Schemes
Government Economic Service
On the Government Economic Service Fast Stream you’ll embark on a career path in economics that influences policy, shaping the government’s response to some of the essential issues of the day and helping influence the economic future of the country.
Duration
3 years
Salary
£28k−£32k
Location
UK-wide
About
Being a Government Economist is not just about analysing data. As a Government Economic Service (GES) Fast Streamer you will be involved in important current issues, helping to shape government policy.
GES Economists operate across the whole UK Civil Service. On scheme you'll have the chance to develop your expertise through a number of postings. GES Fast Streamers work in a broad range of areas such as macro-economic modelling, competition policy, international financial issues, labour market trends, taxation, housing benefits, local government finance, public health and criminal justice to name just some. You’ll also develop as a leader for the profession, helping to maximise the impact and influence of analysis within government.
The work of GES Economists across government is diverse, taking in the full range of economic approaches, methods and applications. Your experiences on scheme will be equally diverse, with the opportunity of working in a wide range of government departments or agencies, and sometimes even overseas.
Requirements
- you need to be eligible to work in the UK
- you need, or expect to have, a 2:1 degree, degree apprenticeship or higher or a post-graduate degree in an economic subject
- for mixed degrees, at least 50% should be in economics
- Modules must have covered both micro and macroeconomics to qualify
- If you graduated more than five years ago then you must have examples of how you have maintained your economic knowledge
What will you experience?
You will experience the application of economics in the real world, applying your academic knowledge of economics to help shape and define the government’s responses to the important issues of the day, and learning how GES economists utilise their knowledge to improve policy, delivery and national socio-economic outcomes.
As the UK’s largest recruiter of economists, you won’t be alone. You will join a vibrant and growing community of c.300 professionals across government, operating in more than 50 departments and agencies across the UK.
Promotion and successful completion of the scheme will see you earn around £45k to £55k. The scheme is designed so that, wherever you find yourself working in government beyond the GES Fast Stream scheme, you will have the skills that allow you to be a professional leader within government, helping ensure that economics and analysis sit at the heart of the policy-making and delivery process.
- Year
Year 1 - You’ll be allocated a home department for your first posting. You’ll learn what is expected of a GES Economist and how economics is used to support the work of your home department. You will be expected to hit the ground running, contributing from the beginning to the work of the GES in your home department.
Year 2 - As you move to your year two posting the responsibilities and expectations of your role will increase. You will also undertake an assessment in year two to ensure that you are on track for scheme completion.
Year 3 - You will move to a post in a differing department or agency from your home department, broadening your experience and understanding of the application of economics across government, supporting your career development. You will also undertake an assessment at the end of year three to ensure that you meet the requirements for scheme completion.
Supporting your learning
We want our GES Fast Streamers to be the future leaders of the profession. Therefore on scheme you will undertake a specific Learning & Development Curriculum to develop your leadership skills and wider understanding of the UK Civil Service.
In parallel you will also develop your professional economics knowledge. As well as on the job learning and coaching you will access economist specific technical training, seminars and other courses, which can be tailored from our annual programmes to your specific learning needs.
Up to £55k
If you successfully complete the scheme and are promoted, you'll earn around £45k to £55k.
What benefits will you enjoy?
The GES Fast Stream offers a unique and fantastic opportunity to begin your career as a government economist on the strongest possible footing. You will have the opportunity to work on issues that really matter, learn how government works, and gain the experience that will allow you to be a future leader within the UK Civil Service.
You will also have access to the benefits available to all UK Civil Servants, including the Civil Service pension scheme, professional qualifications, flexible working, season ticket loans, sports and social activities, childcare assistance and more.
Application process
Online assessments
The online assessments consist of Work Style Questionnaires, a multimedia Situational Judgement Questionnaire, Numerical Test and Work Based Scenarios.
Assessment centre
If you pass the online assessments, you’ll be invited to undertake 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 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.
Final selection
If you are successful at the assessment centre, you’ll be invited to take part in a final selection process.
The specialist assessments will assess your broad capabilities and motivation to be part of the profession you’ve chosen. You’ll be sent detailed guidance before the assessment to explain what is involved.