the median percent positive (unless otherwise indicated) across all Civil Service organisations that selected these questions for inclusion in their 2019 Civil Service People Survey, so it is not representative of the whole Civil Service.

Rounding

Results are presented as whole numbers for ease of reading, with rounding performed at the last stage of calculation for maximum accuracy. Therefore in some instances, the differences presented in this report will not match the rounded figures of the scores being compared. For example, if your unrounded Engagement Index score is 75.43647583%, your organisation overall’s score is 74.63572484% and the difference between the 2 is +0.800751%, in this report these scores would appear as 75%, 75% and +1.

Statistical significance ‘*’

Statistical testing has been carried out to identify statistically significant differences between your results and a number of comparators. You can therefore be confident that the difference represents a real difference in opinion between the results. Please note that there needs to be 30 responses at question level, 20 responses at theme level and 10 responses at index level for statistical testing to be carried out on the corresponding scores. If you received a lower number of responses, then statistical significance testing won’t have been conducted.

The employee engagement index

The survey includes 5 questions that make up the engagement index (B47-B51). The index score represents the average level of engagement in that unit and ranges from 0 to 100. An index score of 0 represents all respondents in that unit saying they strongly disagree to all 5 engagement questions and a score of 100 represents all respondents saying they strongly agree to all 5 engagement questions.

Confidentiality

The survey was carried out as part of the 2019 Civil Service People Survey, which is managed by the Cabinet Office on behalf of all participating organisations. The Cabinet Office commissioned ENGINE Transformation to carry out the survey. ENGINE Transformation is a member of the Market Research Society, and is bound by their strict code of conduct and confidentiality rules. These rules do not allow for the breakdown of the results to the extent where the anonymity of individuals may be compromised. Groups of fewer than 10 respondents will not be reported on, however their responses do contribute to the overall scores for the unit and organisation they belong to and the overall Civil Service results.

ENIGINE’s Privacy Policy tells you how they keep personal data safe and who to contact to exercise your rights of control under the new GDPR regulations.

The Civil Service People Survey Privacy Notice can be found on GOV.UK.