Archive Website of the UK government

The Civil Service Fast Stream

Consistently ranked in the top ten of the Times Top 100 Graduate Employers, the Fast Stream is a talent management programme for graduates with the potential to become the future leaders of the Civil Service.

You could be working in areas such as education, health, justice, employment, defence, transport and many more.

Whatever the role, and wherever you are based, you will have work of real intellectual appeal and a programme of learning and development which will bring out your full potential.

The Fast Stream programmes

The Graduate Fast Stream is open to people from any discipline. Within this stream, you can choose from a range of options, according to your preferences and interests.

• Human Resources Fast Stream - for people with a proven interest in all areas of the HR profession
• Technology in Business Fast Stream - for people who understand and have a strong interest in technology
• European Fast Stream - for people seeking a career in the EU institutions
• Northern Ireland Fast Stream - for people seeking roles based in that country

Posts are available throughout the UK, with starting salaries ranging between £25,000 and £27,000.

The Analytical Fast Stream (for Economists, Statisticians and Social Researchers and Operational Researchers) has now closed. It is possible that further opportunities will be advertised early in 2012, so keep an eye on the Fast Stream website.

All Fast Stream programmes require a 2.2 degree in any discipline, except the Analytical and Technology in Business Fast Streams which require a 2:1 degree.

To find out more about the Civil Service Fast Stream, any of the individual programmes, and for rules about eligibility, follow the links below.

• Civil Service Fast Stream Opens new window

• Eligibility rules for the Civil Service Fast Stream Opens new window

Application deadlines

The application deadline for the following schemes is 30 November 2012:

• Graduate Fast Stream
• HR Fast Stream
• Technology in Business Fast Stream
• European Fast Stream
• Northern Ireland Fast Stream

More on the Civil Service Fast Stream

For more information about the Civil Service Fast Stream, and to apply, follow the first link below.

To contact a serving fast streamer, visit the Facebook hub by following the second link below.

• Civil Service Fast Stream Opens new window

• Facebook: Civil Service Fast Stream (UK) Opens new window

Summer Diversity Internship Programme – open for applications from 15 October

The Summer Diversity Internship Programme (SDIP) offers black and ethnic minority students, and those from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, the opportunity to work in government departments for six to nine weeks during the summer.

This is long enough to give a real insight into the work of a civil servant and a Fast Streamer.

Interns are paired up with serving Fast Streamers, who act as mentors during the placement.

The 2011 Programme was highly praised:

• 95.2 per cent of the interns would recommend the programme to other students
  
• 90 per cent of the interns said it met their expectations, wholly or in part

Apply for the Summer Diversity Internship Programme

Applications for the 2013 summer internships will be accepted from 15 October 2023 to 4 January 2013.

The application involves a series of numerical and verbal tests, and an application form.

You'll be asked to respond to three open-ended questions based on three of the Fast Stream competencies:

• drive for results
  
• building productive relationships
  
• learning and improving.
  

You will also have to explain your reasons for applying for the scheme.

To apply for the Summer Diversity Internship Programme, follow the link below.

• Summer Diversity Internship Programme - further information Opens new window

Training allowance

A training allowance is paid to interns on the Summer Diversity Internship Programme. The rate is:

• £350 per week for internships based in London
  
• £300 per week for internships outside London
  

Expenses will also be paid for students attending the opening and closing receptions.

Further development and coaching

Interns who are already on the Programme and who are interested in subsequently applying for the Fast Stream may also apply for a specially tailored coaching and development package.

To qualify for this, you must be in your last or second-to-last year at university.

Successful candidates get one-to-one and tailored coaching on interview technique, presentation, test taking and writing skills.

More on Cross & Stitch

• Public sector careers (employment section)

• The Civil Service (government, citizens and rights section)

• Graduate careers and postgraduate study (education and learning section)

• Planning a career (employment section)

• Help and advice when applying for a job (employment section)