A to Z of the best free courses for civil servants

If you have a Civil Service Learning account, you can do these specially selected courses now - with no sign-offs, permissions or hold-ups - to get the most important skills you need.

A

AI for All: Part 1 - An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence in the Civil Service

This short course introduces artificial intelligence (AI) in the Civil Service and sets the stage for further learning such as AI for all: Part 2 and Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals.

AI for All: Part 2 - Building Practical AI Skills in the Civil Service

This course builds on AI for All: Part 1 and offers deeper insight into how artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping public service delivery.

Analysing evidence: effective collaboration 

An introduction to the benefits of evidence-based policymaking and the variety of sources from which that evidence can come.

An introduction to the European Union

A basic overview of the European Union (EU) and its institutions for civil servants for whom an understanding of UK’s relationship with the EU will support their role.

Artificial Intelligence: Computer Vision

An in-depth course for those wanting to understand and apply elements of AI which enables machines to interpret visual information.

Artificial Intelligence: Fundamentals

A growing collection of learning modules to help civil servants to get a working understanding of AI, its associated technologies and the opportunities it offers.

Artificial Intelligence: Generative AI Tools and Applications

Artificial Intelligence: Machine learning and deep learning

This course has multiple modules of increasing depth but the first three are suitable for all civil servants with an interest in these AI technologies.

Artificial Intelligence: Natural Language Processing and Speech Recognition

The first two modules of this multi-module course are ideal for anyone as an introduction to both natural language processing and speech recognition, with subsequent modules for a more specialist learner.

Artificial Intelligence: Technical curriculum

Browse this collection of learning specially selected for those with a technical interest by the Government Digital Service. More than a months-worth of learning - all of which is free.

Artificial Intelligence: the business value of AI

A collection of useful learning selected for a generalist learner by the Government Digital Service.

Artificial Intelligence: Understanding AI ethics

This collection of modules - each developed by industry leaders - has been curated for all civil servants by the Central Digital and Data Office.

Artificial Intelligence: Working with large language models

The first three modules of this eight module course are ideal for anyone with an interest in learning more about large language models, while the remainder have been selected for those with a more specialist interest.

Artificial intelligence for all: An SCS pathway

A small jump into Agile 

This course helps you understand the Agile working approach used for digital projects across government.

B

Basic analytics

This range of resources, including bite-sized videos, has been brought together by the Government Analysis Profession for all civil servants wanting to develop their analytical skills.

C

Civil Service Expectations

A highly-recommended course to support all civil servants to understand the culture and values underpinning the Civil Service - most specifically, the Civil Service Code and its inclusion and diversity approach.

Civil Service Induction - internal

Our highly rated interactive course for new arrivals to the Civil Service as well as those wanting a refresher.

Civil Service Induction - external

Our highly rated interactive Civil Service Induction is also available to those who are waiting to start a new role in the Civil Service and who can book a place via the Eventbrite link at the bottom of this page.

Civil Service Line Management Standards

The standards aim to give line managers the essential skills and knowledge required for effective line management within the Civil Service. 

Climate and the environment: key things that all civil servants should know

This three-hour online course provides a broad introduction to climate change, the government’s response to it and the implications this has for working in the Civil Service.

Coaching and Mentoring

Find out the difference between coaching and mentoring and what opportunities there are for you to find a coach.

Coaching: Civil Service internal coaching service

A free online database service to match civil servants with a fellow civil servant who is also a qualified coach.

Collaboration across departments, government and beyond

Tips, techniques and skills for developing brilliant professional collaborative relationships that can deliver real-world impacts.

Commercial awareness

Suitable for all civil servants, this multi-module online learning course provides a valuable oversight of the commercial factors that can influence projects.

Counter fraud, bribery and corruption

A short online course to help civil servants understand how to prevent fraud and protect taxpayers’ money.

Creating accessible Excel spreadsheets 

Understand how to fulfil legal accessibility requirements by making your Excel spreadsheets accessible.

Creating accessible PowerPoint presentations 

Learn how to make your PowerPoint presentations accessible to meet your legal requirements.

Creating accessible Word documents 

This course will show you how to make your Microsoft Word documents accessible and meet legal requirements.

D

Data Masterclass

Aimed at those with experience of using data within their role, this practitioner level course will help you make even better data-informed decisions.

Data Quality

This online learning helps you to consider data quality issues and equips you to have more effective discussions with data specialists.

Data Visualisation 101

Developed by the Government Finance Function, this course is mainly aimed at helping finance professionals make data meaningful to non-specialists.

Deputy Director Induction

If you are an existing civil servant who has been promoted to the Senior Civil Service, this induction is the right one for you.

Devolution and Intergovernmental working (online)

This awareness-level course introduces devolution and intergovernmental working and explains why it is important knowledge for all civil servants.

Digital skills for all: Time-saving computer hacks

These quick-bite videos from the Department of Work and Pensions’ Digital Capability and Confidence Team will boost your IT confidence - and make everyday tasks easier and quicker to complete.

E

Emotional intelligence

A short online course to help you harness your emotional intelligence to increase your capability for leadership and relationship building.

Excel: Foundation

A comprehensive, multi-module course to get you on the right tracks with Excel. There are hints and resources, plus the opportunity to put what you’ve learned into action.

F

Foundations of writing in government (JASPER)

This course is highly recommended by past participants for the great tips it provides all those wanting to improve their writing skills.

G

Get started with Copilot Chat 

Get started with Microsoft 365 Copilot 

Get started with Microsoft Bookings 

Get started with Microsoft Copilot Agents 

Get started with Microsoft Copilot Studio 

Get started with Microsoft Forms and Meet Copilot 

Get started with Microsoft OneDrive and Meet Copilot 

Get started with Microsoft OneNote and Meet Copilot 

Get started with Microsoft Planner and Meet Copilot 

Get started with Microsoft Power Apps 

Get started with Microsoft Power Automate

Get started with Microsoft Power BI Desktop 

This short course explains the essentials of business intelligence and data visualisation and how to connect and import data, transform it into actionable insights, and craft compelling reports.

Google Workspace Learning Center 

Master Google Workspace with this comprehensive training hub. Access guides to help you up-skill in apps like Gmail and Gemini.

Going further with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Going further with Microsoft Excel and Meet Copilot

Going further with Microsoft PowerPoint and Meet Copilot

Going further with Microsoft SharePoint online 

Going further with Microsoft Word and Meet Copilot

Going further with Microsoft Power BI and Meet Copilot 

Learn how to master complex data modelling, advanced data analysis expressions (DAX), and sophisticated visualisation techniques.

H

Health and safety

This short online course is mandatory for civil servants in some departments because it sets out your role and responsibilities when it comes to health and safety issues.

How to build your career in the UK Civil Service

Where do you want to be a year from now? If this question strikes fear into your heart,  this course will help you learn about how to start your professional development journey.

How to learn

This short animation is ideal for anyone who want to develop their skills and learning and does not know where to start.

I

Information management 

Learn best practice for every stage of the information management process.

Introduction to accessibility 

Learn the why of accessibility with DHSC shared resources. Explore moral and legal drivers for inclusive, equitable services.

Innovation masterclass

This online course gives you inspiration from world-class experts and industry-proven techniques you can apply in your work.

Introduction to coaching

This course is for any civil servant who would like to explore training to become a qualified coach.

J

JASPER is the name often given to our Foundations of Writing in Government Course which gives tips for improving your writing.

L

Learning online: Communicating and collaborating 

A course from the University of Leeds to help you master the skills needed to learn and communicate effectively in an online environment.

Line management induction programme

A two-hour online course which sets out what the Civil Service expects from line managers.

M

Management programmes are not part of our free offering. For details see Leadership and management guidance.

Managing information 

Manage Outlook, OneDrive and SharePoint. Streamline your digital workspace, enhance collaboration, and store files in the Microsoft 365 suite.

Microsoft  Excel foundation 

A collection of learning options designed to help you master the basics of Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel intermediate 

Learn to automate calculations, audit for accuracy, and create narrative-driven visuals to support effective decision-making across the Civil Service.

Microsoft Excel pivot mastery and Meet Copilot 

Learn to create and customise pivot tables and dashboards as well as about Power Pivot and data analysis

Microsoft 365 training and resources hub 

Master M365 tools with this training hub curated for civil servants. Access quick videos and guides to help you up-skill in apps like Excel and Copilot.

Q

Managing quality

This course explores what quality looks like from a customer experience perspective.

S

Security and Data Protection Fundamentals

This short online course helps you understand the biggest risks and what actions to take to protect yourself and your organisation.

Security and data protection refresher 

Learning to keep you up to date with your responsibilities regarding information use.

Senior Civil Service Orientation

Join the waiting list for this course that will help newcomers to the Civil Service find their feet in the Senior Civil Service.

T

Time-saving computer hacks

Some quick-bite videos from Department for Work and Pensions’ Digital Capability and Confidence Team - designed to boost your IT confidence - and make everyday tasks easier and quicker to complete.

U

Understanding data

An ideal course to help those with little experience using data to make better, more data-informed decisions in their role.

Understanding and Accessing Science and Engineering Advice

This course is for those in non-technical roles who would benefit from the first of two courses aimed at linking policy makers with engineers and scientists.

W

What is national security?

This two-hour course will give you an introduction to national security and what it could mean for you in your role.

Working together 

Master MS Teams and Outlook for professional collaboration. Learn to manage chats, calls, meetings, shared fies and your digital presence effectively.

Working safely and securely 

Protect your digital identity and data. Learn to verify Wi-Fi and websites, spot phishing, create strong passwords and use shortcuts to lock your device.

Working with Data

If you already have some knowledge of using data within your role, this course will help you to develop your data literacy skills using a seven-step data-informed decision-making framework.

Working with Parliament: Bill Team Basics

Delivered every six months, this week-long course is designed to give new bill teams a road map for delivering primary legislation.

Working with Parliament: Desk aids

A range of easy-to-use guidance tools on key topics relating to processes and procedures that you encounter when you work with Parliament.

Working with Parliament: Effective Explanatory Memoranda

For anyone who might work on secondary legislation, this course explains what explanatory memoranda are, how they are prepared and scrutinised and what a good one looks like.

Working with Parliament: introduction to working with Parliament

Book now to learn about Parliament’s role in holding the government to account. An ideal course for those new to the Civil Service or in roles involving parliamentary scrutiny.

Working with Parliament: Oral and urgent parliamentary questions

Book this course to find out how Parliament holds the government to account through oral parliamentary questions and how civil servants prepare their minister.

Working with Parliament: Primary legislation

Book this course to learn what primary legislation is, how departments prepare bills,  how Parliament scrutinises bills and the role of civil servants.

Working with Parliament: Secondary legislation

Book this learning to explore what secondary legislation is, how it is prepared and the role of civil servants in the process.

Working with Parliament: Select committees

Book this course explains how Parliament uses select committees to hold the government to account. Suitable for all civil servants.

Working with Parliament: Written parliamentary questions

Book this course if you have done the Working with Parliament: Introduction to Parliament course and want to know more.

Working with Parliament: Ministerial correspondence

Book this course to understand how Parliament can hold the government to account through correspondence and why this affects civil servants.

Writing effective emails

This course from the Government Communication Service gives tips on how to communicate with colleagues and external stakeholders using short and clear emails.

Wellbeing and Resilience

Learning to support you to cope with the stresses and pressures that work can and to build personal resilience that can improve effectiveness at work.

Writing skills for all

A collection of the Civil Service’s very best writing courses including the highly-rated Foundations of writing for government (JASPER) course.