There is no single Civil Service notice period for every employee. Your contract, grade, department, role and leaving route determine the period that applies. The safest starting point is the written term in your current contract.
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Find the notice rule that applies
Check your contract first, then the current departmental policy. Do not rely on a colleague’s notice period or a term from an earlier role.
A transfer date, retirement date or scheme exit can be governed by a different process from ordinary resignation.
How notice is calculated
Notice normally starts under the contractual or policy rule when valid notice is received. Confirm whether the period is expressed in weeks, calendar months or another form.
A calendar month is not always the same as four weeks. Record the date notice was received and ask HR to confirm the calculated final day.
Working, leave and release
Work the notice
You remain employed and carry out agreed duties until the final day.
Take approved leave
Annual leave may be taken during notice if approved.
Shorter notice
Both sides may agree an earlier date.
Other arrangement
Contractual payment in lieu or garden leave may apply in some circumstances.
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 the notice-period calculation and negotiation guide, including model wording, leave planning, early-release options and the checks needed before agreeing a final date.
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