The Civil Service Fast Stream
Applications open midday 8 October 2026
Grow like nowhere else.
The Civil Service Fast Stream is a leadership development programme for people ready to accelerate their careers and deliver work that matters.
You’ll experience a variety of postings in different government departments, working on projects that affect millions of lives across the UK. From designing digital services to shaping national policy, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge, and networks to become a future leader.
With 18 specialist schemes to choose from, there is a place for you here.
When you join the Fast Stream, you get more than just a job – you get a future.
Video transcript unavailable
Why choose the Fast Stream?
Join a diverse network of professionals committed to making a difference. We welcome people of all ages and backgrounds, whether starting your career or seeking a new direction – there’s no ‘typical’ fast streamer.
Our 18 specialist schemes provide real responsibilities in government roles, helping you become a confident leader through hands-on experience, expert training, and mentorship. Many schemes also offer professional qualifications.
Most schemes are open to graduates with a 2:2 degree or above, and many are also open to degree apprentices.
Already a civil servant?
If you are currently a civil servant you may be able to apply for the Fast Stream without a degree.
We are an award-winning scheme and were recently voted No 1 in the Times Top 100 list of graduate employers.
What we offer
- A structured career path: a permanent contract with a personal development plan tailored to your needs and ambitions.
- Competitive salary: start on £31,554, with the potential to reach £45,000 to £55,000 after you complete the programme.
- Nationwide opportunities: postings across Great Britain and occasionally overseas.
- Supported learning: expert training, alongside scheme-specific development, to build your leadership and management skills.
- Civil Service Pension: access to one of the best pension schemes in the UK public sector.
- Flexible working: full-time roles, but with the flexible working arrangements you need to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Hear from some of our fast streamers
Project Delivery
Eve Chan discusses working as a fast streamer on the Project Delivery scheme.
Diplomatic and Development
Jack Withers discusses working as a fast streamer on the Diplomatic and Development scheme.
Science and Engineering
Sadie Sweetland discusses working as a fast streamer on the Science and Engineering scheme.
Life on the Fast Stream
Show video transcript
- [Text on screen: Have you worked on anything exciting so far?]
- [Zainab, a fast streamer] So a few months ago, I got to go to London to work in the Private Office. I was a diary manager for a Minister. It was really exciting because I got to work on high-profile work. And there was a lot of confidential work going on, and it was a much quicker pace of work, as well, compared to what I’m usually used to.
- [Liam, Commercial fast streamer in an office kitchen area] I’ve been going to a lot of senior meetings, which is really good. Um, and doing a lot of promotion and engagement. Yeah, all those sorts of communications things I really enjoy.
- [Text on screen: What’s life like on the Fast Stream?]
- [Jake, Commercial Fast Streamer] So I work in commercial at DfE (Department for Education), so when they decide on some projects and things that they want to deliver, we go out and find the suppliers for the products and services that they require.
- [Helia, Science and Engineering fast streamer] It’s really fast-paced. So you have a 3-year contract where you work in 3 different departments, doing 3 different roles. You’ve got to do as much as you can in the time you’re given.
- [Liam] I think my confidence has definitely grown, which is really good. Also, kind of my general experience in the Civil Service.
- [Text on screen: What are you most proud of?]
- [Jake] I’m proudest of some of the projects I’ve managed to get involved with. I think they’re really good projects that are going to make a big difference to communities around the country.
- [Helia] You get a lot of responsibility from the get-go, so you’ll be managing a lot of research projects, maybe, or a lot of contracts. So yes, be ready for a lot of responsibility.
- [Text on screen: What makes a good civil servant?]
- [Jake] Someone who really wants to do public good, um, someone who’s willing to try out any different challenges that might come ahead and someone who’s willing to just apply themselves and throw themselves into any task that they’re given, really.
- [Helia] I think you should just be very adaptable to your environment and getting to know new teams and new roles since that's what you will mainly be doing.
- [Text on screen: Did you face any challenges on the scheme?]
- [Jake] So as part of Commercial, I’ve got an additional qualification I need to study for. And then on top of that, there’s also Fast Stream training that I need to balance alongside my day-to-day job.n
- [Text on screen: What’s the Fast Stream community like?]
- [Zainab] It’s really good – we have like an active presence on the Fast Stream Intranet, and Facebook, and there are lots of networks, literally everything you can imagine, like Social Mobility Network, RACE Network, LGBTQ+ and lots more.
- [Text on screen: Grow like nowhere else. Civil Service Fast Stream]
Our Benefits
Competitive Starting Salary
Fast streamers receive a starting salary of £31,554.
Upon completion, fast streamers have an earning potential of £45-55,000.
Something for everyone
With 18 different specialist development schemes to choose from, and opportunities nationwide, you’ll find a scheme that’s right for you.
Civil Service Pension
The Civil Service Pension Scheme is one of the best workplace pension schemes in the UK public sector.
Learning and Development
The universal training offer, completed alongside scheme-specific development, provides foundation, leadership and management skills to all fast streamers.
A permanent contract
With a permanent contract, you’ll have job security, personal development and career progression opportunities to build long term professional relationships.
Work Experience across Great Britain
Fast streamers have opportunities to work in different places across England, Scotland, Wales and even overseas in some schemes.
Learning and development
If you are successful, your start date will depend on the specific Fast Stream scheme you’ve applied to. All schemes begin in September the year after you apply.
Over the course of the programme, you will take part in further residentials, small group sessions, online learning, and be part of an Action Learning Set. You will have your own Personal Development Plan and Portfolio to track your progress and reflect on how you are applying your knowledge and skills to your roles.
Fast Streamers work across the UK. Where could you be based?
Prepare to apply for a place on the Fast Stream
