Ask the head of the Civil Service Fast Stream, Greg Hobbs, anything!

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Hello, thank you so much for taking the time to answer some of our questions.

I was just wondering what the system of progression and training is like for those entering the civil service via your Fast Stream Direct Appointment Scheme? In particular, will specialist DA appointments such as Project Delivery have similar training opportunities to their Fast Stream counterparts in an alternative ‘grad-scheme-esque’ format? If not, how is training and progression facilitated?

Thanks again for your time, it’s much appreciated!

Reply 21

Jehaan

Hi, I am thinking about applying for the civil service next year but I do not know anyone who has been or is in it. I was wondering what you think is the best and worst parts of the scheme in general and working as a civil service?Is it a rewarding job?

Reply 22

Presence

i researched this becase i want to become an economist in civil service but i saw most people who got in are from oxbridge , what advice would you give a year 12 who hops to get onto the scheme in the future ? thank you

Reply 23

the ak

slightly odd question but what steps does the fast stream and the wider CS take to be accommodating and welcoming for people on the scheme with mental health conditions? What steps could someone starting on the FS take to get support and adjustments if they have a mental health difficulty? Thanks!

(edited 4 years ago)

Reply 24

Corbog

Hi Greg.

I first encountered the fast stream about a year ago when I was looking for job opportunities post university (Currently in S5 studying Scottish Highers) and it immediately hooked me and it is high up on the list of things to consider and potentially apply for for post-graduation.

In particular I'm looking at the Diplomatic Service and from an overview it looks like the perfect place for me to develop my skills in languages and overall understanding of the state of the globe and important regions in the world.

However, I'm aware of the restrictions in political campaigning and representation as was alluded to by one of the first posters. Can you clarify for me whether past affiliations with political parties and other organisations affect the eligibility and/or preference of potential candidates?

Kind regards.

Reply 25

Ynnus

Speaking as an existing civil servant with quite long service already, it very much varies by department and grade but in my experience political freedom is nowhere near as curtailed as you might think. I know of numerous junior managers who are not only members of parties, they are permitted by senior management to stand on party platforms as local councillors. Friends of mine up to and including grade 6 post political opinions on their personal/private facebook pages. If I couldn't be political at all I couldn't work here. A degree of common sense is required, obviously you don't criticise your minster or abuse people etc. I make a point of not having my place of work listed on my fbk so that my opinions are my own only, and I don't use twitter. I vaguely remember seeing some guidance in print about a grade cutoff point with regard to more overt involvement in political activity such as campaigning.

Original post by GW243

Hi - can you give fairly detailed advice about political freedom in the civil service?

Obviously, a civil servant can't be a member of a party, actively campaign or comment publically on political issues, but what about attending events as a private citizen in their free time? This may range from protests to lobby-group funded events/conferences. I guess I'm emphasising that it is perfectly possible to go to some events without sharing the beliefs of those around you, but what is the civil service take on it?

Also - and this may sound stupid - but what about chatting down the pub and social media? Personally, I would think that being politically active on social media is probably too close to making public comment, but do they have to watch what they say in person as well? (Of course, I mean chat that is unrelated to their position, job, or information gathered while at the job).

I hope this question isn't at all inappropriate or stupid, but I find being engaged in politics (in a non-partisan way) is a sure way of staying abreast of important and relevent current events and developing yourself as a citizen, but with engagement comes debate and opinions and I'm not sure where the civil service draws their lines.

Thank you for your time!

Reply 26

Area88

Why do so few existing civil servants apply for Fast Stream? (I believe it is only 10%).

Reply 27

Reality Check

@Puddles the Monkey - do we have a date yet for when you will be publishing Mr Hobbs' answers? Thanks.

Reply 28

ChangeOurWorld

I was wondering you could shed light onto the future of the DFID graduate scheme that seemed to run last year but not this year? I was really sad that this didn't seem to be running here as my primary interest is in international development. I just wanted to confirm this was permanently closed or not.

Reply 29

Reality Check

@Puddles the Monkey

Any news yet?

Original post by Reality Check

@Puddles the Monkey - do we have a date yet for when you will be publishing Mr Hobbs' answers? Thanks.

Reply 30

Puddles the Monkey

Hi everyone! You can find Greg's answers to your questions in this article here. :h:

Spoiler

Reply 31

Kazi-chi

Am currently concluding my masters degree in HR with CIPD level 7 certification. I am in desperate need for the work experience the fast stream provides. Would I be eligible to apply for fast stream HR programme or do you have similar programmes that offer this level of work experience?