Government Social Research
The GSR Fast Stream is about providing a platform for social researchers with the talent and motivation to reach the highest levels of responsibility within the Civil Service. The programme is one way in which we can help to develop individuals for Senior Civil Service (SCS) roles as Chief Research Officers/Heads of Profession; for generic SCS Heads of Analysis roles; and for SCS roles elsewhere in the Civil Service.
It is important to see the introduction of the GSR Fast Stream in the context of the Professional Skills for Government (PSG) initiative. PSG promises greater development and broader career opportunities for all. The GSR Fast Stream is just one new development opportunity for GSR members. Those not on the Fast Stream - the vast majority of GSR members - are no less valuable to GSR and no less eligible for development or promotion.
Yes. Appointment to any role in GSR and the Civil Service will continue to be based on an individual’s competencies, skills and experience. The Fast Stream is a programme of development which aims to ensure that its participants gain the relevant competencies within a shorter time frame. The programme is very challenging and requires substantial commitment from the individual. It does not offer any rights to promotion over mainstream colleagues.
This is an opportunity for all Research Officers (ROs) and Senior Research Officers (SROs) who have the support of their Line Manager and Head of Profession. However, the scheme will be most suitable for ROs and newly recruited/promoted SROs, because established SROs with the potential are likely to reach Principal Research Officer (PRO, Grade 7 equivalent) under their own steam within a similar time frame.
Not necessarily. The GSR Fast Stream Development programme aims to accelerate a participant’s development so that they reach PRO within 4-5 years. On reaching PRO, they would technically cease to be a fast streamer, although the training and development programme should still continue for a total of 4 years even if they reach PRO within that time. This is to ensure that a fast streamer completes all the foundation training and development experiences that will support them later in their career.
The fast stream scheme will enable fast streamers to move posts more frequently and learn more quickly. PSG encourages civil servants to take charge of their own development so any RO or SRO who is keen to develop and progress quickly, should talk to their line manager about applying for the in-service GSR scheme.
It is more about a department(s) providing a programme of work and ‘postings’ for fast streamers than identifying specific posts. Deciding on an individual development programme will require considerable input and proactive management from the fast streamer.
See answer above. It is likely that smaller departments will work with other departments to ensure a suitable range of experience can be offered.
No. Although they should be in receipt of PRO pay more quickly.
It would depend on the department and whether there was enough suitable work to give you the breadth of experience you’d need. In the light of PSG it’s realistic to expect to do a posting in another department/career grouping.
HoPs will be responsible for confirming a place with each candidate and discussing with the Line Manager and fast streamer the start date, and the nature of the post/work programme on offer. It is unlikely that a fast streamer would need to move posts immediately in order to begin their programme of development.
A place on the GSR Fast Stream scheme will enable you to move posts more frequently and learn more quickly, and you should be ready for promotion to PRO sooner. Ideally, you’d be ready to take on a post in the Senior Civil Service a few years after that. Your work experience will be underpinned by a personal training and development programme, focussed on competencies you need both in the GSR Fast Stream and afterwards at more senior levels. Some departments will offer you a mentor - a senior manager from another team, who can give you extra advice and guidance. Your on the job training will be supplemented by formal training courses and periods of self-study. You can expect to receive around fifteen days formal training a year.
This should flow naturally from a two-way ongoing conversation/review about the fast streamers progress, between the fast streamer and their Line Manager/HoP.
No. The Fast Stream is only one development option; it won’t suit everyone. A decision not to apply doesn’t imply a lack of motivation.
The performance management system is separate from the Fast Stream. Fast streamers can expect to be set challenging objectives and to cope with change effectively. The performance management system assesses people against their objectives and in relation to their grade - not in relation to their Fast Stream status.
GSRU
February 2008
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