Interchange is a Government Initiative promoting the exchange of people and good practice between the Civil Service and organisations in other sectors. The Civil Service has had exchange programmes with industry since the 1970s, and an Interchange Unit since the late 1990s. The profile of interchange has been raised since the issue of the Modernising Government White Paper, and more recently by the Civil Service Reform Agenda.

Interchange Scheme

Partnerships have now been formed with a number of government departments and agencies in the region.

Aims of Interchange

Interchange provides career development opportunities, through first hand experience in a different working environment. As well as benefits to the individual, the host and parent organisations benefit through the exchange of ideas and skills.

Range of Activities

Outward Secondment

A voluntary temporary posting of a civil servant to an organisation outside the Civil Service

Inward Secondment

A temporary appointment of a non-civil servant to an organisation within the Civil Service

Loan

Temporary transfer within the same organisation or to another government department or agency (usually not less than 3 months)

Attachment

Short-term placement to work on short-term projects or studies

Twinning

Two people at similar levels in different organisations meeting regularly to learn from and support each other

Shadowing

Working alongside an individual for a short period of time (usually between a day and a week)

Mentoring

Developing a member of staff through regular contact and feedback with another colleague

Non-executive Opportunities

Acting as a non-executive director, or in an advisory role, on subsidiary boards, committees or joint project teams

Joint Training

Seminars and longer training programmes with participants of other organisations

Contact or Discussion Groups

Groups meeting regularly to discuss issues of common interest

Secondments, Loans and Short-term Attachments

The Interchange Scheme supports the principle of secondments, loans and short-term attachments as a way of developing the skills of staff. These temporary placements can:

Provide career development opportunities
Improve contacts and networks between organisations
Increase understanding between divisions and organisations
Provide access to wider thinking and sharing good practice
Allow individuals to invest in the work of others

Placements and other interchange activities can be arranged through the Inspectorate's Bringing on Talent Team, Human Resources. A list of organisations that participate in the interchange programme is available, and placements with organisations not listed can be considered. Opportunities are advertised when they arise, but individuals may arrange their own placements that offer career development, with the help of the Bringing on Talent Team.

Placements are arranged on temporary and voluntary terms, with no change to an individual's terms and conditions of employment with the Civil Service. Occasionally, placements may require the adoption of specific terms and conditions, particularly those with non-Civil Service organisations. If this is necessary the details will be agreed by all parties before any placement begins.

Further information and Related Links

For further information about this scheme or current opportunities, please contact Fran Moot 0117 372 6394 or
email: fran.moot@planning-inspectorate.gsi.gov.uk

Whitehall and Industry Group