Fast Stream offers route to civil service careers for future leaders

2 Sep 2014 11:13 AM

Applications are open to join the Civil Service Fast Stream in 2015.

The Fast Stream programme offers talented graduates a quicker route to leadership and the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives.

Learn more about the different Fast Stream schemes and apply atwww.gov.uk/faststream. Apply by 30 September for the Analytical and Commercial and Finance schemes, and by 3 November for all other schemes.

The Fast Stream programme helps the civil service to attract and develop talented people. It is the largest public sector graduate recruitment programme and employs over 800 people each year.

Through 16 separate specialisms it enables graduates to start a wide range of careers in government. Commercial and Finance, and Government Communications Service options will start in 2015.

The Fast Stream gives successful applicants an opportunity to be involved in solving the big issues that face the country. These include improving people’s employment prospects, widening access to public services and defending the country against natural disasters.

More Fast Stream participants are taking roles involving direct contact with the public. They gain insight into policy-making through first-hand experience of what the public thinks about a policy and how it affects their lives.

Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude said:

To build a world-class civil service fit for the 21st century, we need to recruit, retain and promote the very best and help them reach their potential quickly. The Civil Service Fast Stream plays a key role in helping us achieve this. It has long been one of the most respected graduate employment schemes and we are constantly improving it to reflect changing priorities.

Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood said:

The civil service needs leaders at all levels. Whoever you are and whatever your background, the Fast Stream will give you the skills you need to become a senior leader. If you think you have the talent and commitment to succeed, this is an unmissable opportunity to be involved at the heart of government in tackling the big issues facing our country and society.

Siju Salami is a Digital and Technology fast-streamer in the office of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at the Department for Work and Pensions. He said:

The CTO team plays a central part in designing IT solutions that meet the user needs of both the public and the people that serve them.

The Fast Stream scheme isn’t just for coders, it offers a wide variety of roles in the technology world. Each role I’ve been given has let me tap into my existing skill-set but also develop new competencies. What unites the roles and fast-streamers is a real interest in how we can use technology to improve public services. Not only does this scheme help develop your skills, it gives you an opportunity to help shape government services for many years to come.