Cyber Security Fast Stream 2027

Job summary

On the Cyber Fast Stream, you will have a unique opportunity to protect government systems, data and its staff and help make the UK the safest place to be online.

Job description

Cyber Security is the practice of protecting systems (hardware, software and their associated infrastructure) networks, programmes, the data on them, and the services they provide, from unauthorised access, digital attacks, harm or misuse.
On the Cyber Fast Stream programme, you will have the opportunity to work in various areas across the UK Civil Service. You will have the chance to develop your leadership and management capabilities while developing skills and experience through a number of postings. During your postings, Cyber Fast Streamers have the opportunity to work in collaboration with wider business departmental colleagues. You may be:

Advising senior management on cyber strategy and policies.
Providing critical advice and guidance to ensure secure systems are being delivered effectively.
Investigating indicators of potentially malicious activity, escalating incidents or initiating responses.
Performing detailed reviews of digital services in order to provide security assurance and prevent and mitigate against potential cyber risks.
Setting direction and leading teams responsible for the detection and response to cyber incidents and the technology and processes required to keep pace with the evolving cyber threat.

Person specification

You must be eligible to work in the UK
You need to have, or be or be on track to receive a 2:2, a degree apprenticeship or post-graduate degree in any subject
Existing civil servants can apply without a degree. Before starting the scheme, all Cyber Fast Streamers must secure SC clearance

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Developing Self and Others

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).You'll have a unique opportunity to start your career in Government Cyber Security improving delivery and security of public services, often politically sensitive, which really matter.

As well as great roles, working with experts and access to specialist L&D, you will also have the best opportunity to gain the skills and experience that will make you a credible leader within the UK Civil Service.

Other benefits include the Civil Service pension scheme, professional qualifications, flexible working, season ticket loans, sports and social activities, child care 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

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours.

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 - https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/fast-stream/fs-how-to-apply/fs…

If you need to contact us, please submit a request for help https://fsetatso.freshdesk.com/support/home

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).