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Human Resources
scheme

Scheme duration

3 years

Location

UK wide

Scheme overview

On the Human Resources (HR) Fast Stream you’ll make a difference to the way the Civil Service does business by looking after our most precious resource – our people.

Who is the scheme suitable for

Fast streamers are enabled with the skills needed to be the future leaders and managers of the Civil Service.You will feed into and influence work that affects hundreds of thousands of civil servants and, indirectly, people living in the UK. 

You will study towards completing a HR professional qualification at Level 7 and, if successful, gain Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) accreditation. Successful completion of the scheme and subsequent promotion could see you earn around £49k to £60k.

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

The programme offers many advantages for participants, which include:

  • professional qualifications
  • immediate responsibility and autonomy
  • close contact with senior civil servants
  • management of people and resources
  • fast-paced work
  • valuable network of contacts
  • excellent training and development opportunities

You’ll have a unique opportunity to work on issues that really matter across the UK, and to gain experience both internally and externally. It’s the best foundation for promotion and long term career progression.

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

Demystifying the Human Resources scheme

Supporting your learning

  • The CIPD is the recognised professional association for HR. As part of the People Function professional development initiative, you’ll study towards a postgraduate diploma in Human Resource Management.
  • You will receive support from an Activity Manager, the Fast Stream and Emerging Talent team, and the profession team to ensure you are acquiring the right learning to support your development.
  • A reasonable amount of study leave will be allocated to you throughout the duration of the programme, which will be divided across your placements. You will also have paid time off for exams and module lectures.You will need to complete some of the requirements of the course in your own time.
  • The Fast Stream Core Curriculum comprises a range of other learning and includes pre-booked courses, e-learning, post-specific learning, and action learning sets.
  • Access to a supportive community of experienced HR professionals who can offer informal arrangement for buddying, mentorship, shadowing, etc.

Zoe talks about her experience on the Human Resources scheme, and why she chose to apply.

Read Zoe’s story

 “You get to do the CIPD qualification. So you also have the theoretical tools to apply to your role, while getting practical experience learning on the job.” 

Ali Talib

HR fast streamer

HR fast streamer, Ali

About the scheme

As a Human Resources fast streamer, you will make a valuable contribution to the organisations you support and to the individuals who make up our diverse workforce across the UK. Effective Human Resources is essential to the smooth running of the Civil Service.

Due to the size and complexity of the profession, Human Resources is a huge intellectual challenge. The fast paced nature of this high profile work, often influenced by national and world events, means that the Civil Service is always an exciting and unpredictable place to work.

You will work within both strategic and operational HR, experiencing different regions, cultures and working environments. Assignments will include HR business partnering, organisational design and development, learning and development, diversity and inclusion, reward, employee relations, policy development, training analysis and design, and talent management.

You’ll have exposure to a wide range of opportunities across different departments. You’ll work on some fantastic projects with senior HR leaders at the heart of the Government People Function. You’ll have the opportunity to influence policy, engage with key stakeholders and build a portfolio of skills across the HR profession, for example talent management, employee relations, engagement and building capability.

Flexibility is required, subject to business needs.

Scheme placement details

Typical placements consist of the following:

Show more

Placement 1 (12 months) – You’ll start in a HR Policy, Corporate, Strategy or Operational role. On your first of up to three placements, you’ll learn more about your team, department, the Civil Service and HR in general. You’ll also begin your HR Professional Qualification in this period, balancing study alongside your role.

There will be an ongoing assessment of how you are developing your skills and knowledge throughout the programme, supported by your academic learning.

Placement 2 (6 months) – You will move into another HR role (within the same or another department); or move into a complimentary post to learn about another profession  i.e. Commercial/Finance. In some limited circumstances, you may be seconded to an external organisation to broaden your capability and skill set. The post you move into will be looked at individually and be based on the needs of the business and your development requirements.

Placement 3 (18 months) – You’ll move into a different department and area of HR – usually a Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) role or another operational role. At the end of the three years, you’ll undertake an assessment through which, if you are successful, will allow you to progress onto applying for Grade 7 opportunities.

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