Government Social Research - Grad Scheme 2026

Yes, I am. Looks like they've only just updated the website as I was waiting for them to announce it, Not a long application window is it?
Do you know what the stages of the application process are like / how many there are?

Hey guys, since applications start for this in a few days I just wanted to create a thread for people planning to apply. I'm a Fast Stream reject (sob) so I'm happy there's a second chance in the scheme I want! Anyone else interested?

Yes, i have applied. I am worried about the GSR assessment though. A lot of what they cover was taught to me in my first year of uni but I am not able to access anything I was taught because we get locked out of our university accounts with all our modules after we graduate. Think I'm just going to have to dig up my massive research module book, hopefully I can find it. It's annoying because I know i am good at writing scientific reports and data analysis, but often the specifics of the different types of data and statistical tests are easily forgotten when you aren't constantly using them. I graduated in July, I need a massive refresh. & it seems like one of those annoying multiple choice tests that seem obvious but aren't because the options all sound very similar and are just slightly different. I found a practise one and for some of the correct answers I can't quite get my head around why that was the right option over the others. How are you guys preparing?

Anyone on the call today? What a useless waste of time!

I think it was pretty alright to be honest! Just felt like further clarification of the scheme and what we'll potentially be facing. Was pretty standard for a insight call.

Hi all, has anyone noticed there are barely any roles advertised this year? If I recall last year there were upwards of 60 roles available, this year it seems less than 10. Was this raised in the Q&A?

Yes I noticed this last year I got through to interview and was successful but they had to put me on a reserve list since there were more successful applicants than positions available. Nothing has come of it so far unfortunately. I wonder why there is such a significant reduction in the roles available this year!

Yes I noticed this last year I got through to interview and was successful but they had to put me on a reserve list since there were more successful applicants than positions available. Nothing has come of it so far unfortunately. I wonder why there is such a significant reduction in the roles available this year!

well it’s closed now! hopefully we hear back soon…

well it’s closed now! hopefully we hear back soon…

From the recruitment timeline they gave, we should be hearing before the 2nd of March! So in the next like two weeks lol.

How did you find the tests? The numerical test was so jarring, it was harder than the fast stream test. Also that question about the dogs in the verbal reasoning test made me nearly malfunction.

ehh i found it the same as the other CS positions i’ve applied to, applied to an EO position a few weeks ago that required both and i recognised many questions. i don’t remember the FS tests well at all though, do they use the HEO tests?

Yes I noticed this last year I got through to interview and was successful but they had to put me on a reserve list since there were more successful applicants than positions available. Nothing has come of it so far unfortunately. I wonder why there is such a significant reduction in the roles available this year!