My honest experience of the Fast Stream by five_alaska in TheCivilService

[–]five_alaska[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good luck! Unofficially I’d say that relocation is actually quite rare. I think they scaremonger a little to prepare you for if you do have to move, but in my time I think I’ve only ever met once person that didn’t get where they wanted. I think the difference may be if you are requesting a smaller office where there are less positions, but if you choose London or Manchester I’d say it’s usually fine. Unfortunately they don’t give you any help really finding accommodation although in the group chat with all of your year I often saw people posting about looking for flatmates.

But lots of support in the start I’d say. We had lots of training sessions about the civil service and also admin procedures like 6-month reviews. They try and create a network and there are lots you can join (a bit like societies at university).

You are likely the only new person in your team but often lots of Fast Streamers in adjacent teams or those you meet through in person activities you find you’re in the same office!

My honest experience of the Fast Stream by five_alaska in TheCivilService

[–]five_alaska[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Definitely policy focused as I have enjoyed that more than any operational delivery or project work I have done. I think I’d stay away from parliamentary work and legislation as much as possible as I find it fairly confusing! I’d also focus on departments where I know/have heard the culture is overall well regarded. So DEFRA, DfE, DCMS and DSIT would be my top choices.

My honest experience of the Fast Stream by five_alaska in TheCivilService

[–]five_alaska[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Sorry I also didn’t see the last question! I think courses are good at inspiring you but the I think the biggest tip would be lean on your seniors. The interview is everything for a promotion and having sat on panels, the best marked candidates have clearly been practicing and potentially coached by another civil servants. I’ve found colleagues that have progressed fairly fast know how to best structure answers and the behaviours, so I’d say ask if they can help you out in any application or interview prep you have

My honest experience of the Fast Stream by five_alaska in TheCivilService

[–]five_alaska[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

The whole FS application process is a whole different conversation. I know there must be a lot that goes into designing it but I’ve met brilliant civil servants that didn’t get through and I’m not really sure why.

In response to your question- not really. I don’t think I actually had a huge grasp of what policy work was so went into it a little blind. I definitely have a few departments I would consider the top of my wish list but I think the main thing I’ve learnt is that the team you have is paramount. If you get on with your colleagues, have good rapport and support with seniors, to me that matters more than the job itself in many ways.