What is the Fast Stream?

Quite simply, it is the Civil Service's accelerated development programme. Of course, many people join the Civil Service every year without going through the Fast Stream.
Those who join the Fast Stream, however, are guaranteed a series of intensive job placements designed to prepare them for senior managerial positions. Fast Streamers move regularly between projects and sections within their departments; they take up postings in other departments and agencies, they are seconded to Europe, international partners such as the USA and the world of business. There are also opportunities to enhance Fast Stream careers by competing for opportunities to study for a professional finance qualification. The Civil Service Fast Stream Graduate Programme is a strong and respected brand in the graduate marketplace and is ranked in amongst the top ten in the Times Top 100.

The Fast Stream is made up of four schemes:

· Graduate Fast Stream

· Economists Fast Stream

· Statisticians Fast Stream

· Technology in Business Fast Stream

Graduate Employers

The Graduate Fast Stream is the largest of the four schemes and is sub-divided into the following options:

Central Departments - This option covers all major government departments except the Diplomatic Service. Here, you'll have the opportunity to make your mark in areas as diverse as health, the Arts, transport, overseas aid, the environment, defence or education.

Diplomatic Service - A career with the Diplomatic Service offers you a lead role in protecting and promoting British interests abroad and advising and supporting ministers in formulating foreign policy.

The Houses of Parliament Fast Streams are entry points respectively to the House of Commons Service and the House of Lords administration, Rather than being a Civil Servant, you will work for one of the Houses. You will find your work is diverse and often high-profile or controversial.
Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills - DIUS play a vital role in promoting world-class science and innovation, supporting successful British business, ensuring fair and flexible markets and delivering secure and sustainable energy. We offer scientists and engineers a wide range of opportunities in business and policy areas.

Scientists and Engineers, Ministry of Defence - The MOD offers science and engineering graduates the opportunity to play a key role strengthening international peace and security and defending UK interests.

What makes a Fast Streamer?

Fast Streamers come from a wide range of backgrounds, but there are certain attributes every Fast Streamer must have.

Results oriented: The very nature of the Fast Stream means you’re likely to be juggling a number of tasks at any given time. It’s crucial that you’re able to plan, review and prioritise in order to meet deadlines. Working with senior level Civil Servants, you’ll be expected to be well informed, proactive and able to take the lead. This is no place for timid people who fold under pressure.

Flexible thinking: Fast Streamers think imaginatively and creatively - whether tackling the finer details of the Treaty of Rome or masterminding your department's move to another building. Big picture thinking, while focusing on the small details is all-important. You’ll also be expected to challenge accepted ideas and ways of doing things while still being open to new ideas.

Decisiveness: Fast Streamers are chosen for their leadership potential, which means that early on, others will come to you for advice, guidance and decisions. You might be running a project or managing a team. There comes a point where discussion must end and a decision needs to be made. Often, the person making the decisions will be you.
Relationship building: You’re not on your own. You’re part of a force for improving Britain’s quality of life. That means you can count on incredible support from some of the most able professionals in the country. Conversely, you’re expected to support, advise and guide those around you. Fast Streamers may have the ability to work alone but they also have the unselfish, sharing attitude of a team player.

Making an impact: Fast Streamers have the ability to turn complex and often technical information into plain English. Unfazed by presenting to large groups, you’ll need to be persuasive, articulate and confident, getting your point across at high-level meetings. Just as important will be the art of defending your opinions to a wide range of people – ranging from the general public to ministers - and securing their commitment.

Personal and professional development: You’ll be working with some of the most able minds in the country. The sheer diversity of the projects and issues that you’ll be exposed to makes this one of the most sophisticated learning environments around. You’ll make the most of every opportunity - acknowledging your own development needs and then setting about creating opportunities for learning.

For more details on the fast stream visit www.faststream.gov.uk