Investment Attraction

The UK government is undertaking a significant overhaul of its civil service structure, relocating thousands of senior civil servants and policy officials to 13 regional hubs across the country. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration with frontline workers and local leaders, addressing the unique challenges faced by communities outside London. The relocation is designed to facilitate a better understanding of local issues and improve the effectiveness of government policy in supporting these communities.

To support this transformation, the government is establishing new campuses, including the Government Digital and AI Innovation Campus in Manchester and the Energy Campus in Aberdeen. These campuses will house multiple departments, fostering a multi-disciplinary workforce to tackle local challenges and improve public services. The Manchester campus is expected to accommodate up to 7,000 civil servants, leveraging the city’s status as a digital hub to attract talent and drive economic growth. The initiative is projected to generate £729 million in local economic benefits between 2024 and 2030.

In addition to physical relocations, the government is committed to ensuring that career advancement opportunities are equitable across the UK. By 2030, 50% of UK-based Senior Civil Servants will be based in regional offices, supported by a revamped Fast Stream programme that offers placements outside London. This approach allows aspiring leaders to develop their careers without needing to relocate to the capital. Furthermore, a new ‘Career Launch Apprenticeship’ programme will be introduced, aimed at training future civil service managers in regional offices, thereby strengthening local governance and service delivery.