Government Social Research Service Fast Stream 2025
Apply before Midday on Thursday 7th November 2024
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About the job
Job summary
Government Social Research is the analytical profession that provides social and behavioural research and advice to the government. Our researchers enable the government to understand issues relating to society, groups and individuals; supporting policy debate and decision making through a variety of approaches, advice and evidence.
Job description
We aim to deliver the best social science evidence for the government and we need highly skilled social and behavioural scientists to do that. You can read more about our strategy and commitment to diversity and inclusion in our strategies. As a Government Social Research Fast Streamer, you’ll contribute to the identification, investigation and reporting of social trends, the development of government policy, and the monitoring and evaluation of how policies make a difference to public services.
You will develop your social research skills, learning how social researchers operate in government, contributing to evidence-based decision making, evaluation, and consideration of the social dimension of differing policy areas and challenges.
Fast streamers are represented in all the main government departments, as well as the devolved administrations and other government bodies. On scheme, you will therefore undertake a broad range of tasks, building up your professional and leadership experience, and developing your skills as a social researcher. Your work might involve developing surveys, analysing data, producing statistics and reviewing existing research evidence. The work you do may also involve working with other analysts in government to provide timely, relevant and robust briefings for policy colleagues and ministers.
Promotion and successful completion of the scheme will see you earn between £45k and £55k. The scheme is designed so that, wherever you find yourself working in government beyond the Fast Stream scheme, you will have the skills and experience that allow you to be a professional leader within government, helping ensure that social research and analysis sit at the heart of the policy-making, monitoring and evaluation processes.
Person specification
You need to be eligible to work in the UK
You can apply through either one of the following routes:
1) Qualification route. You need, or expect to receive, a minimum of a 2:1 in your undergraduate degree, or a 2:2 with a postgraduate degree.
A qualifying degree is one which contains substantial social research methods training (comprising one third of modules taken in the course) including quantitative research methods and at least three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design and hypothesis testing; and application of ethics to research.
2) Experience route. You need, or expect to receive an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:1, or 2:2 with a postgraduate degree, in any subject, or a degree equivalent (e.g. an advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS), plus have at least 4 years’ social research practice experience. Social research practice experience consists of experience working in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team. You must make explicit the breadth and depth of your research experience and skills. Your experience must include quantitative research methods and three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Changing and Improving
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
- Developing Self and Others
Benefits
In addition you will also have access to the benefits available to all UK civil servants, including the Civil Service Pension Scheme, professional qualifications, flexible working, season ticket loans, sports and social activities, childcare assistance and more.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
There are several phases in the Fast Stream application process. Some of these assessments are multimedia in that they present information in video, audio, graphical or visual formats, as well as text. We hope you find it an engaging process and one that gives you a real insight into the role of a fast streamer.
At the initial application stage you will be asked to complete some background information which will include some diversity questions - which are for monitoring purposes only and will have no bearing on selection outcomes - along with the opportunity to identify your preferences in terms of the different Fast Stream schemes. You can choose up to four.
When you apply please register with a personal email address, and not a work or university email address.
Assessment Phases
There are 3 online tests:
Using Data - In this test you will be asked to weigh up options and to make decisions on different scenarios, perform calculations, solve problems and evaluate and interpret numerical information.
Work-based scenarios - This test measures interpersonal skills, utilising video based scenarios and you are required to assess the effectiveness of various responses.
Case Study assessment - In this test you are required to take Work based scenarios on an imaginary role, learning and responding to a series of challenges and situations and adapting to the changes you are presented with.
Additional information - depending on the schemes you have chosen, there may be additional information to be completed, or an intermediate sift process.
The FSAC reflects some of the key elements of a Fast Stream role and will consist of a Written Advice Exercise, Stakeholder Communication Exercise and Personal Development Conversation. Information will be presented via an app that you will be able to access remotely on a laptop.
Final Selection Board - most schemes will then require a Final Selection Board. We'll ask you to attend this final assessment if you reach the required standard at FSAC.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : faststream.applicationsupport@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
- Email : faststream.applicationsupport@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : faststream.applicationsupport@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and wish to make a complaint, then in the first instance you should contact Government Recruitment Service at: cabinetofficerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
If you are not satisfied with the response that you receive, then you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: info@csc.gov.uk.
For further information on the Recruitment Principles, and bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission, please visit their website at: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk.
