Civil Service Fast Streamers develop their leadership skills through varied government roles, preparing for senior careers across the Civil Service
The Civil Service Fast Stream is a leadership development programme offering structured graduate training, varied postings and the chance to work on projects that affect people across the UK.
As a Fast Streamer, you'll build leadership and management capability through a series of roles in government departments and agencies. Depending on your scheme and placement, you could work in policy, digital services, operational delivery, finance, project delivery or another specialist profession.
You'll take on responsibility from the start, learn from experienced colleagues and develop through practical work, formal training, feedback and mentoring. Most schemes also provide the opportunity to work towards a professional qualification.
Types of Civil Service Fast Stream schemes
There are 18 specialist schemes. Check the entry requirements and current availability for each scheme before applying. The schemes are:
- Commercial
- Cyber Security
- Digital
- Diplomatic and Development
- Diplomatic and Development Economics
- Finance
- Government Economics Service
- Government Operational Research Service
- Government Policy
- Government Social Research
- Government Statistical Service
- Human Resources
- Operational Delivery
- Project Delivery
- Property
- Risk Management
- Science and Engineering
- Yorkshire and the Humber
You can apply for up to three schemes. Fast Streamers cannot choose their department or specific role, although the programme aims to consider location preferences where possible.
What does a Civil Service Fast Streamer do?
You'll need to:
- adapt quickly to new roles, departments and areas of work
- analyse evidence and develop an in-depth understanding of complex issues
- communicate clear recommendations in writing and in meetings
- contribute to policy, services or operational delivery, depending on your scheme
- lead projects, manage resources and deliver results to deadlines
- represent your department and work with stakeholders to reach practical outcomes
- work within Civil Service standards, processes and priorities.
Civil Service Fast Streamer salary
- Fast Streamers start on a salary of £31,554.
- After completing the programme successfully, you may progress to roles paying £45,000 to £55,000.
Benefits include the Civil Service Pension Scheme, flexible working arrangements and access to learning and development. Other benefits vary by department.
Income data from Civil Service Careers. Figures are intended as a guide only.
How many hours does a Civil Service Fast Streamer work?
Fast Stream roles are full time, but flexible working arrangements are available. Your exact hours and working pattern will depend on your department, role and operational needs. Some placements may involve occasional longer hours, travel, overnight stays or attendance at another work location.
Hybrid working may be available, but the balance between office and remote work varies by department and placement. Part-time arrangements and career breaks may be possible, subject to business needs.
How to become a Civil Service Fast Streamer
Most Fast Stream schemes require, or expect you to achieve, at least a 2:2 degree in any subject. Some schemes have higher or subject-specific requirements, so check the details for each option before applying. Degree apprentices can apply to many schemes, and existing civil servants may be eligible without a degree.
You must meet the relevant nationality and right-to-work rules. Some roles also require a particular level of security clearance. Requirements vary by scheme and post.
You can choose up to three schemes in your initial application. The selection process normally includes:
- an initial application and scheme choices
- two online assessments covering work-based scenarios and case-study judgement
- additional information for certain schemes
- a virtual assessment centre with a written advice exercise, stakeholder communication exercise and personal development conversation
- a final selection board for schemes that require one.
Competition is strong. Before applying, research each scheme, practise explaining your decisions clearly and prepare examples showing how you analyse information, work with others and deliver results. You can request reasonable adjustments during the application process.
Key skills for a Civil Service Fast Streamer
You'll need:
- analytical skills to assess evidence, use data and solve complex problems
- clear written and verbal communication for briefings, reports and stakeholder discussions
- decision-making skills and the confidence to take responsibility
- integrity, objectivity and political impartiality
- project delivery skills to plan work, manage priorities and meet deadlines
- relationship-building skills to collaborate, influence and negotiate with different stakeholders.
Civil Service Fast Stream work experience
Pre-entry work experience is not usually required. However, experience that develops your understanding of public service, teamwork, responsibility or evidence-based decision making can strengthen your application. This could include volunteering, a part-time role, a student society position, an internship or a university project.
The eight-week Fast Stream Summer Internship Programme is for eligible students in their final two years at university who are from a lower socio-economic background. It provides a paid placement in a government department. After a positive appraisal, interns are invited to take the Fast Pass, an accelerated route that bypasses the initial online selection stages if they apply to the Fast Stream within 12 months.
Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.
Who employs Civil Service Fast Streamers?
Fast Streamers work across central government departments, executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies. Opportunities are available across Great Britain and, on some schemes, overseas. You may need to travel or move location during the programme, although posting preferences are considered where possible.
- central government departments
- executive agencies
- non-departmental public bodies.
You'll be assigned to placements according to programme and departmental needs, rather than applying to a particular department or role.
Look for job vacancies at:
What are the career prospects for Civil Service Fast Streamers?
Fast Stream schemes combine practical experience with formal learning. You'll usually complete a series of postings, receive regular feedback and follow a personal development plan. Support may include mentoring, coaching, peer networks and access to senior colleagues.
Your programme length and training will depend on the scheme. Many schemes include an accredited professional qualification alongside leadership and management development. You'll also build experience through on-the-job learning, workshops and work across different teams or departments.
After completing the programme successfully, you can apply for more senior roles in your profession or move into another area of the Civil Service. Progression depends on your performance, the requirements of your profession and available vacancies. The skills and networks you develop can support a long-term career across government.