Cyber Security

Cyber Security Fast Stream 2027 – Salary £31,554 | 25 Vacancies

The UK Civil Service is recruiting for its Cyber Security Fast Stream 2027, offering an opportunity to build a career protecting government systems, sensitive data and public services against cyber threats.

The programme allows successful candidates to develop their cybersecurity expertise, leadership abilities and management skills through placements across different areas of the Civil Service.

There are 25 vacancies available on a permanent, full-time basis, with a starting salary of £31,554 per year.

Important: Applicants must already be eligible to work in the UK. The advert does not confirm Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, so candidates who require sponsorship should verify their eligibility with the recruitment team before applying.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Cyber Security Fast Stream 2027
• Employer: Fast Stream and Emerging Talent, UK Civil Service
• Salary: £31,554 per year
• Job Grade: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
• Contract: Permanent
• Working Pattern: Full-time
• Number of Vacancies: 25
• Reference Number: 483331
• Application Deadline: Thursday, 5 November 2026, at 12 noon
• Locations: Various government offices across the UK
• Visa Sponsorship: Not confirmed in the advert
• Security Clearance: Security Check (SC) clearance required before starting the scheme

About the Cyber Security Fast Stream

Cybersecurity involves protecting computer systems, networks, software, infrastructure, data and digital services from unauthorised access, cyberattacks, damage and misuse.

As a Cyber Security Fast Streamer, you will have the opportunity to work across different areas of the UK Civil Service while developing the skills needed to help protect government operations and improve the security of public services.

Your placements may involve working with departmental colleagues, cybersecurity specialists and senior leaders to address evolving security challenges.

Key Responsibilities

Depending on your placement, your responsibilities may include:

• Advising senior management on cybersecurity strategy and policies.
• Providing guidance to ensure government systems are developed and delivered securely.
• Investigating indicators of potentially malicious activity and escalating incidents when necessary.
• Reviewing digital services to assess security risks and provide security assurance.
• Helping prevent and mitigate cyber risks across government systems and services.
• Leading teams responsible for detecting and responding to cyber incidents.
• Supporting the development of technology, processes and procedures to address emerging cyber threats.

The programme also provides opportunities to develop leadership and management capabilities through different postings and collaborative work.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Cyber Security Fast Stream 2027, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Be eligible to work in the UK.
• Hold, or be on track to obtain, a degree at 2:2 level or above, a degree apprenticeship qualification, or a postgraduate degree in any subject.
• Existing Civil Service employees may apply without a degree.
• Be able to obtain the required security clearance.

Security clearance: All successful Cyber Fast Streamers must secure Security Check (SC) clearance before starting the programme.

Applicants should review the official nationality requirements and security clearance conditions before submitting an application.

Behaviours Assessed

The recruitment process will assess candidates against the following Civil Service behaviours:

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

Salary and Benefits

The starting salary is £31,554 per year.

In addition to the salary, the role offers access to a range of Civil Service benefits, including:

• Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme, with an advertised employer contribution of 28.97%.
• Professional qualifications and specialist learning and development.
• Opportunities to work with cybersecurity experts.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Season ticket loans.
• Sports and social activities.
• Childcare assistance.
• Opportunities to develop leadership skills and progress within the Civil Service.

The programme provides experience in government cybersecurity and the protection of public services, including work involving sensitive and politically significant issues.

Location and Working Arrangements

The specific location will depend on the department and placement assigned to each successful candidate.

In 2026, new Fast Streamers were posted to government offices in the following regions:

• Greater London
• North East
• North West
• South West
• West Midlands
• Yorkshire and the Humber

Locations may change from year to year, and some candidates may need to relocate.

The recruitment team will aim to take individual location preferences into account where possible. However, placements must meet business needs, and candidates cannot choose their department or specific role.

Application and Selection Process

The Cyber Security Fast Stream uses the Civil Service Success Profiles recruitment framework.

Stage 1: Initial Application

Applicants will provide background information, answer diversity monitoring questions and indicate their preferences for the available Fast Stream schemes. Candidates may select up to three schemes.

Use a personal email address rather than a work or university email address when registering.

Stage 2: Online Assessments

Candidates will complete two online tests:

• Work-Based Scenarios: A video-based assessment measuring interpersonal skills and the ability to evaluate different responses to workplace situations.
• Case Study Assessment: A simulated work-based assessment requiring candidates to understand information, respond to challenges and adapt to changing circumstances.

Stage 3: Additional Information or Intermediate Sift

Depending on the schemes selected, applicants may be required to provide additional information or complete an intermediate sift.

Stage 4: Fast Stream Assessment Centre

Candidates who pass the earlier stages may be invited to a half-day virtual assessment centre.

This includes a written exercise, an oral briefing exercise and a personal development conversation.

Stage 5: Final Selection Board

Most schemes require a Final Selection Board for candidates who achieve the required standard at the assessment centre.

Reasonable adjustments are available to support candidates throughout the recruitment process.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications online through the official Civil Service Fast Stream recruitment portal.

Application Deadline: Thursday, 5 November 2026, at 12 noon.

Before applying, ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and understand the security clearance conditions.

Official Application Link: https://www.apply-civil-service-fast-stream.service.gov.uk/fset-fast-stream/signup

Original Vacancy Reference: 483331

Source: Civil Service Jobs – Fast Stream and Emerging Talent.

Important Information for Applicants Requiring Visa Sponsorship

The vacancy advert states that applicants must be eligible to work in the UK. It does not explicitly confirm that Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is available.

Candidates who need employer sponsorship should contact the recruitment team to confirm whether they can be considered before applying.

The vacancy also has nationality requirements specific to Civil Service employment, so applicants should check these conditions carefully.

Recruitment Contact: faststream.applicationsupport@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Recruitment Team: cabinetofficerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk