Civil Service administrators - Fast Stream (or Fast Streamers) work for the government, helping to develop and deliver policies. Fast Stream entrants are graduates and follow a programme designed to prepare them for leadership and management roles.

The Work

You could be:

• carrying out research, analysing different options and preparing policies
• working out the details of how policies will be carried out
• advising ministers on policy and helping them answer questions in parliament
• managing a department or a part of a department
• negotiating with officials and managers from public and private organisations
• keeping cabinet ministers up to date
• perhaps working in the private office of a minister.

As a policy officer in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) (see Diplomatic Service Operational Officer) you might be:

• contacting foreign governments on behalf of the British Government to discuss political, economic and business matters
• working with government ministers to plan foreign policy.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the government department in which you work
• the demand for the job.

The current starting salary for the Civil Service Fast Stream is £31,554 a year. After successfully completing the programme, you could earn around £45,000 to £55,000 a year or more, depending on the role and department you work in. The Civil Service also offers an excellent pension scheme.

Conditions

• You would be based in a government office.
• Although you would officially work regular office hours, you would have to be prepared to be flexible when your department or section is under pressure and there are deadlines to be met.
• Therefore, you may have to work outside normal hours, including some evenings and weekends.

Useful Subjects

• Accounting
• Administration and IT
• Biology
• Business Management
• Chemistry
• Computing Science
• Economics
• Engineering Science
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Statistics

Getting In

• There are a number of Fast Stream routes available (see ‘More information’ below). You normally need at least a second class Honours degree (SCQF Level 10) at a minimum of 2:2. The degree subject may also be important depending on the scheme you choose. See the Civil Service Fast Stream website for full details of the entry requirements.
• Entry to a degree course usually requires 4-5 Highers, plus English at least at National 5.
• Entry to the Fast Stream is competitive. You will go through a selection process which may include an online application, online tests, an assessment centre and, for some schemes, a final selection board. These are designed to assess your potential, strengths and leadership skills.
• Application dates and deadlines vary depending on the scheme and recruitment year. Full details of how to apply are available on the Fast Stream website.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2026

18528

2.6 %

RISE

2031

19008

  United Kingdom

2026

181808

3.1 %

RISE

2031

187489

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What Does it Take?

You should be:

• tactful and diplomatic
• discreet and able to respect confidentiality
• methodical and well organised
• willing to work hard
• strong minded and resilient, as this is a demanding job.

You should have:

• an interest in politics and current affairs
• good reasoning and problem-solving skills
• good intellectual ability
• sound judgement
• IT skills
• good written and spoken communication skills.

Training

• You would train on the job through a series of work placements lasting between 3 and 5 years, depending on the scheme you choose.
• Some departments offer you a mentor.
• Fast Stream administrators start as trainees and may attend courses at Civil Service Learning.
• You may be encouraged to work towards professional qualifications, depending on your role and your career path.

Getting On

• You can expect to move on quickly, into a management post.
• Promotion is competitive and is based on your ability and your commitment.
• There are Fast Stream opportunities in Edinburgh within the Scottish Parliament as well as in London and other parts of the UK.

More Information

There are 18 different schemes on the Fast Stream, each with high-quality, structured learning and a career path within a government profession. You can apply for up to 3 schemes in your application.

Full details of the Fast Stream and all relevant contact details can be found on the Civil Service Fast Stream website. The Civil Service Fast Stream is ranked among the top five Times Top 100 Graduate Employers.

The Civil Service operates a Fast Stream Summer Internship Programme (SIP) for candidates from lower socio-economic backgrounds which provides the opportunity to see what a career in the Civil Service is like. You must have, or expect to get, at least a 2:2 degree in any discipline, and be in your final two years at university. This would be a good way to prepare for a place on the Fast Stream graduate programme.

More information is available on the Civil Service Careers website.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.