Corporate


Behind the scenes, the policies that guide the biggest decisions in the country are changing. At the forefront of this, the Defra Group is leading the way.

As our work increases in complexity, we are bringing new focus, creating new efficiencies and pioneering new levels of innovation. If you are an HR, Finance or Communications specialist, here is where you can have crucial impact at a key moment.

HR

As one of our HR professionals, you will be part of the wider Civil Service HR Function, which encompasses all government departments, agencies and non-departmental public bodies. You do not need to be a CIPD member to work here, because we will give you the opportunity to join and obtain professional recognition.

In addition to making sure we get the basics right, through seamless people transactions and support, our HR experts are playing a transformational role in shaping the workforce of the future.

Within this trusted community, you will work closely with the Defra Group’s business leads, supporting them to drive improvement in key areas such as attraction and retention, capability, diversity, reward and leadership.

Finance

The impact of leaving the EU (over 80% of Defra’s current work relates to what was previously delivered through the EU) and the Covid-19 pandemic has been felt across the whole world and Defra is right at the forefront in dealing with these issues. Defra Finance has been a key part in supporting how this nation faces these challenges whilst  working closely with other govt depts.

In finance you will be part of the wider community that is the Government Finance function which comprises around 10,000 people across departments, agencies, and arm’s-length bodies. Together, we are responsible for over £750 billion expenditure a year, managing over £1,450 billion of assets and £3,500 billion of liabilities. Defra itself has a departmental budget close to £6bn to deliver its key objectives.

Working within the Defra finance function you can really make a difference supporting areas such as our Borders infrastructure , delivering flood defences, achieving our net gain zero target, changing the way we help our farming and food industry and ensuring that we achieve value for money in everything we do.

Communications

Across the Defra Group, we are highly ambitious about what our Communications team can help us achieve. Thanks to them, we are challenging perceptions, changing behaviour, building partnerships, and making a social and economic difference.

By joining us here, you will have full exposure to our communications remit. From the opportunity to work closely with Policy teams, other government departments, and a range of external partners to finding new and fresh ways of reaching target audiences, you will enjoy impact and variety.

Simply, this is your chance to shape our important message at an equally important time.