Government Operational Research Service Fast Stream 2025
Apply before Midday on Thursday 7th November 2024
Details
Reference number
374917
Salary
£31,186
A
Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP
Job grade
Higher Executive Officer
Contract type
Permanent
Business area
FSET - Centrally Managed Scheme
Type of role
Fast Stream
Working pattern
Full-time
Number of jobs available
53
Contents
Location
National
About the job
Job summary
On the Government Operational Research Service (GORS) Fast Stream, you’ll use scientific and mathematical techniques to find better solutions to government policy making and resolve complex management problems. This is a fast track leadership programme for the Operational Research profession.
Job description
Operational Research is the discipline of applying advanced analytical methods to help make better policy decisions.
You’ll do this using techniques ranging from quick calculations to complicated systems dynamics models, forecasting, simulation and analytics.
Different techniques can be used to objectively assess the current situation and how different changes might affect it. The work at the Operational Research Fast Stream brings government policy to life and has an impact on everyone in the UK. You will be using your intellect and creativity as problems can be complex, often with no single ‘right answer’. Your work will support all areas of government, including policy making, strategy and operations.
Operational researchers commonly work with economists, statisticians, social researchers, scientists and those in policy. Whilst most Operational Research fast streamers only work in analytical posts, it is also possible to take up generalist posts, such as working in a private office (working directly with a minister and liaising with departments on their behalf).
You will join the Government Operational Research Service with access to over 1,300 members. Successful completion of the scheme and subsequently gaining promotion will see you earn between £50k and 60k.
You’ll do this using techniques ranging from quick calculations to complicated systems dynamics models, forecasting, simulation and analytics.
Different techniques can be used to objectively assess the current situation and how different changes might affect it. The work at the Operational Research Fast Stream brings government policy to life and has an impact on everyone in the UK. You will be using your intellect and creativity as problems can be complex, often with no single ‘right answer’. Your work will support all areas of government, including policy making, strategy and operations.
Operational researchers commonly work with economists, statisticians, social researchers, scientists and those in policy. Whilst most Operational Research fast streamers only work in analytical posts, it is also possible to take up generalist posts, such as working in a private office (working directly with a minister and liaising with departments on their behalf).
You will join the Government Operational Research Service with access to over 1,300 members. Successful completion of the scheme and subsequently gaining promotion will see you earn between £50k and 60k.
Person specification
- you need to be eligible to work in the UK
- you need, or expect to receive, a 2:1 or higher, degree apprenticeship in a highly numerate degree subject
- or 2:2 with a highly numerate postgraduate degree (subjects like maths, statistics and physics; for mixed degrees, at least 50% should be in a highly numerate subject)
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
Alongside your salary of £31,186, contributes
£9,034 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
You’ll have a unique chance to work on issues that really matter, and to gain experience internally and externally. It’s the best foundation for promotion and long term career progression.
Other benefits include the Civil Service Pension Scheme, professional qualifications, flexible working, season ticket loans, sports and social activities, childcare assistance and more.
Other benefits include 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
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours.
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.
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
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
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).
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).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the
Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window)
and the
Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available.
You may want to save a copy for your records.
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
Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles.
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.
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.
