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Cyber Security
scheme

Scheme duration

3 years

Location

UK wide

Scheme overview

On the Cyber Security Fast Stream, you will have a unique opportunity to protect government systems, data and its staff to help make the UK the safest place to be online

About the Scheme

Cyber security is the practice of protecting systems (hardware, software and their associated infrastructure) networks, programmes, the data on them, and the services they provide, from unauthorised access, digital attacks, harm or misuse. 

On the Cyber Security Fast Stream programme, you will have the opportunity to work in various areas across the UK Civil Service. You will have the chance to develop your leadership and management capabilities while developing your skills and experience through a number of postings. During your postings, Cyber Security fast streamers have the opportunity to work in collaboration with wider business departmental colleagues. You may be: 

  • advising senior management on cyber strategies and policies
  • providing critical advice and guidance to ensure secure systems are being delivered effectively
  • investigating indicators of potentially malicious activity, escalating incidents or initiating responses
  • performing detailed reviews of digital services in order to provide security assurance and prevent and mitigate against potential cyber risks
  • setting direction and leading teams responsible for the detection and response to cyber incidents and the technology and processes required to keep pace with evolving cyber threats.

Entry requirements

  • you need to be 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

Benefits you’ll enjoy

You’ll have a unique opportunity to start your career in Government Cyber Security improving delivery and security of public services, often politically sensitive, which really matter. 

As well as great roles, working with experts and access to specialist Learning & Development (L&D), you will also have the best opportunity to gain the skills and experience that will make you a credible leader within the UK Civil Service.

Other benefits include the Civil Service Pension Scheme, professional qualifications, flexible working, season ticket loans, sports and social activities, childcare assistance and more.

Demystifying the Cyber Security scheme

What you’ll experience

Throughout the Cyber Security Fast Stream, alongside your on-the-job learning, you will undertake formal learning and attain industry recognised qualifications to support your progression.

As you progress through the Civil Service, the experience gained from the Cyber Security Fast Stream and the qualifications contained within the curriculum will help to make you a more well rounded leader within your chosen field. 

You will have the opportunity to engage with senior stakeholders both inside and outside of government and each posting you undertake will allow you to build on your core skills in cyber. 

Promotion and successful completion of the scheme will see you earn between £45k and £55k in your first role after the Cyber Security Fast Stream. 

During the 3 year scheme, some Cyber Security fast streamers will have the opportunity to undergo a higher level of security clearance, referred to as ‘Developed Vetting’ (DV). Please see a demystifying blog post from a current DV cleared civil servant and our Vetting Charter to learn more about what to expect.

Supporting your learning

When you join the Cyber Security Fast Stream programme, you will undertake a dynamic introduction into cyber security, regardless of your first 12 month posting.

As a Cyber Security fast streamer you will also get a blend of learning and development activities covering technical training and core skills, leadership, communication and teamwork.

Your development will be supported through e-learning and face-to-face/virtual classrooms.

You will also have access to mentoring and work shadowing opportunities, and you will work with Activity Managers who will support your development.

James Carmichael-Evans discusses his diverse career background and working in cyber security as a fast streamer.

Read James’ case study

Hear from fast streamer, Emily

Scheme Placement Details

Show more

Year 1 learning is focused on providing you with a strong foundational knowledge of cyber security. This will be done both through formal learning (courses) and on-the-job learning.

Year 1 courses are about providing you with the basic understanding of key concepts, frameworks and terminology

In Year 2 you will begin to specialise and understand the roles more deeply. This will enable you to gain a breadth of skills to help you understand what it will mean to not only lead on your own work, but also lead a team.  Learning on the job will be much more substantial than that of your formal learning

You will be building your networks and using the expertise around you to understand the differences in systems, platforms, risks and processes between the departments in which you work on your placements.

Progress in this year will be to build on any gaps in your learning, and understand your common foundation, departmental norms and challenges. You will also prepare for your identified career start point; which will require you to undertake some further courses with certification which chart your achievement.

Your host department may choose to add further formal learning, but you will be concentrating on understanding where you would like to land at the end of the scheme to consolidate what you have learnt and put it into action.

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