Digital Fast Stream

This is a 3-year scheme delivered via Government Digital & Data, offering the chance to learn and work in a fast-paced, learner-driven environment.

What you'll experience

You will contribute to making government services more secure, user-friendly, and relevant, while protecting critical systems and safeguarding citizens' data. Projects have included work on GOV.UK One Login, developing a new payment system for prisons, collaborating on emerging technologies, and developing a DDaT allowance and assessment process.

Throughout the scheme, you will receive extensive support, with opportunities to lead projects and engage with senior stakeholders. Upon successful completion, you can expect to earn between £45,000 and £55,000 in your first role post-Fast Stream, equipping you with the skills and experience to become a leader within the UK Civil Service.

Entry Requirements

• You must be eligible to work in the UK.
• You need, or expect to receive, a 2:2, a degree apprenticeship, or postgraduate degree in any subject.
• Existing civil servants can apply without a degree.
• If pursuing a technical role, you must secure SC clearance before starting the scheme.

Benefits

• Start your career in Government Digital and Data, improving public services.
• Work with experts and access specialist learning and development resources.
• Gain skills and experience to become a credible leader.
• Civil Service Pension Scheme.
• Professional qualifications.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Season ticket loans.
• Sports and social activities.
• Childcare assistance.

Supporting your learning

The scheme includes a dynamic introduction to Government Digital and Data, regardless of your first 12-month posting. You will receive a blend of technical training, core skills development, leadership, communication, and teamwork activities. Learning pathways will be tailored to your assigned role, with support through e-learning, virtual and face-to-face classrooms, mentoring, and work shadowing.

About the scheme

Digital fast streamers operate across the UK Civil Service, expanding leadership and management skills through a number of postings. You will work in various government areas, covering both technical and non-technical roles.

Non-technical roles include:

• Product Manager
• Delivery Manager
• Business Analyst
• User Researcher

Technical roles (from 2026) include:

• Software Developer
• Data Scientist

Scheme placement details

You will complete 12-month postings each year.

Non-technical roles strand: Involves rotation across different departments and roles, gaining exposure to delivery manager, product manager, business analyst, and user researcher.

Technical roles strand (piloted from 2026): You can choose to specialise in either Software Developer or Data Scientist, with opportunities to rotate across departments but not roles. This pathway is for those seeking a specialised career in a technical field.

By the end of the scheme, you will be equipped to lead in a range of high Government Digital and Data areas.