Applications & Database Engineer (SQL & Power Platform)

The National Archives; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental archival organization in Greater London is seeking a support role for internal applications. The job involves designing user-centred Power Platform solutions, maintaining SQL Server applications, and providing first-line support. Successful candidates will find a welcoming environment with a hybrid work policy, contributing to meaningful public service while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package, including generous pension contributions.

Benefits

Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension

Discounted rates at the on-site cafe

Opportunities for training and development

On-site gym

Qualifications

• Experience with Power Platform and SQL Server for system support.
• Ability to create user documentation and collaborate with team members.
• Understanding of ITIL practices and agile methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Support internal applications and maintain service levels.
• Design user-centred Power Platform changes.
• Build and maintain Power Automate flows.
• Use T-SQL to manage data effectively.
• Provide first-line support and document solutions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to clarify requirements.

Skills

SQL Server

Microsoft Power Platform

Python

T-SQL

Power BI

Job description

Overview

Your work supports access to everything from the Domesday Book to modern government records. When a researcher, student or member of the public finds and trusts a record, your contribution is part of that experience.

What you can grow in

• Variety you can grow in

  Work across a mix of bespoke and packaged systems, from operational fixes to small enhancements, data checks and low-code improvements. No two weeks look the same.

• Early responsibility with support

  Learn from experienced engineers in a kind, collaborative team. Expect mentoring, code reviews, and clear guidance on safe change so you can build confidence quickly.

• Modern Microsoft toolkit

  Develop practical skills with SQL Server, Microsoft Power Platform and Python in an environment that values simple, reliable solutions over complexity.

• A place you will enjoy coming to

  Our Kew site is welcoming and well connected by public transport, with green space on the doorstep. Hybrid working is standard, with a policy norm of three days on site.

• Belonging and benefits

  Join a Civil Service organisation that cares about learning, inclusion and public service. You will have access to a supportive network, sensible hours and a comprehensive benefits package.

What you will do

• Support internal applications and help restore normal service promptly. Work with third party suppliers when needed and keep users informed in plain English.

• Design and build simple, user-centred Power Platform changes that meet clear needs, then iterate based on feedback.

• Build and maintain Power Automate flows and make small changes to Power Apps. Contribute to Power BI reporting where appropriate.

• Use T‑SQL on SQL Server 2016 and later to query, validate and transform data. Run scheduled jobs safely and turn recurring tasks into safe, user‑driven tools.

• Contribute to data ingest and quality routines, for example spreadsheet to validated load with simple checks and clear feedback.

• Provide first‑line support post‑release, triage straightforward issues and apply fixes with supervision.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to clarify requirements, prototype small solutions and release changes safely through our process.

• Create concise user documentation and short how‑to notes; present and promote your solutions to colleagues.

• Apply ITIL basics across incident, request, problem, change and release, and follow simple agile practices that help the team plan and learn.

Accessibility

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non‑disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you can: Contact us via the Contact Point below as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window). See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

• UK nationals
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Desirable

• Power BI, Dynamics 365 configuration, where we work with a commercial D365 partner, Git or GitHub awareness, not depth, DBA topics. Mentoring provided.

Working pattern, location and checks

• Hybrid: minimum 60% at Kew. Policy norm is 3 days on site. On‑site days are planned for team cover, Mondays and Tuesdays preferred where feasible.
• Security: SC, (Security Check), required. You must have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years. We may start you following a Basic Check while full SC completes, continued employment is subject to SC being granted.
• Right to work: visa sponsorship is not available for this post.

At The National Archives

At The National Archives, we do more than safeguard the past—we lead the way in archiving to ensure the UK's public record remains robust, connected, and accessible for generations to come. Join our small, friendly Business Systems team and help develop and operate the essential services and tools our colleagues depend on, from Finance and HR to Collection Productions. Together, we ensure these systems run smoothly and are continuously improved.

Alongside your salary of £35,000, The National Archives contributes £10,139 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Generous benefits package, including pension, sports and social club facilities, onsite gym, discounted rates at our on‑site cafe and opportunities for training and development.

Any move to The National Archives from another employer will mean you will no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax‑Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk