Professional Skills for Government (PSG) describes the skills that civil servants need to deliver services in the modern environment and illustrates how these can be achieved and demonstrated. It is important both for individuals and for the Civil Service that professional skills are honed and developed.
Scientists and engineers working in government undertake a wide range of posts, from those that require high levels of expertise in a particular area to roles in policy and operational delivery that require a broader application of skills.
Science and Engineering Skills Framework
Published in August 2009, the Science and Engineering (S&E) Skills Framework supplements the core skills required by civil servants (as determined through the Professional Skills for Government framework) and identifies the additional skills required to perform well in a science or engineering job within the service. The S&E Skills Framework enables scientists and engineers to think in a more structured away about their skills development and career progression.
The Government Office for Science is working closely to ensure that the professional skills needed by scientists and engineers working in government are fully reflected in the relevant curricula for the Civil Service.
Continuing Professional Development
Some departments and government research institutes also have formal arrangements to support their staff in continuous professional development. The Government Office for Science is working with departmental heads of profession to develop a handbook to offer guidance on how GSE members should manage their professional development both as a scientist or engineer and as a professional working in Government.