Civil Service fast streamer : Entry requirements

There are six fast stream options to choose from:

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

The Graduate Fast Stream option is open to people with a degree in any discipline and is sub-divided into four further options: Central Departments; Diplomatic Service; Houses of Parliament; Science and Engineering.

The Analytical Fast Stream option is open to graduates with a relevant degree who wish to pursue a career as an economist, social researcher or statistician.

The HR Fast Stream option is for people wanting to build a career in all areas of the HR profession.

The Technology in Business Fast Stream option is for those who have a strong interest in technology, particularly IT systems, and who want to be involved in managing the government’s use of technology and how this impacts on every area of society.

European Fast Stream is suitable for people seeking a career in the EU institutions and the Northern Ireland for those seeking a Civil Service career in that country.

The majority of fast streamers are recruited from any degree discipline (the exceptions being those entering the streams for statisticians, economists, and science and engineering). A 2:2 honours degree is the minimum entry requirement (2:1 for economists and the technology in business stream). The recruitment process is extremely thorough and places greater emphasis on future potential than past achievement. Additionally, if you have a disability that has prevented you from obtaining a degree, and you can provide alternative evidence of your suitability, the degree requirement may be waived.

Further details about the schemes, eligibility criteria and how to apply are available from the Civil Service Fast Stream  website.

Entry is not possible with an HND or foundation degree only. Although not essential for any of the other schemes, postgraduate qualifications are welcomed and are recognised in starting salaries.

Pre-entry experience is not required, although sandwich course placements, vacation visits and work experience are all offered by many government departments. See the Civil Service Jobs Online  for details. The Civil Service Summer Diversity Internships  programme aims to improve diversity within graduate recruitment. It also provides a valuable insight into the wide ranging opportunities across the Civil Service.

Candidates to the Fast Stream need to show evidence of the following:

• a lively, informed but impartial interest in political and economic issues;
• decision-making, planning and organisational skills;
• initiative, flexibility and the ability to deal with the unexpected;
• ability to rapidly build relationships and work in an extended team;
• ability to translate complex and technical information, persuade and communicate;
• commitment to personal and professional development.

A small number of posts are available only to UK nationals, but most are open to Commonwealth Citizens or European Economic Area (EEA) Nationals with unrestricted right to reside in the UK. The Diplomatic Service has certain residency requirements for applicants (see Civil Service Fast Stream  for full details).

Competition is very keen, with thousands of applications for just over 550 vacancies. In 2008, there were approximately 14,500 applicants across the general and specialist Fast Stream programmes.

Applications must be made online, with varying deadlines depending on which stream you are applying for. Candidates are assessed on their drive for results, and their abilities to learn and improve, make decisions, think constructively, build productive relationships and communicate with impact. The application process involves:

• a non-assessed stage of competency evaluations for potential applicants to assess their own suitability for the scheme;
• online tests (verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, competency questionnaire);
• an e-application form;
• a supervised e-tray exercise at a regional centre;
• a one-day assessment at a centre in London;
• there is a specialist assessment for applicants applying to the analytical fast stream option but these applicants do not need to complete some of the earlier recruitment stages;
• for some options there is also a final selection interview.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.