Government Economic Service | Civil Service Fast Stream

About

The Government Economics Service (GES) champions economics in government: supporting our economists and promoting the use of high-quality economic analysis in policymaking. We have a large cross-government presence, with more than 3,400 members. This is a great way to join!

As a 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 this scheme you'll have the chance to develop your expertise through three job postings across government. 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 to have, or expect to have, a first or upper second-class (2:1) degree (or international equivalent), or a degree apprenticeship or higher or a post-graduate degree in economics
For joint degrees, at least 50% of the course modules should be in economics
You must have studied 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 more than 3400 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.

Your progression through the programme

Year 1 - In your first job 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. At the end of your posting you will undertake a short review to ensure that you are on track for scheme completion.

Year 2 - As you move to your year two posting your responsibilities will increase. You will be able to take on a different role to begin broadening your experiences across government. You will also undertake another short review at the end of year two to ensure that you are on track for scheme completion.

Year 3 - You will move to a final post that will further broaden your experience and understanding of the application of economics across government, supporting your career development. After the usual end-of-posting review you will then undertake an assessment to ensure that you meet the requirements for scheme completion and help you to prepare for the next stage of your career.

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 and 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 through on-the-job learning. You will also be able to 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.

Learning and Development on the Government Economic Service Scheme

Alongside the scheme-specific learning offer, you will complete the universal training which provides core foundation skills and leadership & management skills.

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.