UNCLASSIFIED

What is the Fast Stream? The Fast Stream is a development programme for graduates with the potential to become the future leaders of the Civil Service. It is consistently ranked in the top ten "Times Top 100 Graduate Employers". The Fast Stream allows you to amass a wide range of experience in a very short time.

Which Stream? Graduate Fast Stream Analytical Fast Stream HR Fast Stream Technology in Business Fast Stream* European Fast Stream Northern Ireland Fast Stream* You may apply for certain combinations of schemes at the same time (check the website for variations)

Graduate Fast Stream (GFS) Graduate Fast Stream Options – Central Departments – Diplomatic Services – Houses of Parliament – Science and Engineering

What do graduate fast streamers do? Operational delivery is about putting the citizen at the heart of the service and providing high-quality and efficient public services. A typical role might be to manage the administration of a court, a job centre or the border control at a busy airport. Policy involves the formulation and evaluation of government strategy, initiatives and projects. It requires research, analysis and close collaboration with stakeholders. The classic example of this is work in a Bill team, which involves framing legislation, then helping to steer it through Parliament. Corporate services are central to our success and include specialist functions such as HR, finance, procurement, communications and IT within government departments. Such work often has a high profile: for example, in a financial role, coordinating budgets so that they are managed effectively in a tight fiscal environment, or in a procurement function maximising value for money through bulk purchasing. UNCLASSIFIED

Graduate Fast Stream Options Central Departments ― 4 year programme ― Years 1&2: 4 x 6 month postings ― Years 3&4 – 2 longer postings ― Experience at least 4 areas: operational delivery (providing front-line services direct to the public) policy development (such as work in a Bill team, or in a minister’s private office) corporate services (to help your department function efficiently as an organisation) people management commercial awareness financial management project and programme management

Graduate Fast Stream Options Diplomatic Service ― 2 years in FCO in Whitehall ― 3 or 4 year overseas posting ― You must be a resident British Citizen ― You must select this stream as your first preference ― Languages are not essential but can be an advantage Diplomatic Fast Stream for Economists (via Analytical Fast Stream)

Graduate Fast Stream Options Houses of Parliament ― wide range of work from facilitating debates, scrutinising legislation and briefing members to involvement in the management of the 2 Houses ― You must select this stream as your first preference

Graduate Fast Stream Options Science & Engineering ― open to people with degrees in science, engineering, mathematics or computing ― essential part in the government’s action on issues as diverse as climate change and nuclear non- proliferation. What these roles have in common is the need for systematic analysis and confidence when handling technical issues. This programme is not about operating as a bench scientist or a technical engineer: it is about applying your skills and knowledge to the development and operational application of policies.

Analytical Fast Stream Aimed specifically at people who want a career as one of the following: an Economist in the Government Economic Service (GES) an Economist in the Government Economic Service a Statistician in the Government Statistical Service (GSS) a Statistician in the Government Statistical Service a Social Researcher in the Government Social Research Service (GSR) a Social Researcher in the Government Social Research Service an Operational Researcher in the Government Operational Research Service (GORS) an Operational Researcher in the Government Operational Research Service

HR Fast Stream ― 3 year programme ― 2 x 18 month placements ― work towards CIPD status ― Key behaviours: – Inner confidence, strength and resilience – Self motivated to learn and develop – Can apply analytical thinking to build depth of understanding and bring fresh thinking to the business – Focus on achieving positive outcomes for the business – Building and maintaining good working relationships, particularly with those more senior stakeholders – Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively and create a positive impact

European Fast Stream Designed for people whose ultimate ambition is to work permanently for one of the EU institutions (such as the European Commission or European Parliament) Gives you experience and training that will boost your chances of passing the EU’s demanding recruitment competition, known as the concours Includes 5 month internship in the European Commission & intensive training in French or German Must already have French or German A Level VERY limited number of places available – also keep an eye on European Personnel Selection Office website

What are they looking for? No one profile of person but… Ability to take the lead on decision making, think on your feet, no sitting on the fence Make an impact, be confident and articulate Be innovative, fast streamers are future leaders Equal focus on big and small Good level of self awareness UNCLASSIFIED

Selection criteria 2:2 degree in any discipline Fast Stream Core Competencies Extra curricular activities/ previous experience, demonstrating core compentencies Nationality (UK/EEA/Commonwealth)

Summer Diversity Internship Programme aimed at people from an ethnic minority or under- represented socio-economic backgrounds 6 – 9 week full time placement Placed within one department Paid training allowance Not a fast track to permanent employment ure=plcp UNCLASSIFIED

Application Process Online registration Online tests Options selection & online application form Supervised E-tray exercise Analytical specialist assessment (if applicable) 1 day Assessment Centre Final Selection Board (if applying for Diplomatic Service, Houses of Parliament or TiB Fast Stream) UNCLASSIFIED

For entry in September 2013… Application process closes 30 th November 2012

What’s changed for 2013 entry? Centralised learning and development – consistent training 2 years breadth of learning 2 years depth of learning (NB Diplomatic service and Houses of Parliament Fast Streams remain unchanged)

Further information and on-line application forms