Welcome to ODP 101
ODP 101 is your introduction to the Operational Delivery Profession. Through interactive content, real-life scenarios, and career stories, you’ll discover the vital role operational delivery plays across government and society. Explore the breadth of roles within the profession, learn about the skills and behaviours that underpin success, and uncover the opportunities available for learning, development, and career growth.
Whether you’re new to operational delivery, considering a career in government, or looking to deepen your understanding of the profession, ODP 101 will help you discover what makes operational delivery such an important part of public service.
Did You Know?
Most people’s experience of government is through operational delivery.
From helping citizens access services to delivering government policies, operational delivery professionals are at the heart of how government works.
Discover the Profession
Everyday, millions of people interact with government services. Whether that is applying for a passport, paying tax, accessing benefits, registering a birth, or completing the census. Behind each of these moments are operational delivery professionals.
The Operational Delivery Profession (ODP) is the largest profession in the Civil Service, bringing together people who deliver services, solve problems, support citizens, and turn government policy into real-world outcomes.
Whether you are part of the profession already, work alongside operational delivery colleagues, considering a career in government, or simply interested in understanding how public services are delivered, ODP 101 will help you explore the people, the roles, and the services that makes the Operational Delivery Profession such a vital part of government.
What is ODP 101?
ODP 101 is an interactive introduction to the Operational Delivery Profession.
Through real-life scenarios, career stores, and practical insights, you’ll discover:
- What operational delivery is and why it matters
- The impact operational delivery professionals have on citizens and communities
- The breadth of roles and opportunities across government
- The skills, behaviours, and professional standards that underpin the profession
- How careers can develop and evolve within operational delivery
Whether you are exploring the profession for the first time or looking to deepen your understanding, ODP 101 is your starting point.
What’s Next?
Not sure where to start? We recommend starting with the Interactions section to explore real-life examples of how government services are delivered and discover the important role operational delivery professionals play behind the scenes. Next, head to the Personas section where we illustrate potential career journeys through the profession and discover the different paths you could take to develop.
By exploring both sections, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what the Operational Delivery Profession is, why it matters, and what a career in the profession can look like.
Explore the sections below to understand operational delivery in action.
Hello from Jo Farrar and JP Marks, Joint Heads of the Government Operational Delivery Profession
Welcome to the Operational Delivery Profession – the UK's largest professional community in the Civil Service. We collectively make a real difference to people's lives across the UK every day.
ODP brings together colleagues across government who share a commitment to delivering excellent public services. Our diverse membership spans leadership and management roles, help and advice services, compliance and enforcement functions, and business management support – all united by our dedication to public service.
In our rapidly evolving environment, we're working together to meet new challenges through digital transformation, innovative service design, and collaboration across departmental boundaries. The profession offers you tools to develop your skills, share best practice, and connect with colleagues facing similar challenges.
We encourage you to explore the resources available to you - whether that's our Professional Skills Framework to guide your development, our Centre of Excellence for inspiration and good practice, or networking opportunities to build valuable professional relationships. And to become part of a community that values excellence, continuous learning, and collaboration.
