Schemes
Operational Delivery
Are you passionate about making a difference, helping citizens, and changing lives? The Operational Delivery Fast Stream programme could be the perfect opportunity for you!
Duration
3.5 years
Salary
£31,186
Location
Northwest England, Northeast England, and Wales for Year 1.
About
The Operational Delivery Fast Stream programme is a brand-new Civil Service graduate scheme which will start in 2024 and offers an unparalleled experience of making a real difference by leading through others to turn government policies, strategies and plans into action. In the work that you do, you will be transforming people's lives for the better.
As an Operational Delivery Fast Streamer, you will be fully supported to:
- Develop into confident, inspiring, and empowering leaders; learning how to manage people and teams through on-the-job learning and accredited qualifications.
- Lead the services that make a real difference to people's lives every day.
- Experience the tangible, positive impact your work has on UK citizens both here and abroad.
- The first Operational Delivery Fast Stream cohort, running from 2024 - 2027, will undertake their first-year placements in Sept 2024 - Sept 2025 in the Northwest, Northeast, or Wales only.
- Anyone from across the UK who is eligible can apply, candidates do not have to currently live in the Northwest, Northeast, or Wales. However, if successful you will need to relocate to the Northwest, North East or Wales for the 1st year
- From year two onwards, Operational Delivery Fast Streamers will be given the option to be posted in any UK regional location (except inner London); allowing individuals the option to plan their future in one region, if desired.
The Operational Delivery Fast Stream is a three-and-a-half-year scheme (3 years on programme, up to 6 months of off-boarding).
Requirements
- You will need to have a university degree - at least a 2:2
Or
- You will need to be an existing civil servant
What will you experience?
You will lead and manage teams of dedicated civil servants delivering essential services to the public.
You will gain experience and skills by working in various challenging Operational Delivery roles with the opportunity to work in different environments/ government departments such as the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Justice, Department for Work and Pensions, HM Revenue and Customs, and the Home Office.
- Year
Year 1: 12-month placement in a government department Operational Delivery role (in 24/25 this will be limited to the Northwest, Northeast, or Wales) including up to 3 months of front-line experience in an operational environment. There will be some line management responsibilities within this year leading and managing a small operational team.
Year 2: Further posting/s to expand your experience and exposure to other professions.
Year 3: 12-month placement in an operational delivery role. There will be large scale management responsibilities included in this year's placement, in a complex, highly critical and challenging role.
Supporting your learning
All Fast Streamers receive the same core training, alongside this you will receive specialist training unique to the Operational Delivery Fast Stream. This includes:
- A Chartered Management Institute Level 6 in Leadership and Management qualification, tailored specifically for the Operational Delivery Fast Stream with additional extra-curricular activities such as events, mentoring, and shadowing opportunities across years 1 and 2.
- An additional Executive Leadership Course in year 3.
Operational Delivery - STEM
The Operational Delivery profession welcomes applications from candidates of all academic backgrounds and career experiences; our strength and expertise lies in divergent thinking and creativity.
As we build a skilled, innovative and ambitious Civil Service that is equipped for the future, we are keen to attract people with degrees which reflect those different backgrounds - including those with Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) degrees.
To support this we will be monitoring applications from STEM graduates for this scheme. On our application portal, you will be asked to confirm your scheme preferences. You will see both an ‘Operational Delivery’ option and an ‘Operational Delivery STEM’ option - if you have a STEM undergraduate or postgraduate degree, please select this second option.
All candidates will undergo the same application and recruitment process, and experience the same Fast Stream journey.
For a definition of what we class as a STEM degree, please refer to the Before You Apply section of our FAQs.
What benefits will you enjoy?
Some of the benefits that you will enjoy are:
- Gaining experience in line management ranging from smaller operational teams to larger operational management roles.
- First-hand front-line operational experience
- Completion of a level 6 CMI accredited qualification, with the opportunity to apply for Chartered Management Status on completion.
- Completion of an executive leadership course.
- The opportunity to widen experience with exposure to other professions.
- Being a part of the largest professional community across government.
Learning and Development on the Operational Delivery 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 Board
If you are successful at the assessment centre, you'll be invited to take part in a final selection process.
The final selection board, led by the Operational Delivery Profession, will assess your broad capabilities and motivation to be part of the profession. You'll be sent detailed guidance before the assessment to explain what is involved.