'Great news': Former cab sec welcomes increased Fast Stream interest

But union warns government not to get complacent on pay
Photo: Cliff Hide General News/Alamy

By Tevye Markson

04 Oct 2024

Former cabinet secretary Lord Gus O’Donnell has welcomed the increase in applications to the Fast Stream this year.

Earlier this week, Civil Service World reported on the newly-published data for fast stream applications to the 2024 intake which showed a big rise in interest following three years of falling numbers of applicants.  

Speaking to CSW, O’Donnell said: “This is great news. It would be good to know how much of the increase was the result of expectations of a change to an administration that many hope will be more respectful of the civil service.”

The FDA has cautioned, however, that the Cabinet Office must ensure that fast streamers get competitive pay in next year’s pay round if it is to keep the graduate scheme competitive.

Matt Barrow, the FDA’s national officer for the Fast Stream, told CSW: “The FDA has previously argued that the fall in the number of Fast Stream applicants was a result of the broken civil service pay system. The Cabinet Office can never again allow a situation to develop where fast streamers are having to skip meals and take on second jobs just to get by.

“While our historic 2023 pay deal – which saw our members receive salary increases of up to 22.5% – rectified historic pay issues, it did not fix civil service pay. As we look towards the upcoming pay round, Fast Stream pay must compete with other leadership development schemes and continue to make a career in public service an attractive option.”

The Institute for Government also warned that the government “shouldn't be complacent” about the increased interest.

Jordan Urban, a senior researcher in the think tank’s civil service and policy making team, told CSW: “It’s a welcome sign that the number of applications have bounced back. But it’s still 26% lower than the number who applied in 2021 and, despite the good news, the government shouldn’t be complacent. Assessing why numbers are still down is important.

“The fast stream is one of the UK’s elite graduate schemes and many fast streamers go on to hold top roles. Getting the very best people from across the country to apply is crucial.”

Last week, the Fast Stream retained its status as the second-best UK graduate employer in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers rankings. The Fast Stream re-opens for applications on 10 October. 

The Cabinet Office has been approached for comment.

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