Government Policy

Government Policy Fast Stream 2027 – 200 Vacancies | £31,554 Salary

Visa sponsorship: Not stated in the advert. Applicants must already be eligible to work in the UK. The advert does not confirm that visa sponsorship is available, so check eligibility with the recruitment team before applying.

Employer: Cabinet Office – Fast Stream and Emerging Talent
Salary: £31,554 per year
Job Grade: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time
Number of Vacancies: 200
Reference Number: 483243
Closing Date: Thursday, 5 November 2026, at 12 noon

About the Government Policy Fast Stream

The Government Policy Fast Stream 2027 is a three-year development programme for people interested in building a career in government policy and public service.

Successful applicants will work on policies that support government priorities, help ministers make informed decisions and improve outcomes for the public.

You will collaborate with ministers, civil servants and external stakeholders to develop policy proposals, assess their impact and oversee their implementation. The programme provides experience in strategic thinking, problem-solving, government decision-making and policy delivery.

The scheme is designed to develop future leaders, with structured training, professional development and opportunities to build a strong network across the Civil Service.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and contribute to government policy proposals.
• Support ministers with objective, impartial advice on policy issues.
• Assess policy options, their implications and practical deliverability.
• Work with other Civil Service professions and stakeholder networks.
• Monitor policy implementation and recommend changes where necessary.
• Build effective working relationships across government.
• Develop strategic, analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
• Understand government systems and the workings of Parliament.
• Work collaboratively in a fast-paced and changing environment.

Some opportunities may involve working with other governments in the UK and overseas.

Eligibility and Requirements

To apply, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be eligible to work in the UK.
• Hold, or be on track to achieve, a degree at 2:2 level or above in any subject, including a degree apprenticeship.
• Existing Civil Servants may apply without a degree.

The advert also outlines nationality requirements for Civil Service employment. Eligible groups include British and Irish nationals, certain Commonwealth nationals with the right to work in the UK, and specified other nationalities and immigration-status categories.

Applicants should check the official nationality and eligibility guidance before applying.

Location

Placements depend on the department and its office locations. Regions where new Fast Streamers were placed in 2026 included:

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

You may occasionally need to relocate. Preferences will be considered where possible, but placements are determined by business needs. Candidates cannot choose their specific department or role.

Salary, Pension and Benefits

The starting salary is £31,554 per year, alongside a Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.

Other benefits include:

• At least 25 days of annual leave, plus public holidays.
• Structured training and development opportunities.
• The opportunity to gain a professional qualification.
• Responsibility and autonomy across different roles.
• Access to senior civil servants and a network of future leaders.
• Potential opportunities for international work.
• Flexible working opportunities.
• Season ticket loans, childcare assistance and sports and social activities.
• Support when moving from the scheme into a permanent policy role.

Successful completion of the programme may lead to earning opportunities of approximately £45,000–£62,000, depending on the subsequent role.

Training and Career Development

The programme lasts three years and provides a structured learning curriculum alongside practical experience in government policy.

You will develop the skills needed to progress within the Civil Service, including policy analysis, strategic thinking, communication, stakeholder engagement and decision-making.

The programme is intended to provide a foundation for long-term career progression and future leadership responsibilities.

Application and Selection Process

Applications involve several stages:

1. Initial application

Complete your background information and diversity-monitoring questions, then select up to three preferred Fast Stream schemes. Register using a personal email address rather than a work or university email.

2. Online assessments

Candidates will complete two online tests:

• Work-based scenarios: Assess your interpersonal skills and your ability to judge the effectiveness of different responses.
• Case study assessment: Tests how you respond to workplace challenges, interpret information and adapt to changing circumstances.

3. Additional scheme requirements

Some schemes may require extra information or an intermediate assessment 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.

5. Final Selection Board

Most schemes require a further selection board for candidates who meet the required standard at the assessment centre.

Reasonable adjustments are available for candidates who need support during the recruitment process.

Security Checks

Successful candidates may undergo Security Check (SC) clearance. Applicants who are not eligible for SC clearance are encouraged to consider applying, as some roles require only Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks.

A basic criminal record check or equivalent is also required.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official Civil Service Fast Stream recruitment website.

Closing date: Thursday, 5 November 2026, at 12 noon.

Official vacancy source: Civil Service Jobs
Reference: 483243
Recruitment contact: faststream.applicationsupport@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.