Schemes
Human Resources
On the Human Resources Fast Stream you’ll make a difference to the way the Civil Service does business by looking after our most precious resource - our people
Duration
3 years
Salary
£28k
Location
UK-wide
About
As an HR Fast Streamer you will make a valuable contribution to the organisations you support and to the individuals who make up our diverse workforces across the UK. Effective Human Resources (HR) are essential to the smooth running of the Civil Service.
Due to the size and complexity of the profession, it’s a huge intellectual challenge. The fast-paced nature of this high profile work, often influenced by national and world events, means that the Civil Service is always an exciting and unpredictable place to work.
You will work within both strategic and operational HR, experiencing different regions, cultures and working environments. Assignments will include HR business partnering, organisational design and development, reward and recognition, employee relations, policy development, training analysis and design, and talent management.
You'll have exposure to a wide range of opportunities across different departments. You'll work on some fantastic projects with senior leaders at the heart of policy and operational delivery. You'll have the opportunity to influence policy, engage with key stakeholders and build a portfolio of skills in areas such as talent management, employee relations, engagement and building capability.
Flexibility/mobility is required subject to business need.
Requirements
- Eligible to work in the UK
- You need, or expect to have, a 2:2 or higher in any degree subject including degree apprenticeships
- Existing civil servants can apply without a degree
What will you experience?
HR Fast Streamers are developed in the skills they need to be the future leaders of the Civil Service. You'll get CIPD accreditation and you will study towards completing an HR professional qualification at Level 7. Successful completion and promotion of the scheme will see you earn around £45k to £55k.
Your progression through the programme
- Year
Year 1 - You’ll start in a Policy, Corporate or Operational role. On your first of two 18-month placements, you'll learn more about your team, department, the Civil Service and HR generally. You’ll also begin your HR Professional Qualification in this period, balancing study alongside your role.
There will be an ongoing assessment of how you are developing your skills and knowledge throughout the programme, with more in-depth assessments every 6 months. After 12 months, the programme will start to consider your next placement. The conversation at 12 months between you, your Talent Coach and line manager, alongside your development needs and personal circumstances, will inform the role you’ll be assigned to for your next placement.
Year 2 - You’ll move into a different department and area of HR – usually a HR Business Partner (HRBP) role or into a policy, operational or corporate role. You may also move location.
Year 3 – At the end of the three years, you’ll undertake an assessment through which, if you are successful, will allow you to progress onto applying for promotion.
Supporting your learning
- The CIPD is the recognised professional association for HR. As part of the Civil Service HR professional development initiative, you'll study towards a Post Graduate Diploma in HR Management.
- Support from Line Manager and Talent Coach to ensure you are acquiring the right learning to support your development.
- 5 days of paid study leave per placement and also paid time off for exams and module lectures.You will need to complete some of the requirements of the course in your own time.
- The Fast Stream Core Curriculum comprises a range of other learning includes pre-booked courses, e-learning, post-specific learning, and action learning sets.
Up to £55k
- Starting Salary - £28k
- Capability assessed salary increases throughout the scheme
- Towards the end of Year 3, you will complete your End of Scheme Assessment. If successful, you will be promoted off the scheme, either into a role you have identified or into a priority permanent role allocated by the scheme. In your role on graduation from the scheme, you could earn between £45k and £55k.
What benefits will you enjoy?
The programme offers many advantages for participants, which include:
- professional qualifications
- immediate responsibility and autonomy
- close contact with senior civil servants
- management of people and resources
- fast-paced work
- a valuable network of contact.
- excellent training and development opportunities.
You’ll have a unique chance to work on issues that really matter, and to gain experience internally and externally. It’s the best foundation for promotion and long-term progression.
Other benefits include the Civil Service pension scheme, professional qualifications, flexible working, season ticket loans, sports and social activities, child care 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.