Fast Stream 2012
Discussion and advice on careers from administration to youth work, careers in the government and civil service, local authorities, NGOs and QuANGOs.
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Re: Fast Stream 2012SC is credit reference checks, verification of identity and immediate associates and checking your name against the records of the security services.
However DV theoretically allows anybody you have ever had an association with to be interviewed about your character so there is no technical time limit on turn around.
Hopefully it'll be SC because I don't want to be waiting forever for DV. -
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Re: Fast Stream 2012I asked the question about DV at the FSB. Apparently FCO FSers get their applications prioritised/fast-tracked in order to start in October. I imagine CD/TiB FSers needing DV can expect the same priority to facilitate a timely start. Certainly with FCO any offer is conditional on clearing DV, so it's reasonable to assume they would try to complete it about a month prior to starting (ie. end of September) so a final offer can be made/notice for resignation given/accommodation arrangements finalised etc.(Original post by Rosaliec)
I was quoted 2-3 months for my SC, which is the initial level for MoD. I've been told DV can take up to a year.
And the Olympics is slowing everything down!
In the meantime, you can find a copy of the questionnaire if you do a google search. It's about 50 pages long and seriously detailed. I'd definitely recommend looking through it so you have an idea of what info you'll need to gather to answer it sufficiently.
On a related note, has anyone FCO or otherwise asked whether there's any help available to sort relocation (e.g. List of reputable letting agents, support toward cost of moving etc)? I'll be moving from Newcastle to London with my partner and haven't yet asked the question. -
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Re: Fast Stream 2012Is it listed in your pre-appointment checks for the FCO? It isn't for TiB which makes me think that it is used at a Departmental level, after we've been assigned to one.(Original post by Jazzman86)
I asked the question about DV at the FSB. Apparently FCO FSers get their applications prioritised/fast-tracked in order to start in October. I imagine CD/TiB FSers needing DV can expect the same priority to facilitate a timely start. Certainly with FCO any offer is conditional on clearing DV, so it's reasonable to assume they would try to complete it about a month prior to starting (ie. end of September) so a final offer can be made/notice for resignation given/accommodation arrangements finalised etc.
In the meantime, you can find a copy of the questionnaire if you do a google search. It's about 50 pages long and seriously detailed. I'd definitely recommend looking through it so you have an idea of what info you'll need to gather to answer it sufficiently.
On a related note, has anyone FCO or otherwise asked whether there's any help available to sort relocation (e.g. List of reputable letting agents, support toward cost of moving etc)? I'll be moving from Newcastle to London with my partner and haven't yet asked the question.
We don't get assigned until June at the earliest so anybody needing DV will need to be seriously fast tracked! Suppose this is the 'fast stream'....
... bad pun. -
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Re: Fast Stream 2012For me it's not listed as one of the items in that table (movements, previous emplyee reference, etc), but the question is posed in the FAQ section to the Pre-Appointment Checks page:(Original post by HLS)
Is it listed in your pre-appointment checks for the FCO? It isn't for TiB which makes me think that it is used at a Departmental level, after we've been assigned to one.
We don't get assigned until June at the earliest so anybody needing DV will need to be seriously fast tracked! Suppose this is the 'fast stream'....
... bad pun.
"Will I have to undergo security checks?
Some departments will require you to undergo additional security checks, either because of the nature of their work, or the specific post for which they have you in mind or because of the building access you’ll need. If this will apply to you, the department will let you know as soon as possible and will begin the clearance process. Additional checks are carried out only when necessary and departments will make every effort to give you accurate information about the processes and timescales involved.
Additional security checks will definitely be required if you join either the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) or the Ministry of Defence (MOD). They will also probably be required if you join the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), the Cabinet Office or the Department of Health (DH). In other departments, security checks will depend on the nature of your post.
You may have heard that security checks take a long time to complete. That can be true, and in particular the Developed Vetting (DV) checks carried out by the FCO and MOD can take several months. Whilst the delay to starting work can be frustrating, you will understand that it is essential that security is upheld. There are no shortcuts. We can only say that the process will be completed as quickly as possible."
So it seems there's a fair bit of waiting still to go in this process!
EDIT: http://www.fcoservices.gov.uk/eng/ou...ty_vetting.asp - has all sorts of information about security clearances, and it's most likely fco services who will do the vetting itself.Last edited by lm222; 08-05-2012 at 19:09. Reason: Added info -
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Re: Fast Stream 2012Been placed in Department of Local governance and communities -- exactly the kind of governance I'm not pro, especially as it's all devolved power from government. Don't quite understand why I've got my last listed preference when I passed the HoP mark... Also don't understand the logic when I'm an ex-International Relations student, have worked on EU migration, expressed a preference to work in border control, etc.
Any advice? This isn't the kind of department I expected at all. -
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Re: Fast Stream 2012You can reject, but then I believe their second offer will be a take it or leave it option.(Original post by cloudofcalm)
Been placed in Department of Local governance and communities -- exactly the kind of governance I'm not pro, especially as it's all devolved power from government. Don't quite understand why I've got my last listed preference when I passed the HoP mark... Also don't understand the logic when I'm an ex-International Relations student, have worked on EU migration, expressed a preference to work in border control, etc.
Any advice? This isn't the kind of department I expected at all. -
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Re: Fast Stream 2012Yup, that's pretty much right. If you go to your scheme progress page and click on the 'i' by Pre-Appointment Checks it's got quite a detailed section on what the process is if assignments dont meet expectations, etc. Gist is that *after* meeting with the grade manager at the dept you can then put your case to Parity that you're not compatible, and they'll try to shift you if they agree with you.
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For anyone on the HR waiting listRecent phone call from one of the scheme coordinators informed me that they expect there to be up to 10 withdrawals by Sept. This expectation is based on previous years' experience. So, looks like you may yet hear some good news. I hope so.
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Re: Fast Stream 2012What was your FSAC mark, if you don't mind me asking? I think that has some bearing on how much account is taken of your preferences.(Original post by cloudofcalm)
Been placed in Department of Local governance and communities -- exactly the kind of governance I'm not pro, especially as it's all devolved power from government. Don't quite understand why I've got my last listed preference when I passed the HoP mark... Also don't understand the logic when I'm an ex-International Relations student, have worked on EU migration, expressed a preference to work in border control, etc.
Any advice? This isn't the kind of department I expected at all. -
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Re: Fast Stream 2012it's not so clearcut. Scoring a high mark, or having a masters may some times also count AGAINST you in getting what you want. They seek to keep a balance of 'ability' and backgrounds across departments, so even if Communities and Local Governments does not traditionally feature highly in preferences, they will still get some high scorers. Likewise, highly favoured departments like DfID will also get some people with lower scores assigned.(Original post by monthen)
What was your FSAC mark, if you don't mind me asking? I think that has some bearing on how much account is taken of your preferences.
If you search the thread, there's a link to material explaining how assignments are made. Alternatively, look at the annex of the Welcome letter for new Fast Streamers. I'm sure there's something there about how assignments are made. -
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Re: Fast Stream 2012read the annex to the welcome letter. Many factors are considered. For instance, the department that you were assigned to may really need those who are exceptional in the competency measure that you performed best at, to meet a specific requirement. If you want a career in the Civil Service in the long term, remember that beyond the FS grade, you can apply for positions across the Civil Service, and specifically in the department that you are most interested in. You may also likely go on secondment at some stage, with another department. You can network and keep an eye out for specific opportunities in the department you most want. Furthermore, as they advise, you may find that you fit better and enjoy working in the department that you were assigned to, a lot more than you originally anticipated.
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Re: Fast Stream 2012I hear its a really good department and that they are planning on making more secondment systems anyway so you won't be stuck in one department. You also have considerable power (if you are into that sort of thing), there was case where a fresh graduate had to go to a Local Authority and tell the management that they are not following government directives, pretty scary but exciting too.(Original post by cloudofcalm)
Been placed in Department of Local governance and communities -- exactly the kind of governance I'm not pro, especially as it's all devolved power from government. Don't quite understand why I've got my last listed preference when I passed the HoP mark... Also don't understand the logic when I'm an ex-International Relations student, have worked on EU migration, expressed a preference to work in border control, etc.
Any advice? This isn't the kind of department I expected at all.
I still don't know where I am placed yet! Have you finished all the backgrounds checks? My former employer is taking a long time!!! -
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Re: For anyone on the HR waiting listThanks for this, still lingering about the thread whilst waiting for news(Original post by Evidza)
Recent phone call from one of the scheme coordinators informed me that they expect there to be up to 10 withdrawals by Sept. This expectation is based on previous years' experience. So, looks like you may yet hear some good news. I hope so.
(Would give a positive rating but apparently I have to rate some other members first lol)Last edited by rach2012; 11-05-2012 at 23:17.
