The Civil Service Fast Stream is the UK government’s flagship graduate programme, designed to develop the next generation of leaders across the Civil Service, and offers a structured, fast-track route into a wide range of careers, combining hands-on experience with formal training and support.
With a variety of specialist schemes available, the Fast Stream provides opportunities for graduates and civil servants to contribute to meaningful work that shapes public services and policy. Two of these are the Digital and Cyber Security Fast Stream schemes.
The Digital and Cyber Security Fast Stream schemes
The Digital and the Cyber Security Fast Stream programmes are two separate specialist schemes. Each serve as a comprehensive leadership development pathway for the next generation of innovators in the digital and cyber security professions.
The Fast Streamers are at the forefront of crucial work on high-impact projects, from improving how people access government services, to improving the UK's cyber resilience. Their work plays an important role in modernising public services and protecting the UK’s digital infrastructure.
Both the Digital and Cyber Security Fast Stream run for three years and follow a common structure used across the wider Fast Stream. Over the course of the programme, participants typically rotate through different roles and departments. They gain insight into how government works, while building the skills needed to take on senior positions.
Where they differ is in focus, skills and the types of roles participants undertake. Digital Fast Stream participants work in digital roles across government to improve how public services are designed, delivered and experienced by users. This stream has six roles. Four technical roles that include product manager, delivery manager, business analyst and user researcher. From 2025, we have also introduced two non-technical roles, that of the software developer and data scientist.
Cyber Security Fast Stream participants work in various government areas, covering both technical and non-technical roles, depending on the chosen pathway. On the Cyber Security Fast Stream programme, participants learn the practice of protecting systems, networks, programmes, the data on them, and the services they provide, from unauthorised access, digital attacks, harm or misuse.
Life at Government Digital Service (GDS)
One of the most exciting places a Fast Streamer might work is at GDS. As part of the team, they could work on areas such as:
- Building platforms: Working on services which millions use in their day to day lives.
- Innovation: Exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies can make public services faster and simpler.
- User-centric design: Ensuring that government services work for everyone, regardless of their technical ability.
Who can apply to the Fast Stream?
People with analytical minds and problem solvers from all walks of life can apply to the Fast Stream. Whether this is someone just finishing university, or already working in government, the door is open.
- You need to have or be expecting a 2:2 degree or higher in any subject. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a STEM degree. We value diverse perspectives and a passion for tech.
- If you are already a Civil Servant, you can apply to the Fast Stream to accelerate your career, without a degree, provided you meet the internal eligibility criteria.
Why choose the Digital or Cyber Security Fast Stream?
The digital and cyber landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and the Civil Service is keeping stride. By joining either of these streams, you can actively participate in the conversations and decisions that shape the future of the UK’s digital landscape.
Here, your voice and expertise will help bring about meaningful change, placing you at the heart of innovation and improvement in public service.
Keep an eye out! Over the coming weeks, we’ll be publishing a series of case studies featuring our current digital and cyber security Fast Streamers. They’ll be sharing their experience and insights, the challenges they've tackled, and what a typical day looks like on the Fast Stream programme.
Leave a comment