More than two thirds of new Civil Service roles established in Places for Growth areas

More than two thirds of new full-time Civil Service roles have been created in key regional areas, as the government seeks to bring decision-making closer to local communities.

Around 67% of new full-time positions are now in “Places for Growth” locations, the Cabinet Office revealed on Thursday. 

It added that 24,621 roles had been moved out of London under the Places of Growth programme between its launch in 2018, and March 2025, exceeds its initial target of relocating 22,000 positions three years early. The programme promotes a more decentralised and representative Civil Service.

The number of senior positions located outside of London has also increased, with 36.6% of all Senior Civil Servant roles located in the nations and the regions. 

The government argues that a strong senior presence in regional communities is key to building “strong relationships in these places across government and industry”.

The figures come amid wider efforts to decentralise the Civil Service, following the announcement in August that high-performing civil servants are to be seconded into mayoral authorities to further build capability in local areas.

Mark Ferguson, Cabinet Office Minister, said the efforts aimed to ensure that “we have a truly UK-wide Civil Service”.

He said: “Policy and decision makers must reflect the country we live in, so those making decisions understand how these are felt in the communities they impact.

“This is devolution by design and devolution by default, and we will unlock talent across the country to ensure the inner workings of government move with the times.”

Other recent efforts to expand Civil Service opportunities outside London include a new Civil Service Fast Stream pilot in Yorkshire and Humber, which aimed to ensure that a move to London isn’t the prerequisite for a successful Civil Service career.

Featured Image Credit: Cabinet Office