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. For example, Fast Streamers opting into the China Pathway will gain sustained exposure to China-focused work. 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
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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
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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 is committed to recruiting a talented and diverse workforce that truly reflects the society we serve. As a dynamic and inclusive organisation, we work at the heart of global affairs, tackling complex international challenges and shaping the UK’s role on the world stage. The Fast Stream offers a demanding and rewarding entry point into this work. The programme will stretch your skills, expose you to fast-paced and high-impact roles, and give you the opportunity to make a real contribution from the outset.
From 2026, the FCDO will introduce a China Pathway as part of the DD Fast Stream which reflects the need to develop future leaders with a strong understanding of China’s political system, economy, language, culture, and global influence. The China Pathway complements the broad, generalist leadership development that sits at the heart of the DD Fast Stream. DD Fast Streamers will be able to apply for and join the China Pathway in their first two years. Fast Streamers will continue to develop core diplomatic and policy skills, while gaining more sustained experience in China-facing roles and, where appropriate, language capability. This approach allows the FCDO to strengthen its long-term capability in a critical policy area, while maintaining the flexibility, breadth and resilience expected of future FCDO leaders.
Please note: The Final Selection Board for the DD Fast Stream will be conducted in person in London on selected dates. Candidates must be in the UK and available to attend their allocated assessment in person during January and February 2027. While assessments are expected to conclude within this period, a small number may extend into early March. Flexibility to attend in person is therefore essential.
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. Full mobility is a mandatory requirement of the scheme. You must be willing and able to work wherever the FCDO requires, both within the UK and overseas.
Your first 12-month placement will be UK-based and may be located at either of the FCDO’s UK headquarters — London or East Kilbride. Fast Streamers must be prepared to work at either UK headquarters location, based on business need. While personal circumstances will be considered where possible, we cannot guarantee placement at a particular UK location, and flexibility is essential.
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 be UK-based, and you will again be assigned to one of the FCDO’s UK headquarters — London or East Kilbride. Fast Streamers must be prepared to work at either UK headquarters location, according to business need.
This placement is designed to deepen your experience and broaden your understanding of the FCDO’s work by moving into a different part of our remit. You will take on a role that stretches your skills, exposes you to new policy and operational challenges, and builds your capability as a future FCDO leader.
Second-year Fast Streamers have previously worked in high-profile and demanding areas, including Ministerial Private Office and Consular directorates, where they have supported senior decision-makers, managed complex issues, and operated at pace in sensitive environments. Those on the China Pathway may work in teams covering China or related priorities.
Fast Streamers will typically undertake an overseas placement, although some may remain UK-based. Overseas postings carry significant responsibility and are not guaranteed for all Fast Streamers, as deployment depends on a clear assessment of readiness.
If deployed overseas, the FCDO operates a global network of over 280 offices, offering roles across all regions. Global mobility is a core requirement. You must be willing and able to serve wherever the FCDO has a presence and accept any suitable overseas posting. While personal circumstances are considered, we cannot guarantee a specific location.
You may be required to complete full-time language training before an overseas role. In some cases, postings may extend beyond the five-year programme, which could delay short-term progression. However, overseas experience will significantly strengthen your long-term career and deployability.