Scheme duration
5 years
Location
London and East Kilbride (followed by an overseas placement).
Scheme overview
A dynamic and impactful career at the forefront of world events.
What you’ll experience
In a rapidly changing world, the Fast Stream is designed to equip you with the skills and experience for a successful, internationally focused career in leadership. You must be agile and flexible, ready to embrace full mobility within the UK and overseas during the scheme. Each Fast Streamer will embark on a unique career path, with every role requiring distinct skills and offering exposure to diverse opportunities. You’ll have the chance to shape and implement policy, engage with key stakeholders, and build a robust portfolio of skills in international development and diplomacy. The Fast Stream will prepare you for a challenging and rewarding career within our global organisation.
All DD Fast Streamers must obtain ‘Developed Vetting’ (DV) security clearance before starting. To qualify for DV clearance, you must have lived in the UK for at least 5 of the last 10 years, including a continuous 12-month period. Security clearance depends on assurance checks conducted in the UK, making a sufficient UK footprint essential.You can also apply for the Diplomatic and Development Economics scheme provided you meet the eligibility criteria.
Entry requirements
- British citizen (those with dual nationality may apply)
- resided in the UK for at least 5 of the previous 10 years, including a consecutive 12-month period
- you need to hold (or expect to achieve) a 2:2 degree, degree apprenticeship or higher in any subject
- existing civil servants can apply without a degree
The benefits you’ll enjoy
Seize the unique opportunity to work on critical issues at the heart of global events. This scheme lays the perfect foundation for promotion and long-term career growth.
Joining as a permanent employee of the FCDO, benefits include the Civil Service Pension Scheme, recognised language qualifications, season ticket loans, sports and social activities, childcare assistance, diversity support/networks/forums and more.
Demystifying the Diplomatic and Development scheme
Supporting your learning
Benefit from a tailored Fast Stream training programme focused on leadership skills and enhancing your knowledge of diplomatic tradecraft and international development. This programme includes core civil service Fast Stream learning combined with FCDO-specific training to develop your international capabilities. Designed to provide you with essential knowledge and skills, this programme ensures your FCDO career starts on the right foot.
You will have access to mentoring, work shadowing opportunities, and comprehensive on-the-job training. Our focus throughout the Fast Stream is to equip you with the skills needed to make a valuable contribution to the FCDO’s globally significant work, impacting the lives of millions.
Jack talks about his experience on the Diplomatic and Development scheme, and why he chose to apply.
“It is a privilege to look at the news and know that you are working first hand on a policy area.”
Diplomatic and Development fast streamer
Diplomatic and Development fast streamer, Ali
About the scheme
Join the Diplomatic and Development (DD) Fast Stream at a pivotal moment in world affairs.
The DD Fast Stream, aimed at nurturing the next generation of leaders in diplomacy and development, operates within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Our mission is to lead the Government’s diplomatic, development, and consular efforts worldwide. We champion the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, uphold our values, combat poverty, and address global challenges alongside our international partners. The FCDO operates within the UK and a global network of 281 offices worldwide.
The FCDO is committed to recruiting a talented and diverse workforce that truly reflects the society we serve. As a dynamic and inclusive organisation, we offer a wealth of opportunities for individuals eager to make a meaningful impact on global events.
Our Fast Stream programme is designed to nurture your skills and provide the experience necessary to thrive in a fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding environment. Join us and be part of a team that values diversity, fosters innovation, and is dedicated to making a difference on the world stage.
Scheme placement details
The Diplomatic and Development Fast Stream is a five year scheme. We look for agile and flexible individuals with a willingness to be fully mobile within the UK and overseas whilst on the scheme.
Embark on a transformative five-year journey with the DD Fast Stream. We are looking for agile and flexible individuals ready to embrace full mobility within the UK and overseas during the scheme. Your first 12-month placement will be based in the UK, offering you a solid foundation to start your journey. You could be deployed to one of our headquarters in London or East Kilbride, immersing you in the heart of our operations.
Your journey with the FCDO will typically begin in a policy role. Strong policy skills are the foundation of all our work at the FCDO. You might serve as a desk officer for a specific country or take the lead on critical thematic issues like human rights or counter-terrorism.
Your second 12-month placement will also see you based in the UK, and you will once again be assigned to one of our headquarters in London or East Kilbride. In this new role, you will explore a different area of the FCDO’s remit, allowing you to broaden your knowledge and skill set. Fast Streamers have previously worked in roles such as a Ministerial Private Office or the Consular department during their second placement on the programme.
Fast Streamers will typically embark on an overseas placement as part of their development journey. The FCDO boasts a global network of 281 offices worldwide, offering a diverse array of roles across all regions of the world. You must be ready to accept any suitable overseas placement to which you are appointed. While the FCDO considers personal circumstances when assigning overseas roles, we cannot guarantee placement at your preferred post.
You may also need to undertake full time language training before starting an overseas placement. In some cases, your overseas placement may extend beyond the 5-year Fast Stream programme, potentially delaying your short-term progression. However, gaining experience within the FCDO’s overseas network will significantly enhance your long-term deployability.