Verity Henfrey’s
Government Operational
Research Service journey

What led you to apply for the Civil Service Fast Stream programme?

In my final year of university, I was applying for different graduate schemes. I was torn between consulting and public sector work, but I wanted to work somewhere I could make a tangible difference and I’ve always had a passion for government and politics.

What attracted you to the programme and this particular stream?

The number of streams on offer and the opportunity to apply to multiple schemes at once – I wasn’t sure what profession I wanted to apply for in the beginning and this gave me flexibility.

I was also attracted by the variety within the roles and getting to try out multiple departments over the course of the scheme.

I was especially interested in Government Operational Research Service (GORS) as this was an area of my studies that I really enjoyed. It felt like a practical way to use what I’d learned at university.

How did you first hear about the Civil Service Fast Stream programme?

I’d heard about it from friends and people from my school. It wasn’t until I went on the website that I saw how many different streams there were, as I thought it was only policy roles initially. I was amazed that there was something for everyone and multiple streams that really fit my skill set and interests.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. What is your degree and how do you feel you can use it in the Civil Service?

I graduated (virtually!) in the summer of 2020 and joined the Fast Stream straight after university.

I studied Maths & International Relations at the University of St Andrews – so I think working as an analyst in government was always going to be the perfect job for me! I’ve been able to combine my analytical and mathematical skills with my passion for politics.

Tell us about your Civil Service Fast Stream experience. What kind of projects have you been involved in?

My first year was spent at the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) in the Cities and Local Growth Team.

I led the analysis for Number 10 which tracked economic recovery as we came out of lockdown, looking at weekly footfall and spending data in each city. My second and third years have been at the Home Office, where I have worked in the Homeland Security Analysis and Border Security Analysis teams.

Which locations and departments have you been posted to during the Civil Service Fast Stream so far?

My roles have all been based in Westminster – at BEIS and then the Home Office. I really wanted to work in the heart of Westminster initially as it’s so exciting to feel so close to the action, and very sociable as your offices are so close to all the other departments, which is great for networking.

I know I won’t want to stay in London forever though. Many departments now have offices based outside of London, so
I can continue my career and move back home to Manchester in the future.