The Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) Fast Stream has been running for 4 years now. Our fast streamers work in an unparalleled range of roles from enabling businesses to trade, to improving access to justice, protecting us from cyber attacks and safeguarding our environment.
We also help those who need support - including society’s most vulnerable people - so our work is really important.
Choosing the right technology for these services can be life changing for millions of people.
So the public sector needs leaders who get technology. It needs people who are passionate about applying digital tools to public problems and people who understand the potential of technology across and beyond government.
Our leaders should also reflect the diversity of the public that we serve, and this year we climbed into the top 10 of the Social Mobility Employer Index.
Now’s your chance to join us and make a difference because the DDaT Fast Stream has just started accepting applications for its next round.
It’s a 4 year programme open to graduates and current civil servants, designed to grow future leaders across government.
What you will do
Currently ranked number 2 in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers, the Fast Stream is a fantastic opportunity to get your career off to a flying start.
We give fast streamers the opportunity to work across many government departments and a variety of different public sector organisations.
They undertake 6 different roles over the 4 years, developing essential digital, data and technology skills as well as a broad range of experience and training that's vital for senior leaders in the Civil Service.
This training may include learning about emerging technologies and agile methodologies at the GDS Academy, data analytics with the Office of National Statistics, cyber security techniques, or learning how to code. Throughout the programme you’ll be learning from brilliant and talented colleagues and mentors.
Over the past 4 years, the scope of the DDaT Fast Stream has continuously adapted to meet the needs of digital government.
Earlier this year we introduced a new learning programme for final year fast streamers. It includes a residential course at Cranfield University focused on leadership, policy, technology, strategy and performance - alongside a competition to attend a major technology conference in the US or the UK.
Crossing borders
This month we led a team of 11 fast streamers on a week long programme of activities in the US, including attending TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2018.
We met with innovative technology companies to learn about their ways of working and emerging technologies. Some of these new technologies will become commonplace, such as linking medical devices with doctors and patients so that remote diagnosis and intervention can occur.
Also on the agenda was meeting the British Consulate’s technology team to discuss how they work with British companies seeking to gain access to the US tech sector.
We also met the GBX community - British expats who are tech investors, executives and coaches. They shared insights into the San Francisco technology environment including the corporate, investment and social culture underpinning it.
We ended the trip with a visit to the San Francisco State Government to discuss its digital service programmes and the Civic Bridge project, where it partners with industry volunteers to work on social problems.
It was a valuable opportunity for our fast streamers to develop their knowledge and bring it back to the UK government.
Sinéad Krzyzyk, who was part of the group, said learning about a different side of the technology industry would help her engage with business stakeholders and allow her to “take back the best parts of that world” into her department.
“It was really useful for understanding emerging technology and seeing where we could solve government problems with innovative solutions," she added.
The DDaT Fast Stream is an opportunity to be a part of something which matters: applying technology to help build a better and safer society that is easier for people to navigate.
As technology continues to develop and new ideas generate a world of possibilities, businesses are ever increasingly becoming technology organisations.
Being on the DDaT Fast Stream will give you essential skills, unique experiences and the best possible start to your career.
And at the same time, you can help make the UK a better place.
Applications for the DDaT Fast Stream are open until 25 October 2018.
You can ask Iain a question during the Fast Stream Facebook Live Q&A on 25 September from 12 to 1pm. There will also be a Twitter Q&A in early October - follow @DigiCareersGov for updates.
