To resign from the Civil Service, give clear notice to the person or team specified by your department and state your intended final day. Your contract and departmental policy determine the required notice and any formal process.
On this page
Before you give notice
Check that resignation is the correct route. If you are moving to another government department, use the staff transfer process where it applies. A resignation can break continuity and create avoidable pension or payroll problems.
Read your contract for the notice period, the required method of notice and any restrictions that continue after employment ends.
What the resignation should confirm
- That you are resigning from your role.
- The date notice is given.
- Your proposed final day.
- Any request to discuss annual leave or a shorter notice period.
- A request for written acknowledgement.
What happens next
Your department should confirm receipt, the final working day and the practical exit steps. You may be asked to complete a handover, return equipment, clear expenses and attend an exit interview.
The final day can change if both sides agree. Do not treat a preferred date as approved until it has been confirmed.
Civil Service departments use different contracts, policies and approval routes. Check your own contract, intranet guidance, scheme documents and any letter you have received before acting.
Members can unlock a step-by-step resignation plan, model wording for straightforward and sensitive departures, a final-day calculation method and a checklist for protecting pay, pension and records.
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