Human Resources Fast Stream 2027

Job summary

On the Human Resources (HR) Fast Stream you’ll make a difference to the way the Civil Service does business by looking after our most precious resource – our people.

The specific towns and cities depend on the department you are posted to and its office locations. The Fast Stream evolves continually, so postings can vary from year to year.

As an indication, in 2026 new fast streamers were posted to government offices in the following regions: Greater London, North West, Scotland, South East, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber.

On occasion, some individuals may need to move location. We aim to align postings with your preferences whenever possible; however, final decisions must support our wider business needs. Please note that Fast Streamers cannot choose their department or their specific role.

Job description

As a Human Resources fast streamer, you will make a valuable contribution to the organisations you support and to the individuals who make up our diverse workforce across the UK. An effective Human Resources function is essential to the smooth running of the Civil Service.

Due to the size and complexity of the profession, Human Resources is a huge intellectual challenge. The fast paced nature of this high profile work, often influenced by national and world events, means that the Civil Service is always an exciting and unpredictable place to work.

You will work within both strategic and operational HR, experiencing different regions, cultures and working environments. Assignments may include HR business partnering, organisational design and development, learning and development, diversity and inclusion, reward, employee relations, policy development, training analysis and design, and talent management.

You’ll have exposure to a wide range of opportunities across different departments. You’ll work on some fantastic projects with senior HR leaders at the heart of the People Function. You’ll have the opportunity to influence policy, engage with key stakeholders and build a portfolio of skills across the HR profession.

Flexibility is required, subject to business needs.

We aim to put all successful candidates through Security Clearance (SC). However, if you are ineligible for SC, please do not be deterred from applying; we have plenty of exciting roles available that only require standard Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment checks. You can find more information about vetting clearance levels here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vett…

Person specification

You must be eligible to work in the UK
You need to have or be on track to receive a 2:2 or higher in any degree subject including degree apprenticeships
Existing civil servants can apply without a degree

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £31,554, Fast Stream and Emerging Talent contributes £9,141 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

The programme offers many advantages for participants, which include:

Professional qualifications
Immediate responsibility and autonomy
Close contact with senior civil servants
Management of people and resources
Fast-paced work
Valuable network of contacts
Excellent training and development opportunities

You’ll have a unique opportunity to work on issues that really matter across the UK, and to gain experience both internally and externally. It’s the best foundation for promotion and long term career progression.

Other benefits include the Civil Service Pension Scheme, flexible working arrangements, season ticket loans, sports and social activities, childcare assistance and more.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

Application Process

There are several phases in the Fast Stream application process. Some of these assessments are multimedia in that they present information in video, audio, graphical or visual formats, as well as text. We hope you find it an engaging process and one that gives you a real insight into the role of a fast streamer.

At the initial application stage you will be asked to complete some background information which will include some diversity questions - which are for monitoring purposes only and will have no bearing on selection outcomes - along with the opportunity to identify your preferences in terms of the different Fast Stream schemes. You can choose up to three.

When you apply please register with a personal email address, and not a work or university email address.

Assessment Phases

There are 2 online tests:

Work-based scenarios - This test measures interpersonal skills, utilising video based scenarios and you are required to assess the effectiveness of various responses.

Case Study assessment - In this test you are required to take work based scenarios on an imaginary role, learning and responding to a series of challenges and situations and adapting to the changes you are presented with.

Additional information - depending on the schemes you have chosen, there may be additional information to be completed, or an intermediate sift process. More information on the schemes that require additional information can be found https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/fast-stream/fs-how-to-apply/fs…

Fast Stream Assessment Centre - if you pass the above stages you'll be invited to attend a half day assessment centre. This will be conducted virtually online. The Fast Stream Assessment Centre (FSAC) reflects some of the key elements of a Fast Stream role and will consist of a written exercise, oral briefing exercise and a personal development conversation. Information will be presented via an app that you will be able to access remotely.

Final Selection Board - most schemes will then require a Final Selection Board . We'll ask you to attend this final assessment if you reach the required standard at FSAC. More information on the Final Selection Boards can be found https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/fast-stream/fs-how-to-apply/fs…

The Civil Service Fast Stream is committed to supporting you through the application process by offering a range of reasonable adjustments. For further information about reasonable adjustments through the Fast Stream application process, please visit our dedicated page -