Scheme duration
3 years
Location
The specific towns and cities depend on the department you are posted to and its office locations. The Fast Stream evolves continually, so postings can vary from year to year.
As an indication, in 2025 new fast streamers were posted to government offices in the following regions: South East (inc London), North West, West Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber.
We endeavour to meet your posting preferences wherever possible; however, on occasion, individuals may need to move location subject to the demands of the departments we work with and/or business need.
Scheme overview
The Digital Fast Stream is delivered via Government Digital & Data. You will have a unique opportunity to learn and work in a fast paced and learner driven environment where the work you do will impact the lives of millions of people.
What you’ll experience
You will make government services more secure, user-friendly, relevant, and optimised for users’ evolving needs. You’ll also protect critical systems and safeguard citizens’ data. The Digital Fast Stream offers involvement in innovative e-government projects and opportunities to make a difference.
Projects our fast streamers have worked on include:
- GOV.UK One Login, a new system introduced across government services to provide a single, secure way for users to access them online
- developing a new payment system for prisons to allow secure money transfers to prisoners
- collaborating with technology innovation consultants in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on emerging technologies and proof of concepts
- developing and implementing a Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) allowance and assessment process for Welsh Government staff, including union consultation with the FDA and other trade unions
Each project will be unique, as departmental needs vary. You’ll receive extensive support during your placement, with opportunities to lead projects and provide valuable input. From day one, you’ll engage with senior stakeholders inside and outside of government, enhancing your core skills in Government Digital and Data.
Upon successful completion of the scheme, you’ll earn between £45k to £55k in your first role post-Fast Stream. The scheme equips you with the skills and experience to be a professional leader within the government.
Entry requirements
- eligible to work in the UK
- you need, or expect to receive, a 2:2, a degree apprenticeship or postgraduate degree in any subject
- existing civil servants can apply without a degree
The benefits you’ll enjoy
You’ll have a unique opportunity to start your career in Government Digital and Data. This will help improve the delivery of public services, often politically sensitive, which really matter. As well as great roles, working with experts and having access to specialist learning and development resources, you will 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 arrangements, season ticket loans, sports and social activities, child care assistance and more.
Demystifying the Digital Scheme
Supporting your learning
When you join the Digital Fast Stream scheme, you will undertake a dynamic introduction into Government Digital and Data regardless of your first 12 month posting.
As a Digital Fast Streamer you will also get a blend of learning and development activities covering technical training and core skills, leadership, communication and teamwork.
The role you are assigned to will determine the learning pathway you undertake beyond the induction phase. Each role has its own learning path, for example as a Business Analyst you are recommended to undertake a ‘Continuous Improvement’ course.
We will support your development 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.
Annabel talks about her experience on the Digital scheme, and gives advice about applying to the Fast Stream.
“In Fast Stream you get the freedom and encouragement for learning and development. At the end of your three years, you not only have a lot of experience, you also have a very great professional network which you can rely upon for your future career development.”
Jess Surprenant
Digital Fast Streamer, Cyber Security Analyst, GDS
“I wake up every day excited about work. It’s nice to be doing a role that is useful and matters is very fulfilling.”
Ella Jeffery
Digital Fast Streamer, Product Manager, Dfe
Digital fast streamer, Tayyib
About the scheme
Digital fast streamers operate across the whole UK Civil Service. You’ll have the chance to expand your leadership and management skills, while developing experience through a number of postings.
During these postings, you will work in various government areas, covering both technical and non-technical roles, depending on your chosen pathway. If you selected a technical pathway, you may have opportunities to transition into non-technical roles. However, if you choose a non-technical pathway, you will remain in that specialisation throughout your Fast Stream journey.
Within the Digital Fast Stream we have the following non technical roles:
Product manager: Manage a product through its lifecycle, supporting senior managers and honing product management skills.
Delivery manager: Ensure team performance by removing obstacles and prioritising tasks for product and service delivery.
Business analyst: Analyse business problems or opportunities, researching to understand business operations, including people, processes, and technology.
User researcher: Conduct user research to inform the design of government services, ensuring they meet user needs and policy goals.
Within the Digital Fast Stream we have the following non technical roles from 2026:
Software Developer: Develop and implement innovative software solutions, contributing to the creation of efficient and user-friendly applications.
Data Scientist: Analyse complex data to extract actionable insights and build predictive models that drive strategic business decisions.
Scheme placement details
During your time in the programme, you will complete 12-month postings each year. The types of roles and experiences you encounter will vary depending on the scheme you are aligned to:
Non-technical roles strand (4 roles)
a) This involves a rotation across different departments and roles, providing a broad and diverse experience.
b) You’ll gain exposure to four key roles: delivery manager, product manager, business analyst and user researcher.
Technical roles strand (2 roles)
a) We are piloting the opportunity to pick out of the two technical roles:
– Software Developer
– Data Scientist
b) If successfully matched, you’ll specialise in your chosen technical role and have the opportunity to rotate across departments, though not roles.
c) This pathway is designed for those seeking a specialised career in a technical field.
By the end of your final 12 month placement, you will be equipped to lead in a range of high Government Digital and Data areas.