Fast Stream 2010 Competition

http://www.wherewomenwanttowork.com/top50/top50_2009.asp - note which was the only department of state to make it on there...

The one you work in.

Interesting JCP has 6,600 staff... I thought that figure was somewhat hight

"I'm glad you think so..."

aaaahhh just did the online tests! the waiting begins! really not sure how it went. There were a few things I was uncertain about - I put 'can't say' for a whole section on the verbal for example and think I got a couple of numerical wrong...tried to be consistent on the competencies but did find that my inclination was to agree with most statements so who knows. good luck to everyone else doing them.

Have you moved then?

Just got a quick question...

For those applying to FCO, lets say for example you end up getting a place there (and yes it is a very big if), to what extent would you have to change any particular views you have regarding issues which affect the FCO.

Say for example you passionately believe in certain views which may go against the grain of British foreign policy and could prove contentious..

I guess what I'm trying to say is, is the Foreign Office receptive to people who have a different slant on matters or are they looking for people to "toe the line" so to speak.

When is the deadline for applications?

Did you have any particular policies in mind?

While working in any government department, you can have your own views - even if they disagree with current government policy - and depending on your role, can even argue internally for policies to be changed or implemented differently. Most departments appreciate having a wide range of views/opinions/experience on which to develop experience from.

However, in public/while performing your official duties, you would be expected to represent/implement the current official policy.

Its probably fair to say that in the FCO, policy tends to change much more slowly than in other departments because of the issues they deal in - even when governments change, most foreign policy usually stays the same (though after the next election this might be different on some big areas such as Europe if the Conservatives win )

Is anyone else applying for Teach First and deferred Fast Stream option? I am, although I don't see that it confers any particular advantage.

The date clearly stated on the Fast Stream website and on the 1st post of this thread...

You're todays Captain Fail.

I have! I have a Teach First Assessment Centre in November and did my Fast Stream Tests last week - have been checking the website compulsively ever since! I see from last year's thread that the immediately successful/unsuccessful marks had been set by this time last year...I know it's silly to be frustrated by the wait as we all know it's an incredibly lengthy process, but I still am!

Thanks for the reply.

Let me give you a hypothetical example:

Ok a contentious foreign policy example would be Israel Palestine. Say for example I am someone who is more understanding on the Palestinian cause and not so much of a fan of what Israel does and the way it carries itself out. Is there scope within the FCO for someone like me, or is it a case that the department is after people to "toe the line" both within the FCO and on its public face.

I'm not sure that I would be overly comfortable in having to give up some of my opinions and beliefs. For me the best case scenario with this would be that the FCO actively encourages this form of debate within its walls...

Or maybe I'm just a bit of an optimist :P

(Warning: Working in the civil service may involve working in areas that are of interest to television broadcasters, newspaper publishers and other multi-media organisations).