Hey everyone,
If you are like myself and missed out on a Fast Stream place, all is not over. The Direct Appointment Scheme should start sending out emails in the next month or two.
You might be contacted about the DAS if you either failed the FSAC with a high score, (>8), or if you passed the FSAC but failed the FSB again with a high score. You donβt need to have scored >2 in all the competencies tested in the FSAC to be eligible for DAS
General information on the scheme:
- The first emails were sent out at the end of February, with some being as late as April.
- The email contains an Expression of Interest (EOI) and lets you know that there could be interest in hiring you through the DAS. You fill out the form with a preference of your location and start date.
- At this stage, your email will indicate whether it's an EO or HEO position you're being considered for. There will be an FAQ attached to the email. Whether you're offered an EO or HEO role seems to depend on your FSAC score. Some with scores between 9-10 were offered HEO roles. I'm not sure what the cutoff score was, it could depend on the department or scheme you applied for.
- There can be a wait up to 3-6 months to hear back once you've returned your EoI. Some people heard back within a month.
- Responses come back department by department, BEIS was the first last year, followed by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), DEFRA, DExEU, Home Office, MoD. (I may have missed one or two, they are not in order of responses other than BEIS being first)
- You are contacted to let you know one or more of these departments are interested in you. It can take a month or so to be contacted by the department directly.
- Once contacted, you arrange an informal phone call to discuss your role and suitability. It seems this is a friendly call with no prior preparation required.
- Once offered a role, you go through the standard pre-employment checks. This can take 6-8 weeks. For some roles such as MoD, you may require a DV security check with can take 3-6 months.
- Start dates seemed to begin from June-September onwards.
- EO offers generally go out a few weeks before HEO offers, as some high scorers will still be in FSB-limbo.
Patience is key when applying via Direct Appointment. It is not a guaranteed job or route to the Civil Service. Make sure to carry on applying for other jobs. Even after receiving an EOI, it may include a round of interviews. So be prepared.