Accredited learning programmes across the policy profession

The Civil Service Policy Profession consists of approximately 38,500 civil servants, making it the second largest profession in government. It has a presence across the regions and nations of the UK.

The work of policy professionals has a significant impact on the lives of people across the country. Investing in the development of policy makers supports the creation of stronger policies and improved outcomes for the public.

The Policy Profession Unit, part of the Department for Education and operating on behalf of policy professionals across government, is responsible for overseeing the development of the Policy Profession. This includes building the skills and capability of policy professionals at different stages of their careers.

Following a competitive procurement process, the Department for Education has awarded contracts for the development and delivery of accredited postgraduate learning programmes designed to build the skills and capabilities of UK civil servants in line with the Policy Profession Standards. The programmes will be available from September 2027 and will support policy professionals across government departments.

The procurement was divided into two lots: Lot 1 (itt_3995): A contract for the delivery of five cohorts of an accredited 180-credit Master's programme, with one cohort delivered per academic year from Academic Year 2027/28. The programme is designed for experienced civil service policy leaders and will strengthen advanced policy capability, enabling participants to apply academic rigour and best practice to complex government policy challenges while continuing in their roles.

Lot 2 (itt_3999): A contract for the delivery of a postgraduate accredited learning offer for civil service policy professionals, including standalone modules and qualifications at Postgraduate Award, Certificate and Diploma level for experienced practitioners. The contract also includes a separate 30-credit Postgraduate Award for Government Policy Fast Streamers, delivered annually through a structured three-year programme.

The Department for Education will hold the contracts on behalf of the Civil Service Policy Profession; however, the programmes will be accessible to participants from all UK Government departments. The estimated values published are based on historic student volumes and expenditure.

Actual contract expenditure will be determined by future learner numbers and departmental demand over the contract term. The Department for Education does not guarantee any minimum level of spend under the contracts and reserves the right to vary volumes in accordance with operational requirements.