Working for VOA
Find out more about the work we do and the opportunities we offer.
What is the VOA?
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is an executive agency of HM Revenue & Customs. Our valuation work covers every domestic and commercial property in England and Wales, from your favourite restaurant to your local zoo. We undertake valuations for business rates, council tax, and for a range of public sector clients where we specialise in areas such as compulsory purchase, statutory valuations, asset valuations, and acquisition/disposal advice. We’re proud to have helped millions of people to pay the correct property taxes and receive the right financial support. Our work is vital to the collection of over £50 billion of revenue which goes back into communities. We also help determine fair rents and housing allowance received.
Who would I be working with?
We’re made up of more than 4000 civil servants who are based in over 30 locations throughout England, Scotland and Wales.
Whilst most of our colleagues are surveyors belonging to the Government Property Profession, we also have opportunities for all of the following professions:
- Analysis
- Commercial
- Communications
- Finance
- HR
- Operational Delivery
- Policy
- Programme and Project Management
We welcome colleagues from all backgrounds – you can read more about our commitments on diversity, inclusion and equality below.
What can the VOA offer me?
Download our for full details of what is available to you as a VOA employee.
The most popular parts of our reward package include:
- Pay – in the last few years, we have increased both the minimum and maximum pay points for everyone in the VOA and implemented a new pay scale specifically for qualified surveyors.
- Pension – we make contributions to our colleagues’ Civil Service pension equal to at least 26% of their salary.
- Working hours and location flexibility – everyone in the VOA has the opportunity to hybrid work, and we support a full range of flexible working options including part time, part year, compressed hours and job shares.
- Annual Leave – 25 days of annual leave, rising to 30 days after five years
- Family friendly policies – A comprehensive family support package including 26 weeks maternity leave, four weeks of paid paternity leave, shared parental or adoption leave up to 26 weeks’ full pay, 13 weeks of statutory pay and another 13 weeks unpaid, as well as support with fertility treatment.
- Learning and Professional Development – Everyone in the VOA benefits from a minimum of five days of learning and development a year and access to a large range of opportunities through both the Civil Service’s Learning Platform for Government or our bespoke Learning Hub.
- Personal support – we offer extensive special leave to help balance your life and work commitments, a variety of financial and non-financial benefits (including paying for your professional subscriptions and a Cycle to Work scheme of up to £4000) and we work with professional providers to provide occupational health and full mental and physical wellbeing services.
Is the VOA right for you?
Values and culture
As part of the Civil Service, everyone in the VOA adheres to the Civil Service values of honesty, integrity, impartiality, and objectivity. This means that, for example, we do not have political affiliations and deliver the business of the government of the day without bias. We also want our colleagues to speak up safely when they feel it’s right to do so as part of our open and transparent culture.
Alongside this, the VOA culture is anchored in the value we have in each other. The annual Civil Service People Survey gives us a chance to check in on how everyone in the Agency feels about a range of topics. Our 2022 results were positive in a challenging environment. Most themes had similar scores to 2021 and remained at historically high levels. We achieved our highest participation rate with 82% of colleagues taking part. Our engagement index matched the Civil Service benchmark at 65%. We also got an insight into the culture of our Agency, with 86% of participants giving a positive view of inclusion in the Agency – 5 percentage points higher than the Civil Service benchmark and 92% agree with the statement “I am treated with respect by the people I work with” – something we are proud about. We have also put a great emphasis on colleagues’ health & wellbeing, including ensuring they know where to go for their support.
Diversity and equality
The VOA is a Level 3: Disability Confident Leader. This means we have achieved the highest level possible in the Disability Confident campaign. To be a Leader means doing the right thing, setting the right example, and sharing best practice.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
We value and support all our colleagues. For example, we have strong and pro-active staff networks, and workplace adjustments put in place for those who need them.
We have been recognised as a Top 75 employer on Social Mobility from the Social Mobility Foundation Index. In particular, helping colleagues from lower socio-economic backgrounds thrive in the workplace including bespoke mentoring schemes to help people fulfil their potential.
Vetting and Nationality Rules
All our colleagues are security vetted to at least a baseline level. Most of our work does not require a higher level, but the variety of work we do means that some colleagues are required to be security vetted to all types of National Security Vetting checks and clearances.
We can only welcome applications from people who have the right to live and work in the UK, and meet the Civil Service nationality rules.
How can I join the VOA?
Recruitment
We advertise all of our roles on Civil Service jobs. You can follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date with our most high profile and exciting roles.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles.
Entry Routes
As well as mainstream recruitment, we also a variety of talent and development options to welcome colleagues in the VOA.
Success Profiles
We recruit colleagues using the Civil Service’s Success Profiles. This flexible framework enables us to recruit using a fair and inclusive method.
The elements that someone is assessed against are relevant to each role and will vary depending on the profession and seniority level. The assessment approach could include an application form, a CV and/or supporting statement, online tests, interview, presentation, or Assessment Centre.
How can I contact the VOA about joining?
You can contact our Resourcing team via email.
Follow us on LinkedIn to see our latest news and recruitment opportunities.
What do we do at VOA?
We are the public sector’s property valuation experts and advisers – our work touches every citizen and every business across England and Wales.
Our work
You may not have heard of us, but the work we do is really important. Not least because we’re helping to secure more than £50 billion of local government taxation to fund essential public services such as schools and hospitals.
We are the public sector’s property valuation experts and advisers; therefore, we are part of the UK Civil Service and one of the biggest employers of Chartered Surveyors in the UK. In simple terms our major task is to value millions of properties, both homes and business premises, so local councils know how much tax to charge.
You’re probably most familiar with the A-I council tax banding of your house. The valuation we determine ensures your house is in the right band, so you pay the correct amount of tax to your local council.
For businesses this is a bit more complicated. We value everything from your local shop to bigger supermarkets, sports stadiums to zoos, solar and wind farms, 4G transmission towers and everything in between.
A role for everyone
There’s a variety of job roles and job pathways in the VOA. Many people have progressed their careers in the VOA, joining as young people and climbing the career ladder.
In the VOA there are many varied and challenging roles and development programmes, including;
- Chartered Surveyor
- Chartered Surveyor and Surveying Technician Apprenticeships
- Graduate Valuation Surveying Programme
- Valuation Surveyor Placement Programme/Sandwich Year
- Customer Service Advisor
- Property Researcher
- HR Advisor
- Data and Analysis roles
- Commercial and Finance roles and many more.
We also offer internal apprenticeships in areas such as operational delivery and leadership and management.
VOA Work Placement Programme
At the VOA, we regularly recruit Real Estate placement students across the UK, usually around October each year. Our placement programme provides valuable experience and training which will help you begin your journey towards Chartered Valuation Surveyor, and which will also support you in your final year at university.
Your benefits
- Salary: Over £26,000 per annum (£29,000 in London)
- Contract: Flexible 37 hours per week
- Benefits: As a Civil Service employee, you’ll be entitled to a large range of benefits including:
- 25 days annual leave on entry, increasing to 30 days after 5 year’s qualifying service
- A competitive contributory pension scheme
- Flexible working, including flexi-time and hybrid working
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Wellbeing initiatives
Structured training
Our placement programme is focussed on beginning the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) which you need to pass to become a Chartered Surveyor. Our programme follows an RICS accredited structured training plan of 12 months. During the programme you will receive thorough and targeted training from professional trainers and technical experts. You will have quarterly meetings with your RICS counsellor to ensure you’re on track with your APC. You will also have additional help from other Chartered Surveyors to help and guide you. You will be working amongst some of the most experienced surveyors in the country in a very supportive environment.
We form part of the Government Property Profession and Civil Service, therefore you would be able to take advantage of wider development opportunities. We also offer support for those unexpected moments with care leave and domestic emergencies.
Essential requirements
- Working towards a RICS accredited pathway degree in Real Estate or Valuation
VOA Graduate Programme
Do you have the ambition, skills, and passion to be part of the future of one of the biggest employers of Chartered Surveyors in the UK? If so, the Valuation Office Agency could be the place to build your career in surveying.
At the VOA, we regularly recruit graduate surveyors across the UK, usually around October each year. Our graduate programme has an enviable reputation with assessment of professional competence (APC) success rates, which are amongst the best in the UK. Many people we have supported through our graduate programme have quickly progressed into senior management or technical roles after their qualification.
Your benefits
- Salary: Over £26,000 per annum (£29,000 in London)
- Contract: Flexible 37 hours per week
- Benefits: As a Civil Service employee, you’ll be entitled to a large range of benefits including:
- 25 days annual leave on entry, increasing to 30 days after 5 year’s qualifying service
- A competitive contributory pension scheme
- Flexible working, including flexi-time
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Wellbeing initiatives
Structured training
Our graduate programme is heavily focussed on the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) which you need to pass to become a Chartered Surveyor. Our programme follows an RICS accredited structured training plan of around 24 months, and usually involves rotations between business streams. During the programme you will receive thorough and targeted training from professional trainers and technical experts. You will have quarterly review meetings with your RICS counsellor and supervisor to ensure you’re on track with your APC. You will also have additional help from other Chartered Surveyors to help and guide you. You will be working amongst some of the most experienced surveyors in the country in a very supportive environment. This support is reflected in our excellent APC pass rate.
We form part of the Government Property Profession and Civil Service, therefore you would be able to take advantage of wider development opportunities. So not only do we support you towards achieving MRICS status, we ensure you continue to develop your career into the long term.
Essential requirements
- A RICS accredited pathway degree in Real Estate or Valuation at 2:2 or above or MSc in Real Estate
- Full UK / EU Driving Licence – a provisional licence is accepted at time of application however a FULL licence must be attained and evidenced within 6 months of starting the role. If you are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 and do not hold a full driving license, we will consider your application.
VOA Surveying Apprenticeships
At the VOA we run campaigns around February each year to recruit apprentices onto our Level 3 Surveying Technician Apprenticeship and Level 6 Chartered Surveyor Apprenticeship schemes. All our apprenticeships are advertised on the National Apprenticeship website and on Civil Service Jobs www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk
We also offer a range of other apprenticeships to existing colleagues too. So, if you join us in another role, you can apply for a range of apprenticeships as a development opportunity.
Fantastic support
The Surveying Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship typically takes two years and three months to complete. It includes a Level 3 Diploma and qualification as an Associate Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (AssocRICS).
The Chartered Surveyor Level 6 Apprenticeship programme has two routes, BSc (around five years) and MSc (around three years). Most of our surveying apprenticeship roles focus on Valuation but we also offer some opportunities in Building and Quantity Surveying. You will gain relevant work experience in the chosen pathway as well as a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) accredited degree. During the last two years you will work towards your Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) to become a Chartered Surveyor.
Whichever programme you are on, you will be supported by a line manager, buddy and counsellor. They will help you build your network, your skills set and your career. You will be given 20% off-the-job time (paid time during your working hours) to learn, develop and study.
Your benefits
- Salary: Over £22,000 per annum (£26,000 in London) for Level 3
- Salary: Over £26,000 per annum (£29,000 in London) for Level 6
- Contract: Flexible 37 hours per week
- Benefits: As a Civil Service employee, you’ll be entitled to a large range of benefits including:
- 25 days annual leave on entry, increasing to 30 days after 5 year’s qualifying service
- A competitive contributory pension scheme
- Flexible working, including flexi-time
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Wellbeing initiatives
Structured training to become RICS qualified
An integrated programme of work and learning will be put in place to ensure you get the right mix and breadth of experience required to complete your apprenticeship.
For the Level 3 apprenticeship an FRICS, MRICS or Assoc RICS qualified colleague will act as your counsellor in year 2, supporting you to meet the professional requirements for the RICS Associate Assessment. You will gain property research, inspection and valuation experience within either Non-Domestic Rating, Council Tax or Rent Officer Functions.
For the Level 6 apprenticeship, part way through the programme you will begin recording against your APC, supported by an FRICS or MRICS qualified colleague who will act as your counsellor. You will undertake a variety of roles including surveying and valuing properties for either Council Tax, Non-Domestic Rating or District Valuer Services (the VOA’s commercial arm). We will provide full training and mentoring.
Essential requirements
Academic entry requirements for Level 3: GCSE Maths and English at Grades 1-4 / A*-C or equivalent.
Academic entry requirements for Level 6 MSc: an honours degree in a non-property related subject at 2:2 or above and GCSE grade 1-4/A*-C or equivalent in Maths and English.
Academic entry requirements for Level 6 BSC: 96 UCAS points (2021 tariff), or an equivalent level of educational attainment, or AssocRICS. Candidates must also hold GCSE grade 1-4/A*-C or equivalent in Maths and English.
Driving licence requirements for Level 6 BSc and MSc: Hold a full UK / EU Driving Licence – A Provisional licence is accepted at time of application however a FULL licence must be attained and evidenced within 6 months (for MSc) or 2 years (for BSc) of take up date. However, if you are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 and do not hold a full driving licence, we will consider your application.
Driving licence requirements for Level 3: Typically, there are no driving licence requirements for Level 3. However, this can vary depending operational requirements at the time of advertising.
General requirements for all our apprenticeships: certain residency requirements will apply. Candidates must not already hold a qualification at the same level or above in the same subject area as the apprenticeship. For the duration of the apprenticeship, candidates can not undertake another qualification at the same time.