Cabinet Office

Returners' scheme

If you are a former government communicator, and are thinking of returning to the civil service, you can apply for access to GCN job vacancies through the returners' scheme.

To qualify for the scheme you must have professional communication skills gained outside the civil service.

What is the GCN returners' scheme?

The returners' scheme gives former government communicators access to internal GCN job vacancies.

To qualify for the scheme:

  • you must have continued to work in a communications role and
  • your last department has to provide you with a reference

If you meet these criteria you will be given access to internal job vacancies for one year.

This scheme does not guarantee you a job.

How can I apply?

The last department you worked for must provide a reference and confirm there is no reason why you should not be given access to GCN internal vacancies.

If granted, you will be eligible to apply for internal vacancies for a limited 12 month period.

There is no automatic right to reinstatement. The decision rests with the re-employing department. More information is contained in the Civil Service Code on reinstatement.

Civil Service Code on reinstatement [External link]

What do I need to do?

Complete Section A of the form below and send it to Human Resources in your last department. Once they have completed Section B they will send it back to you. Then return the completed form to Government Communication.

Email your completed form to gcnvacancies@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk

Alternatively, you can post it to:
Government Communication
Ground Floor, Room 25
26 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2WH