By Elliot Drury, Civil Service Fast Stream Statistician based in the Scottish Government (MSci Psychology 2023)
Connect with Elliot on LinkedIn
I graduated in 2023 with an MSci in Psychology from Royal Holloway, and now work for the Civil Service in their Fast Stream graduate scheme. I want to share my reflections after a year on the scheme and provide some insight as to how I have found the transition into working as a statistician for the Civil Service.
About Me
I have a degree in Psychology, and as anyone currently studying in the Psychology Department knows, statistics and research methods are a core part of the degree at Holloway. This focus on statistics has gone onto define my early career, as by leaning into these modules, I now work on official statistics used in Government. I was immediately drawn into the application of statistics and whilst studying, I was able to explore this passion, working with Dr Rob Lachlan in my final 2 years on projects studying the behaviour of songbirds.
Whilst I enjoyed these projects a great deal, I completed my degree and knew I didn’t want to stay in academia. Rather, I stumbled across the Civil Service’s Fast Stream programme (CSFS) and haven’t looked back since. After researching the opportunities available across the Civil Service, I started the lengthy application process and landed a position on the Statistics pathway.
Civil Service Fast Stream Application Process
I want to stress again; the application process is extensive. I registered my interest to apply on 15/11/2022 and was finally offered a position on 27/04/2023. That means I spent most of my final year completing the application tests alongside my studies. All details on the application process can be found on their website, and rather than rehash that, I can reflect on my tips for your own application.
Firstly, understand you are not the final product. The CSFS is a development programme, and the application process is supposed to find the potential in you. When doing an online test, or interview scenario, the expectation could never be for a flawless performance. Rather focus on providing clear answers to the question in front of you, and this takes practice. During my final year I would take every opportunity to engage in pressured situations. I would present during seminars, ask questions during dissertation meetings, and present work at any given opportunity.
The Fast Stream has a well-documented set of skills and behaviours that you will need to evidence. These ‘success profiles’ are designed to be general, and you will have examples to draw from already. I would recommend you prepare examples to draw on that cover a couple of the behaviours in question. In being able to draw on an experience and communicate a reflection on how you displayed a behaviour, you will show an interviewer how you are aware of how development opportunities arise in a variety of contexts.
Finally, the Civil Service Jobs searcher is a fantastic tool. When applying to the Fast Stream, you select multiple specialist schemes to be tested for suitability, and progress with those you show technical, personal and developmental skills within. If you are unsure about any of the schemes, use the job searcher to find similar roles (filter the Grade t0 HEO/SEO/Grade 7), and get an understanding for the qualifications and skills necessary for the role. These will need to be taken with a pinch of salt, as the roles on the Fast Stream can demand more ‘leadership’ tasks, but the essence of the type of role will be the same.
My role as a Statistician
The Fast Stream offers 4 analytical schemes, which will have some overlapping roles, but generally will enable individuals to use their specialist and technical skills to improve analysis across Government. In order to qualify for these select schemes you need to evidence a minimum standard of numeracy skill, including understanding theory, applications and evaluations of methods, in my case having knowledge of general statistical techniques and analyses. Having done the statistics courses at Royal Holloway, I know the content they teach covers the requirements for the entry tests, and I only required polishing up my knowledge for some topics.
Importantly, the Fast Stream isn’t looking for the best of the best statisticians, but individuals with the subject expertise and confidence to use them in Government decision making. So, whilst it is important to know the technical details, you will be expected to work with analysts and policy colleagues who don’t share that education. This requires Fast Stream analysts to be confident in using their knowledge to find answers to questions and communicate the recommendations in a manner that accounts for the comprehension of the audience. So, whilst studying to get the grades at university will help build the foundational knowledge of statistics, you need to be capable of distilling the reasoning behind their application and justifying your answers without relying on technical jargon.
Concluding thoughts
I recognise my bias, but I could not recommend the Fast Stream enough. It has provided me with a stable and challenging career in public service. Already in a year I have led project teams, worked with Senior Civil Servants, and met Fast Streamers who work across the country, and internationally. It really is a challenge at times, but it is designed to be that way. You enter your scheme with a highly developed academic background, and must pivot immediately, no longer working with peers taught the same topics and writing the same essays. But now alongside colleagues with rich working histories and experience in their sectors spanning decades.
If you are considering a career starting in the Fast Stream, you can contact me on LinkedIn. I have spoken to many prospective applicants and would be happy to answer any questions you have. For those of you applying for the upcoming openings on the Fast Stream, good luck and remember to trust your ability.