Post Office

A thriving Post Office for every community

We’re the UK’s largest retail network, with over 11,500 branches. In fact, 93% of the population live within a mile of a post office. Our branches are run as franchises by local independent business owners – our postmasters – and other retail partners. They act as a vital social hub, giving local communities access to essential services people rely on every day; from mails, parcels and banking to identity and government services.
A thriving Post Office for every community’

Since our separation from Royal Mail in 2012, we’ve been on an evolutionary journey to ensure we’re meeting all our customers’ needs. So, today, as we develop more digital offers, we’re still committed to providing face-to-face support to those who rely on us, such as access to cash and government services.

Our journey is one of reflection, growth, and meaningful change. Our business is changing and we understand that attracting the right talent is pivotal in driving the positive change needed, to help us achieve our ambitious goals. We’re looking for people who think differently. Those with resilience, purpose, and a deep sense of responsibility to our postmasters, partners, and the communities they serve.

Post Office colleague
Post Office focus
Post Office smile

Creating a great place to work for all

We’re here for everyone, so it’s vital that we reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. That’s why we value people from a variety of backgrounds who bring different perspectives to our business. And it’s why we’re constantly reviewing our policies and processes to ensure they’re as inclusive as possible.

This means we make sure our recruitment process is completely fair, transparent and free from bias. It means we take positive action to support everyone in developing to their full potential. We foster a respectful, inclusive environment where all our people can make a meaningful contribution to our business.

What equity, diversity & inclusion means to us

Post Office is committed to embedding equity, diversity and inclusion. Our objective is to create a great place to work for all. To realise this, we are committed to deepening our commitment to become a truly inclusive and safe place for all. We want a great working environment which recognises people from different backgrounds, experiences and abilities; who can bring fresh ideas and innovation to improve our business practices. We want to:

  • Attract, retain and motivate colleagues from the widest possible pool of talent.
  • Make sure we provide you with what you need to have a successful career with Post Office.
  • Ensure that our behaviours, which are anchored in inclusion, support you in all stages of your career.
  • Celebrate who you are and the uniqueness you bring to our business.
  • Cultivate a workplace where you can be who you want to be at work.

Our Inclusion Playbook

At Post Office, we’ve developed the ‘Inclusion Playbook’, which offers colleagues practical examples of everyday behaviours that enable them to help foster an inclusive culture and bring our ED&I strategy to life.

The importance of equity, diversity and inclusion cannot be overstated. It enriches our communities, workplaces, and lives by bringing together different backgrounds, experiences, and ways of thinking. That difference is the very fabric of our society.

The Inclusion Playbook is an example of what can happen when you’re intentional about inclusion, take a multi-layered approach and act creatively. It’s a powerful tool, offering practical steps we can all take to foster inclusivity across our business. While these actions may seem small, they have the potential to create significant, positive changes for all colleagues, both now and in the future. Together, we can make a difference and build a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.

Post Office - town

Together, we belong!

At Post Office, our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Colleague Networks ensure that everyone in our business is truly represented and feels welcome and supported. Our networks are open to all colleagues, whether they identify as part of the specific groups or join as an ally.

We have four colleague-led networks, which champion diverse characteristics by raising awareness, holding events and celebrating important days in the calendar. Most importantly, they work with our People team to ensure all our policies are fair and inclusive for everyone.

Post Office - Female Colleagues

Affinity

We’re the network that supports equity for women and empowers female colleagues at every level of Post Office. By promoting the progression of women and giving them a safe space to discuss gender-related issues, we aim to ensure equal opportunities for all.

We support a wide range of initiatives and events to promote relevant issues and support allyship, from workshops raising awareness of menopause and cervical screening to wellbeing yoga sessions and events to support International Women’s Day. By advising the business, amplifying the voice of women and empowering female colleagues to own their career development, we promote understanding of gender-based experiences.

Post Office backoffice
Post Office team
Post Office training

Rewards and benefits

We want all our people to enjoy a healthy work/life balance, so we’ve developed a package of benefits that recognises and celebrates everyone at Post Office, and supports their wellbeing.
Post Office Pension Plan

Post Office Pension Plan

Automatic enrolment into our competitive defined contribution (DC) pension scheme, with a default contribution rate of 5% from employees and 9% from Post Office. You can increase your contributions to receive up to a maximum 12% employer contribution.
Workplace wellbeing

Workplace wellbeing

Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and a multitude of wellbeing resources including exercise videos, meditation, free recipes, budgeting and spending tools
Digital GP services

Digital GP services

Access to unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments, physiotherapy, and other essential medical services
Discounts

Discounts

Access to our benefits platform, offering discounts across hundreds of retailers, helping you save on groceries, fashion, dining out, holidays and much more
Voluntary flexible benefits

Voluntary flexible benefits

A selection of optional flexible benefits to suit your needs, including a Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance (PMI), Dental Insurance and more.
Colleague insurance discounts

Colleague insurance discounts

Exclusive discounts available on the likes of our travel insurance, car insurance and pet insurance.

Apprenticeships, training and development

We work with a variety of training providers to offer a range of apprenticeships from level 2 (equivalent to GCSE) up to level 7 (equivalent to a Master’s degree). Some are related to our business and others focus more on your individual development. So, whatever your role, you’re likely to find an apprenticeship to suit you, and we’ll give you the support you need to learn and grow.

Mentoring

Our Mentoring Exchange is a dedicated programme that focuses on bringing together colleagues from across the business. Whether you’re looking for a mentor to boost your personal or professional development, or you’d like to be a mentor, this is the place for you.

Our behaviours

At Post Office we have a clearly defined purpose which is underpinned by our values. Our behaviours provide clarity on ‘how’ we do things and help guide us on what it takes to be successful. These are applicable to everyone, regardless of role. Our behaviours represent the essence and spirit of our business, the driving force behind our transformation and support us in creating an inclusive and thriving culture that secures Post Office’s success for the long term.
Customer First

Customer First

We start with the customer

Curiosity

Curiosity

We continuously learn and improve

Progress

Progress

We deliver results with integrity

Accountability

Accountability

We take ownership and follow through

Collaboration

Collaboration

We work across teams

Our colleagues

Post Office - Emily

Emily

Senior Digital Marketing Manager

Post Office culture really is one of openness and inclusivity. This is built into the daily ways of working and into our objectives. What I love with Prism, and all the Post Office networks, is that they’re so inclusive; whether you’re a highly involved member or an ally, everyone’s so welcome. Taking part in Manchester Pride after only a few months working here helped me connect with staff from other locations and postmasters. I loved hearing about my colleagues own personal experiences and they demonstrated that sharing and openness is welcomed, and encouraged, within the company culture.

Sapna

Governance Associate

I joined the BeYou network in the middle of COVID, knowing very little about it. The network was very welcoming, open and full of passion about the topics that it’s focused on – bringing visibility to disability and mental health. There’s a real desire to do more for those disadvantaged in the business, changing the processes that do not work for them. The network has achieved a lot, improving the accessibility requests of new starters, inputting to the design of Wood Street office, and bringing awareness to mental health, neurodiversity and disabilities – especially those that are invisible.

Post Office - Sapna

A brief history of Post Office

King Charles I opens his personal carrier mail service to the public for the first time.

King Charles II appoints the first Postmaster General, Henry Bishop, establishing the General Post Office (GPO).

Early post offices located in inns, known as “Letter Receiving Houses.” Innkeepers serve as postmasters.

Mail coaches introduced, improving the speed of delivery and expanding access to villages and towns nationwide.

The Penny Black, the first adhesive stamp, is introduced.

Post Office introduces foreign currency exchange services for the growing needs of travellers and holidaymakers.

Post Office diversifies, adding bank accounts, insurance, loans, credit cards, savings and mortgages to its products.

The first self-service postage machines are introduced in branches.

The Postal Services Act passes, formally separating Post Office and Royal Mail. In 2012, Post Office becomes a separate, government-owned organisation.

Post Office introduces the first Banking Framework, providing access to everyday banking services for customers of almost every high street bank in Post Office branches.

New partnerships with Amazon, DPD, DHL and EVRi (2022) introduced. First Banking Hub opens, and Post Office launches new Digital Identity app, EasyID.

Post Office and postmasters support social causes raising funds for the Ukraine DEC Appeal and Trussell Trust, and the first-ever end-to-end sale of non-Royal Mail products are sold in Post Office branches.

Learning from the past, Post Office apologises for its role in the Horizon IT scandal, providing compensation to those affected and embarking on wholesale cultural reform.

We’re still here, in person, for the people who rely on us.