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How to apply

Application process

There are several phases in the Fast Stream application process. Some of these assessments are multimedia in that they present information in video, audio, graphical or visual formats, as well as text. We hope you find it an engaging process and one that gives you a real insight into the role of a fast streamer.

At the initial application stage you will be asked to complete some background information which will include some diversity questions - which are for monitoring purposes only and will have no bearing on selection outcomes - along with the opportunity to identify your preferences in terms of the different Fast Stream schemes. You can choose up to four.

When you apply please register with a personal email address, and not a work or university email address.

Assessment Phases

  1. Online Tests - consists of a Work Style Questionnaire, a multimedia Situational Judgement Questionnaire and a Numerical Test. These are multiple-choice assessments. Candidates have 5 days to complete the online tests, which are not timed.
  2. Work Based Scenarios - consists of an Online Case Study and a Learning Assessment. Both use multimedia and both are multiple-choice. Candidates have 5 days to complete the work based scenarios, which are not timed.
  3. Additional information - depending on the schemes you have chosen, there may be additional information to be completed, or an intermediate sift process. Candidates have 7 days to complete any required additional information sections.
  4. Fast Stream Assessment Centre - if you pass the above stages you'll be invited to attend a half day assessment centre. This will be conducted virtually on line. The Fast Stream Assessment Centre (FSAC) reflects some of the key elements of a Fast Stream role and will consist of a leadership scenario, a team scenario and a written scenario. Information will be presented via an app that you will be able to access remotely.
  5. Final Selection Board - most schemes will then require a Final Selection Board (with the exception of the Government Policy, Human Resources, Digital, Data, Technology and Cyber schemes). We'll ask you to attend this final assessment if you reach the required standard at FSAC.

 

What criteria will I be assessed on during the assessment process?

You will be assessed against a range of Behaviours (the actions and activities that people do which result in effective performance in a job) and also a selection of Strengths (the things we find energising and that motivate us).

Key behaviours we assess are:

  1. Seeing the Big Picture - Understand how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives. Recognise the wider organisational priorities and ensure work is in the national interest. 
  2. Changing and Improving - Seek out opportunities to create effective change and suggest innovative ideas for improvement. Review ways of working, including seeking and providing feedback. 
  3. Making Effective Decisions - Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions. 
  4. Communicating and Influencing - Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others. 
  5. Working Together - Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources and support. 
  6. Developing Self and Others - Focus on continuous learning and development for self, others and the organisation as a whole. 

See these Success Profile links for more detail:

Behaviours (see Level 3 – HEO and SEO or equivalent behaviours):

Civil Service Behaviours (PDF)

Civil Service Strengths (PDF)

 

Candidates with a disability

Fast Stream is a Disability Confident Leader and is committed to supporting candidates with a disability who want additional support. Adjustments may relate to additional time extensions, different test formats or other modifications.

 

Candidate feedback

At completion of each assessment stage, whether you are successful or unsuccessful, you will be given written feedback that summarises your performance.

 

When will you typically start your role

If successful, when you start work will depend on which Fast Stream scheme you've applied to. Most schemes start in September or October 2024.

 

Support during the application process

Please check the FAQ page on the website and log into your account for information both before and during the application process. If you have any other issues please contact us on our application support email address, faststream.applicationsupport@cabinetoffice.gov.uk