Frequently asked questions

If your question isn't covered here, then you can e-mail a query to our recruitment team.

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What happens after I submit my application?

Normally, within two weeks of the closing date for applications, we will contact you to let you know if you have been short-listed. If so, we will ask you to come in for an interview. For some positions, there may be assessments and a second interview.

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Is there a probation period?

When you join the OFT, your appointment will be subject to the satisfactory completion of a probation period. As from 2 June 2008, new entrants are required to serve a six month probation period.

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Can I transfer my existing pension?

If you have pension benefits in the scheme of a former employer or in a personal/stakeholder pension plan (but not AVC plans), you may be able to transfer them to the Civil Service Pension Scheme (CSPS).

The transfer value will buy a credit of 'reckonable' service or pension credit in the CSPS. The scheme has discretion to refuse a transfer if it is deemed insufficient to cover the cost of your guaranteed minimum pension, if the transferring scheme is unable to comply with CSPS requirements, or if you do not make your application within the relevant time limit. There is more detail on the Civil Service Pensions website.

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How do you view breaks for maternity, paternity and adoption leave?

There are statutory entitlements to time off for antenatal care, preparing for childbirth, and for recovering and caring for your baby. Our maternity policy is based on those entitlements. Partners, including same-sex partners, are entitled to two weeks paid paternity leave. We also provide adoption leave.

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Are there any nationality requirements?

To become a permanent member of staff, you must be a UK national citizen or a:

• Commonwealth citizen (i.e. having the status of a Commonwealth citizen under the British Nationality Act 1981). This includes British citizens, British Dependent Territory citizens and British National (Overseas) citizens and British Overseas citizens
• British protected person
• national of the EEA (European Economic Area) or other EC Member States.

If you are subject to immigration control, there may be restrictions on your length of stay in the UK or on your taking up or changing employment.

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Are you serious about equality and diversity?

We recognise that the markets and consumers affected by our work are diverse in nature, and we strive to be sensitive to this diversity within our own working environment and friendly culture.

We value diversity in our workforce, and are committed to equal opportunities. Employment, career development and promotion are open to all who are eligible on the basis of their ability, qualifications and fitness for the work. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, gender, marital status, disability or sexual orientation.

In recognition of our work to promote race equality, we received a bronze award in the 2006 Race for Opportunity survey by the corporate responsibility charity Business in the Community.

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What are the transport links like?

Our office is in central London, just off Fleet Street, and there are excellent transport links. The nearest railway stations are City Thameslink and Blackfriars. Nearby Underground stations are Blackfriars, Farringdon, Temple, Chancery Lane and St Paul's. There is secure parking for bicycles, motorbikes and some cars on site.
View a map (pdf 33 kb).

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What is the dress code?

We don't have a formal dress code. In general, we leave it up to the individual to decide: some of us wear conventional business attire; others prefer smart-casual. If you are meeting outside organisations, you are representing the OFT and are expected to dress accordingly.

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How is the OFT structured?

You can read about the OFT's high-level structure on the Our organisation page in the About the OFT area of the site.

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