Grow like nowhere else.

Unlock your leadership and management potential with the Fast Stream programme. You’ll be empowered to shape your way in postings across government departments where you’ll tackle real issues that matter to people across the UK.

The Civil Service supports the government to implement its policies effectively. From benefits and pensions to employment services, prisons to driving licences, our work impacts every aspect of UK life.

Our award-winning Fast Stream programme accelerates careers through unique development opportunities, where you will experience a variety of postings across government departments, providing a breadth and depth of experience, and where you will build connections and professional networks to support your success. 

Join us and shape your future in a Civil Service that’s evolving for a fast-changing world and addressing the biggest challenges impacting the UK.

If you are successful, your start date will depend on the specific Fast Stream scheme you’ve applied to. All schemes begin in September or October the year after you apply, on either 1 September or 29 September 2025. 

All you need is an open mind and the determination to succeed, and we’ll invest in you.

Reach your potential. Be a leader of tomorrow.

A place for you

There is no typical fast streamer; we look for individuals from all backgrounds to become our future leaders and managers, ensuring the Civil Service reflects the diverse communities it serves.

Whether you are embarking on your first job or seeking a new career direction, regardless of your background or age, there’s a place for you here.

Your Fast Stream journey will be guided by a personal development plan tailored to your learning needs and strengths. You’ll develop the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to become a confident, inspiring, and empowering future leader and manager.

Something for everyone.

With 17 specialist development schemes available and opportunities nationwide, you’ll find the perfect fit for you – regardless of your degree subject.

Whether you’re a final-year undergraduate, a current graduate, or a degree apprentice, you’ll find that you qualify for many of our schemes. Most accept graduates with a 2:2.

Each scheme offers real responsibility across various rewarding roles in government departments, providing structured learning, on-the-job coaching and mentoring, and a clear career path in a government profession. Many also offer the chance to study for a professional qualification. As we continue to adapt to a rapidly changing world, we’ve introduced two new schemes this year – Risk Management and Cyber Security – ensuring there’s something for everyone, no matter your interests.

What you can expect from the Fast Stream

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• Great benefits
• Life on the Fast Stream
• Award-winning Programme
• Learning and Development

Competitive Starting Salary

Fast streamers receive a starting salary of £31,186.

Upon completion, fast streamers have an earning potential of £45-55,000.

Something for everyone

With 17 different specialist development schemes to choose from, and opportunities nationwide, you’ll find a scheme that’s right for you.

Civil Service Pension

The Civil Service Pension Scheme is one of the best workplace pension schemes in the UK public sector.

Learning and Development

The universal training offer, completed alongside scheme-specific development, provides foundation, leadership and management skills to all fast streamers.

A permanent contract

With a permanent contract, you’ll have job security, personal development and career progression opportunities to build long term professional relationships.

Work Experience across Great Britain

Fast streamers have opportunities to work in different places across England, Scotland, Wales and even overseas in some schemes.

Life on the Fast Stream will promote the core values held by every Civil Service member, which include integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality. Regardless of the role you are assigned to on the Fast Stream, you will benefit from being surrounded by like minded individuals who share the same core values and strive each day to deliver against them.

The programme fast-tracks your career to senior roles. As a fast streamer, you’ll be challenged from day one, applying your skills and learning in diverse contexts.

What to expect on the Civil Service Fast Stream

In becoming a fast sStreamer you’ll join an award-winning programme that shares the Civil Service values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality. We’ve recently won:

• The Times Top 100 Number 2 Graduate Employer 2024
• The Times Graduate Recruitment Awards 2024 – Graduate Employer of Choice – Public Sector
• The Times Graduate Recruitment Awards 2024 – Graduate Employer of Choice – HR
• Association for Business Psychology Awards 2023 – Best business psychology team – Highly Commended 

Your learning starts in week one, with a residential ‘Base Camp’ event alongside your fellow new fast streamers. This will take place on 1 – 5 September 2025 or 29 September – 3 October 2025 depending on which scheme you have chosen. 

Over the course of the programme, you will take part in further residentials, small group sessions, online learning, and be part of an Action Learning Set. You will have your own Personal Development Plan and Portfolio to track your progress and reflect on how you are applying your knowledge and skills to your roles.