Senior Civil Service (SCS) Inductions
Supporting senior leaders who are new to their grade, to gain the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to lead successfully in the Civil Service.
Supporting new Senior Civil Servants to gain the knowledge, skills, and cross-government networks required to thrive in the Senior Civil Service.
Overview
Senior Civil Service Inductions bring together senior leaders from across government to share experiences, build expertise, develop networks, and strengthen leadership capability across departments.
We offer three induction programmes for Senior Civil Servants:
- Deputy Director Induction (DDI) – for new Deputy Directors (SCS1).
- Director Induction (DI) – for new Directors (SCS2).
- Senior Civil Service Orientation (SCSO) – an additional programme specifically for new Deputy Directors and Directors recruited from outside the Civil Service.
Deputy Director Induction (DDI)
A Deputy Director Induction (DDI) is for new Deputy Directors in the Civil Service.
This programme supports participants as they transition into the SCS by providing essential knowledge, practical skills, and cross-government networks. Sessions offer a dedicated space to share experiences, build lasting professional connections, and learn directly from experienced senior leaders.
Programme Aims
- Welcome participants to the Senior Civil Service and celebrate their new role.
- Provide participants with a clear understanding of what is expected of them as deputy directors.
- Provide essential knowledge to support them as they start their SCS career.
- Provide current and relevant insights into the operation of Government.
- Build personal networks across the Civil Service.
- Provide support to new SCS to think about their leadership journey.
Programme Structure
The Deputy Director Induction has four components:
- Online Learning: Flexible online learning via FutureLearn.
- Virtual Masterclasses: A series of virtual masterclasses delivered by subject matter experts from across the Civil Service.
- Regional Induction Day: An in-person regional induction day with a cohort of up to 16 Deputy Directors.
- Connect Event: A residential DDI Connect event, bringing together multiple regional cohorts to connect and learn together.
Registering for a Deputy Director Induction
DDIs are held regionally, and participants are encouraged to book onto an induction within their home region. If this is not possible and participants are able to travel, they are welcome to book onto an induction in a different region.
| Induction Location | Induction Date | Connect Event |
|---|---|---|
|
DDI 74 Bristol Glass Wharf Bristol BS2 0EL |
Thursday 28 January 2027 09:30-16:30 |
Tuesday 23 March 2027 Manchester |
|
DDI 75 London 1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ |
Tuesday 2 Feb 2027 09:30-16:30 |
Tuesday 23 March 2027 Manchester |
|
DDI 76 London 1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ |
Wednesday 3 Feb 2027 09:30-16:30 |
Tuesday 23 March 2027 Manchester |
|
DDI 77 London 1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ |
Thursday 4 Feb 2027 09:30-16:30 |
Tuesday 23 March 2027 Manchester |
|
DDI 78 Glasgow 1 Atlantic Square Glasgow G2 8HS |
Wednesday 10 Feb 2027 09:30-16:30 |
Tuesday 23 March 2027 Manchester |
|
DDI 79 London 10 South Colonnade London E14 4PU |
Tuesday 23 Feb 2027 09:30-16:30 |
Tuesday 23 March 2027 Manchester |
|
DDI 80 London 10 South Colonnade London E14 4PU |
Wednesday 24 Feb 2027 09:30-16:30 |
Tuesday 23 March 2027 Manchester |
|
DDI 81 London 10 South Colonnade London E14 4PU |
Thursday 25 Feb 2027 09:30-16:30 |
Tuesday 23 March 2027 Manchester |
|
DDI 82 Leeds Wellington Place Leeds LS1 4AW |
Tuesday 2 March 2027 09:30-16:30 |
Tuesday 23 March 2027 Manchester |
If an available date cannot be found, please join the DDI Waiting List
For further information, please contact scsinductions@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
Director Induction (DI)
A Director Induction is for new Directors in the Civil Service.
This programme supports participants as they transition into their new roles by providing essential knowledge, practical skills, and cross-government networks. Sessions offer a dedicated space to share experiences, build lasting professional connections, and learn directly from experienced senior leaders.
Programme Aims
- Welcome participants and celebrate their new role.
- Provide a clear understanding of what is expected of Directors.
- Provide essential knowledge to support participants as they progress their SCS career.
- Offer current and relevant insights into how Government operates.
- Build personal networks across the Civil Service.
- Support participants in reflecting on their ongoing leadership journey.
Programme Structure
The Director Induction has four components:
- Virtual Launch: An introductory virtual briefing session.
- Online Learning: Flexible online learning via FutureLearn.
- Virtual Masterclasses: A series of virtual masterclasses delivered by subject matter experts from across the Civil Service.
- Residential Induction: A two-day residential induction with a cohort of fellow Directors, including an exclusive site visit to a prominent public sector institution and/or operational location.
Registering for a Director Induction
If you would like to attend a Director Induction, please join the DI Waiting List and we will contact you when a space becomes available.
For further information, please contact scsinductions@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
Senior Civil Service Orientation (SCSO)
A Senior Civil Service Orientation is for new Deputy Directors and Directors who have been externally recruited into the Civil Service.
This programme is offered as an additional offer to participants who register for a Deputy Director Induction or Director Induction. It supports participants to develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of working in government.
Programme Aims
- Welcome participants to the Civil Service and celebrate their new role.
- Provide participants with a clear understanding of what is expected of them as leaders within the Civil Service.
- Create personal networks across the Civil Service.
- Introduce Civil Service corporate leadership frameworks.
- Provide support to new SCS to think about their leadership journey.
- Provide insights into working with ministers and the private office.
- Provide an overview of the financial architecture of the Civil Service.
How to Register for a Senior Civil Service Orientation
To attend a Senior Civil Service Orientation, please join the SCSO Waiting List and we will contact you when a space becomes available.
Further Recommended Learning
We also recommend attending parliamentary workshops run by the Parliamentary Capability Team:
Working with Parliament for leaders
The Parliamentary Capability Team is based in Government Skills, and exists to help civil servants better understand how Parliament scrutinises the work of government and how they can effectively support their department’s response to Parliamentary scrutiny.
The team have created three bespoke learning events aimed at SCS:
Leading and Parliament
An introduction to Parliament specifically designed for senior leaders delivered remotely over two weeks in conjunction with the Civil Service Leadership Academy.
Select Committees for Leaders
This will give SCS an understanding of how to effectively manage the work of parliamentary select committees that scrutinize their department’s work. It will cover parliamentary process and culture, supporting ministers with committee appearances, and the internal activities that need to be managed in order to effectively respond to this work.
Accounting Officers Roundtable
This course is designed for newly appointed Accounting Officers or Additional Accounting Officers. It will help you understand your responsibilities for the use of public money, and preparing for appearances before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Parliament. Please register your interest by emailing leadershipcollege@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
If you would like to know more about these courses, please contact parliamentarycapability@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.