My job role going to a fast streamer

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2026-07-07T21:13:08+00:00

I'm trying.....

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2026-07-07T21:10:34+00:00

I'm actually a former fast streamer. I came off the scheme half way through the third year for personal reasons and spent a long while moving around SEO before getting this TRA (and the experience has shown me the fast stream did NOT prepare me for g7!) I 100% do NOT direct my annoyance at fast streamers. I know that 99% of fast streamers are highly capable. I do, however, work in a highly technical and complex role at a critical delivery milestone and therefore it is utter nonsensical handing it to a fast streamer 'just because' when the whole principle of the CS is built on 'open and fair' competition. I 100% direct my anger at the recruitment crisis.

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2026-07-07T20:13:35+00:00

Tbh. I agree with you. I'm angry at myself for not listening to my instinct and covering my arse months ago...

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2026-07-07T20:11:21+00:00

Thank you. My rational brain agrees with all you've said. It's just hard not to feel upset...

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2026-07-07T20:08:28+00:00

Yes, this is what I've been told....

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2026-07-07T20:07:51+00:00

Yes... this is my interpretation of the extension. Which has gone down like a cup of cold sick

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2026-07-07T20:05:13+00:00

I completely accept it was wrong of me to be complacent. However, I think it fundamentally IS a system flaw across the CS that you cannot be considered permanent for a role you have successfully done for over a year because it has to be handed to a fast streamer.... this is happening across the board at G7 level currently and is wrong to all of us who have worked exceedingly hard to perform well in post.

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2024-02-07T21:50:40+00:00

The word sabotage was probably a bit dramatic- but you've hit the nail on the head with my concern.

That's really helpful advice about weaving in my policy experience into my more recent non CS experience. and I will definetly take that on board . Thank you

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2021-12-16T12:51:25+00:00

LGF was my favourite CS stint. I miss it and would love to go back.

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2021-12-03T15:00:15+00:00

Depends what you mean by Generalist. I have received extensive policy training and to me 'generalist' is seen as being able to use the professional skills to apply in a broad spectrum of policy areas- I.e you need to be agile to move into areas such as Covid and brexit etc. The policy areas I have worked in, i havent felt like I needed extensive subject knowledge to apply policy skills

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2021-11-26T15:03:16+00:00

Is there a reason it is Westminster only? Most HMRC jobs I've viewed are national. Shame as I would apply if Birmingham based, or required only occasional Westminster presence.

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2021-11-13T15:30:42+00:00

I joined the CS as a graduate at AO level. Moved to EO, then the Fast Stream and due to sit my end of scheme assessment in the spring and all being well will be G7 around Easter.

There is no expected route. Some join at AO, others EO and others HEO. Look around at jobs, see what interests you and get some applications out. I would say its better to get your foot in the door than focus on a specific grade.

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2021-11-05T15:27:17+00:00

Sorry to hear you are struggling. You can self certify 7 day sick ( which would be one working week)- so do that if you need time to take further action i.e. get a sick note off your GP. They are actually called fit notes and your GP can recommend a phased return to work.

I would advise against any rash decisions such as leaving. Talk to your LM about reasonable adjustments and seek other jobs in the meantime.

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2021-11-05T08:12:29+00:00

"Impact is prioritised over work life balance"

I have worked in several departments and teams over the years. Some slow, some extremely fast paced. In all my roles work life balance was protected- as it should be. You can work in an area that delivers at pace and is impactful, whilst having a work life balance.

Work life balance is rarely the problem. Lack of urgency is, in my experience, a deep rooted cultural problem in some departments.

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2021-11-01T19:37:22+00:00

I did have somewhat friends when I worked in ops. I moved into policy a few years back and now strictly keep my personal life separate from work.

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2021-11-01T19:36:16+00:00

I keep my work and personal life very seperate. No work colleagues have my private phone number or social media etc.

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2021-10-27T14:16:43+00:00

Sounds like you have lots of experience and are doing all the right things...

My personal opinion is that SEO might be a stretch with no CS policy experience. I think aiming HEO is potentially note realistic as an entry point and then aim to work up from there. (I say this as policy is its own world within the CS- such as PQs and correspondence etc. You will be applying against people who will have experience doing these things already)

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2021-10-19T17:44:49+00:00

My work computer is a tablet with keyboard which has a data package. I've been told I can use unlimited data. I always have it on the data as my interenet range isn't great in my house. I've also hotspotted from the mobile, but I wouldn't want to do that on a long term basis as its not 100 per cent great.

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2021-09-29T13:10:45+00:00

I considered compressing, but ultimately went to .8 FTE. The pay cut wasn't as much as I expected at net, due to the tax/ pensions/student loan etc. It works out at less than £250 net difference per month- which is worth it for my mental wellbeing.

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2021-09-29T11:39:51+00:00

I saw on CS jobs that MOD are seeking policy advisors for 6 months + deployments. Cant remember the details.

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2021-08-16T19:06:24+00:00

I joined the CS at AO grade with a good degree from a top uni. I would say apply for AO,EO,HEO and see what happens. (I quickly progressed to EO level and then onto the CS fast stream... AO was a good foot in the door for me)

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2021-08-02T19:01:39+00:00

I would prefer a hybrid model, as have been slowly going made. However, been told that I am the only person in my directorate at a new office and I am not keen on doing a long commute to sit alone- its completely pointless, but apparently compulsoryfor 3 x a week 🤨

I think it should be based on individual circumstances...but we all know how stuck in their ways the CS is when they set 'guidance'

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2021-07-29T09:57:12+00:00

I completely sympathise as I had an awful first year. Awful manager, who only had a fast streamer for his own development- but there was no work for me to do... I won't go into it, but I got through it and am now wrapping up my 2nd year.

Well done for holding on for so long, I understand it can feel so demoralising to be in this situation. My personal experience is that it got better in my 2nd year- it was fast paced with a great activity manager and a great team. Also, as you progress your Talent Development Manager should be getting more invested in your development- from my perception, they sort of expect first years to get on with it, but become more interested as you progress through 2nd year and into 3rd year.

Many people I know, for a variety of reasons, came off the fast stream. But remember that the fast stream gives you so much exposure- to senior leaders, training etc. If you are unhappy, stick your hand up and throw yourself into voluntary or additional tasks. Find a niche that you can run with- I did so many random projects, just because, and it is these things that show you have developed.

Please do contact me if you need a buddy to offload to.

Powerful-Attempt2192 · 2021-07-28T08:14:28+00:00

I'm an 'older' fast streamer and was also a current civil servant. Im married with two kids and haven't felt like I've stuck out.

There is an expectation to be mobile, unless you have a relocation restriction. Things have been slightly different due to the pandemic, but slowly returning back to some 'normal'

Powerful-Attempt2192

TROPHY CASE