The Civil Service Fast Stream — Everything You Need to Know [2024/25]

 The Civil Service Fast Stream is an elite development program in the United Kingdom, designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in various departments of the UK Civil Service.

This prestigious program offers graduates a unique opportunity to engage in a range of challenging roles across government departments, with an accelerated leadership development programme that provides a fast-tracked pathway to leadership, from government social research to Science and engineering schemes.

Fast Streamers experience a variety of placements, gaining invaluable insights and skills necessary for effecting positive change in government and public service.

The program is renowned for its rigorous selection process, emphasizing diverse competencies, and is an ideal launchpad for ambitious individuals keen to contribute significantly to public sector management and policy-making.

The Fast Stream application process involves multiple stages. During these stages, applicants will encounter assessments that present information in various formats like videos, audio clips, graphics, and text. This dynamic approach provides valuable insights into what it's like to be a Fast Streamer.

To apply to the Civil Service Fast Stream, you'll start by filling out essential background information, including diversity questions that are used solely for monitoring purposes. You'll also have the opportunity to select up to four Fast Stream schemes that match your interests. Be sure to use a personal email address for your application rather than a work or university email. 

Following that stage, you will face several stages of assessments:

1. Online Tests: This stage includes a Work Style Questionnaire, a Situational Judgement Questionnaire with multimedia elements, and for some schemes — a Numerical Test. These are all multiple-choice assessments, and you will have a 5-day window to complete them. Importantly, these tests are not timed.

2. Work-Based Scenarios: This part of the assessment comprises an Online Case Study and a Learning Assessment, both of which use multimedia formats and are also multiple-choice. Like the online tests, candidates have 5 days to complete these scenarios, and they are not timed.

3. Additional Information: Depending on the schemes you're interested in, you might need to provide extra information or go through an additional selection process. You will have 7 days to complete any sections requiring additional information.

4. Fast Stream Assessment Centre: If you successfully pass the previous stages, you'll be invited to a virtual half-day assessment centre. The Fast Stream Assessment Centre (FSAC) includes exercises like a leadership scenario, a team scenario, and a written scenario, all accessible through a remote app.

5. Final Selection Board: For most schemes, a Final Selection Board is required, except for certain streams such as Government Policy, Human Resources, Digital, Data, Technology, and Cyber. If you meet the necessary standards at FSAC, you'll be invited to this final assessment stage. 

Click here for our dedicated page on the Fast Stream Online Tests. This page has lots of info, free sample questions, and a full preparation pack to help you pass the online tests.

After you have completed the previous Civil Service online psychometric tests, you are asked to take an e-tray exercise and a video interview. In the e-tray exercise, you are given a list of e-mails, tasks, and data to organise and prioritise in the manner you would in the role for which you have applied.

There are three different stages in the Civil Service e-tray exercise: understanding and comprehending e-mails; responding in the correct manner, and writing a response to a particular e-mail.

In the response to the e-mail, you need to create a well-written report complete with an introduction, a main section outlining your ideas, and a conclusion summing up what you have written along with a proposal or recommendation as to the best course of action. You will have 80 minutes to complete this exercise.

The interview includes questions about your experience, what you enjoy, and what motivates you. The interview focuses on the following Civil Service competencies:

• Collaborating and partnering
• Managing a quality service
• Delivering at pace

⦿ The interview lasts for about 20 minutes and consists of 20 questions. 

⦿ Your responses are recorded on a video platform. You can use a PC, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone.

⦿ There are short introductory guidance videos on the platform.

⦿ A practice question is included and you can record your response to this question as often as you wish.

⦿ You can only record your responses to the actual questions once, and you should not expect follow-up questions.

Before you start the video interview, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I have a full hour set aside that is free from distractions?
• Is my environment quite enough for me to focus?
• Have I dressed appropriately?
• Is the room in which I am sitting adequately lit?

Make sure you are able to answer 'yes' to all of them and then get started.

The Civil Service Fast Stream Assessment centre includes three stages:

• A group exercise
• A leadership exercise
• A written analysis exercise

We have made a dedicated page to fully prepare you for the Assessment Centre, which you can find here.

The Civil Service Fast Stream Online Tests are critical in the application process for aspiring UK government leaders. This challenging test is designed to assess highly valued competencies for leadership fast track.

One of the main hurdles candidates face is the multifaceted nature of the test, which evaluates your knowledge and how you apply it in different scenarios, often under time constraints. This makes thorough preparation essential to enhance your performance and confidence.

To support your success in the Civil Service Fast Stream Online Test, we have meticulously developed a comprehensive Prep Course tailored to the unique requirements of this test. 

Applications for the 2024/25 intake opened on October 10, 2024, and closed on November 7, 2024, showcasing the program's selectivity and prestige. Most schemes will start in September or October 2025.

• The program includes two new streams this year: Government Policy and Operational Delivery, broadening its reach and presenting a myriad of career possibilities. There are around 15 schemes overall. 
• A standout aspect of the 2024 Fast Stream is its concentrated effort on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) expertise, aiming for a minimum of 50% of new hires to be STEM graduates. This aligns with the government's goal to enhance policymaking and service efficacy through data and scientific knowledge.
• The application process is designed to become much easier this year, eliminating the need for a CV or cover letter, and encompasses online assessments followed by participation in an assessment center.
• The Fast Stream offers not just competitive starting salaries, beginning at £31,186, but also a robust framework for learning and development. This includes structured training, mentoring, and opportunities for professional qualifications, all focused on developing essential leadership skills for the Civil Service.

Fast Stream offers 17 schemes, each for a different profession, and the opportunity to contribute to the whole of society. They are all open to final year undergraduates, existing graduates, or degree apprentices. 

When you apply to the Fast Stream you will be able to select up to 4 schemes in preference order and they will be considered throughout the hiring process. 

Visit the official Fast Stream website to take a deeper look into each of the schemes:

The Fast Stream Summer Internship Programme (SIP) offers undergraduates the chance to experience a career in the Civil Service through a work placement in a government department. This programme provides valuable insight into the diverse opportunities within the Civil Service, serving as an excellent stepping stone for those interested in the Fast Stream graduate schemes, which open doors to various career paths in the UK Government. Over the course of two months, the SIP can be a transformative experience, and successful participants will be invited to undertake the ‘Fast Pass’—an accelerated route to Fast Stream selection. If you receive a positive appraisal during the 2025 programme and apply for the Fast Stream that year, you’ll be fast-tracked through the initial online selection stages, with the option to defer your Fast Pass to the following year.

Read more about it here.

The CS Fast Stream Programme is committed to enhancing diversity and inclusion within the Civil Service, reflecting the diverse communities it serves. While there are still gaps in representation, one of the programme’s main goals is to increase the inclusion of individuals from the LGBTQ+ community, candidates with disabilities, various ethnic groups, and UK citizens from low socio-economic backgrounds.

• The Civil Service Fast Stream Tests and Assessment Centre
• Additional Numerical Practice Tests
• Additional SJT Practice Tests
• Additional Personality Practice Tests