3 years
UK wide
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.
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.
The programme offers many advantages for participants, which include:
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.
Zoe talks about her experience on the Human Resources scheme, and why she chose to apply.
“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
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.
Typical placements consist of the following:
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.