Scheme duration
3.5 years
Location
UK wide
Scheme overview
On the Commercial Fast Stream, you’ll learn how to negotiate contracts ranging from hundreds of thousands right up to millions of pounds. You will help to keep UK citizens safe, build important public assets such as schools, railways, roads and hospitals – and support delivery of essential frontline public services.
What you’ll experience
Throughout the 3.5 year Commercial Fast Stream scheme, you’ll gain experience across 3 different government departments, developing key commercial skills and building essential networks. Scheme alumni have taken on roles in high-profile projects, optimising supplier relationships, and contributing to major procurement initiatives.
You will also study for a globally recognised Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) qualification, providing foundational commercial knowledge that you’ll apply in different departmental assignments. Successful completion of this programme and 3 years practical experience allows you to apply for full membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS).
The Commercial Profession is diverse, offering many opportunities for career advancement.
Your personal performance will drive your progression, both within and beyond the Fast Stream programme.
Entry requirements
- eligible to work in the UK
- you need, or expect to receive, a 2:2 or higher in any degree subject including degree apprenticeships
- existing civil servants can apply without a degree
The benefits you’ll enjoy
Benefits include the Civil Service Pension Scheme, flexible working arrangements, season ticket loans, sports and social activities, childcare assistance and more.
Demystifying the Commercial scheme
Supporting your learning
You will undertake a fully funded Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Corporate Award Practitioner and Advanced Practitioner programme. Successful completion of this programme results in full membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS), after 3 years’ experience in a responsible procurement role.
- You’ll gain experience on how to address public sector specific learning needs, to drive more sustainable, transparent and ethical commercial practices.
- You will have access to the Government Commercial Function, cross-government events and conferences, as well as the opportunity to engage in other networking activities to support your wider learning.
- You will build a breadth and depth of knowledge and experience, preparing you for leadership success in the Commercial Profession
- You will gain experience in a wide-range of Commercial technical skills, such as procurement, strategy and policy development, contract and supplier management and understanding needs and sourcing.
Rashida talks about her experience on the Commercial scheme, and why she chose to apply.
“The commercial scheme gave me the chance to write, negotiate and agree contracts that would have a long lasting impact on the provision of public services.”
Rashida Denbow
Commerical fast streamer
Commercial fast streamer, Zahra
About the scheme
Every year we invest in excess of £300 billion to provide public services to the UK. The central Government alone invests over £49 billion each year on goods and services. Therefore, effective management of commercial activities is incredibly important. As a Commercial Fast Streamer, you’ll play a vital role ensuring the Civil Service achieves value for money for the public.
You’ll be joining us at an exciting time as our teams work to transform public procurement to maximise innovation and deliver wider economic benefits for the UK.
Commercial capability is increasingly recognised as the top skill sought by employers across all sectors. Building commercial expertise and skills is one of the top 3 priorities for the Civil Service. You will learn how to negotiate substantial contracts and ensure the government is in tune with its markets. You may also be responsible for managing relationships between the Civil Service and some of the biggest companies in the world.
The commercial activity carried out by the Civil Service attracts a huge amount of press and political attention. Applying sound judgement in commercial matters is vital in protecting the government’s reputation.
Scheme placement details
In your first year you’ll take on a commercial role within a government department for 12 months, such as the Ministry of Defence, the Cabinet Office, Crown Commercial Service, etc.
In your second year you will complete a further placement in a different Department with different and more challenging work projects. A small selection of Commercial Fast Streamers will also get the opportunity to take up a 6-month Secondment outside of Central Government during this 12 month period.
You will be posted in a third government department for up to 18 months, which will aim to stretch your leadership skills further and encourage you to take on more challenging tasks. The final 6 months will focus on completing various end of scheme assessments.