Government Economic Service Summer Scheme 2023

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The Government Economic Service (GES) summer scheme is open to economics students in their penultimate year of undergraduate study who are on track for a 2:1 or 1st. Placements generally last 6-12 weeks over the summer period, and are paid. The scheme offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience working in the Civil Service, applying economics to real issues that matter.

Placements take place in a variety of UK Government departments and can involve analysing data, providing advice on policy options or preparing briefings for officials and ministers. Many summer placement students have gone on to permanent careers in the GES.

We will be holding an online Q&A session for applicants at midday on Tuesday 1421 March (join2023 on teamsMicrosoft Teams).

Our Role in Government

The Government Economic Service (GES) is at the heart of decision-making in the UK Government, with over 3,500 economists working across more than 50 departments and agencies. The work of GES economists has been integral to understanding and responding to fast-moving events such as Covid-19, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and changes in financial markets. Economic analysis is central to policy-making on long-term challenges such as climate change, education, biodiversity and inequality.

Who are we looking for?

The GES summer placement scheme is aimed at economics students who are considering a career in the GES after graduation. The placements generally last between 6 to 12 weeks and take place over the summer period. You could spend 6-12 weeks working on real government policy alongside government economists and policy officials. The job could involve analysing data, providing advice on policy options or preparing briefings for officials and ministers. Many summer placement students have gone on to permanent careers in the Government Economic Service.

Question and Answer Session

Interested in finding out more about being an economist in government? Want to apply for this role, but not sure if it is for you?

Attend our Question and Answer (Q&A) session from 12:00 noon to 12:45pm, Tuesday 1421 March 2023 on Microsoft Teams

We will give you information regarding the scheme:

• What it’s like to work as a government economist
• An outline of the recruitment process for the scheme
• Our tips on filling out the application form

You can find out more about the type of work available to students by reading these case studies by former students.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible applicants must:

• be studying for an undergraduate degree in economics or a joint degree where economics comprises at least 50% of the total course, studied so far
• be on course for a 2:1 or 1st class degree. (based on your 1st year results)
• and have the right to work in the UK

Individuals will need to demonstrate that they meet the relevant immigration requirements and their eligibility under the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs). Nationality requirements are explained in more detail on the Civil Service nationality rules webpage.

Please note: We do not offer sponsorships for our schemes.

How to Apply

The Government Economic Service (GES) 2023 summer scheme is now open for applications. To apply please visit the Civil Service Jobs website, vacancy reference 270561

Applications close on Monday 27 March at 23.55pm

The sift is due to take place from 28 March to 6 April 2023. Interviews/assessments are likely to be held from 10 April to 5 May 2023. We will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates will change. You will be provided with sufficient notice of the confirmed dates.

The selection process will be designed specifically for the role.

During the application process you will be asked to complete an online numeracy test.

Please note: The test deadline is the same as the application deadline.

The GESR Recruitment Team work Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Therefore, technical support will not be available outside of these hours.

Candidates who are unsuccessful at the sift stage will not be given any feedback or comments. If you do not hear from us within 2 months of deadline, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.

Please note that some departments require candidates to have a UK footprint for 5 years to get security clearance, including the Home Office, Ministry of Defence and Office for National Statistics.

Resources for applicants

For further information about the recruitment process, please read our Application Guidance Notes (ODT, 43.3 KB)

Details about the kind of role you could be working in during your summer placement, can be found in the attached Job descriptions (ODT, 45.9 KB) pack.

Equal opportunities

At the GES we welcome applications from anyone with the necessary qualifications, regardless of sex, marital status, race, colour, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, or, in Northern Ireland, community background. There are no age limits, but employing departments will expect several years’ service before retirement.

Contact point for applicants

GESR Recruitment Team: GESRRecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk

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Complaints procedure

Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment based on fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact GESR by email at: GESRRecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk.

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment. For further information on the Recruitment Principles, and bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission, please visit their website at: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk