All applications must be made online via the Fast Stream website, via the Analytical Fast Stream.
The Fast Stream is exempt from the public sector recruitment freeze, and therefore the GES will continue to recruit Assistant Economists.
What qualifications do I need?
To join as an Assistant Economist you need to have, or expect to obtain in 2012, a first or upper second-class honours degree in economics, or a postgraduate degree in economics. At least 50% of the course modules must be in economics. If your first degree was not economics or was a 2:2, your masters will need to be in straight economics. You must have studied both macro and microeconomics to qualify. If you graduated more than 5 years ago, you must give examples in the competency section of the application form, of economic articles and books you have read in depth to demonstrate that you have maintained competency in economics.
Nationality requirements
Government Economic Service
Posts are open to UK nationals but most departments also have posts open to Commonwealth citizens, EEA nationals and Swiss nationals who have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom.
Diplomatic Service Economist
You must be a British citizen. There is also a residency requirement. For more information click here
Candidates with disabilities
The Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities employer and we have designed the Fast Stream online application form to be accessible. The selection process does contain electronic tests, some of which are also on-line, and we strongly recommend that you use the on-line application process unless you are unable or will be disadvantaged by doing so. Candidates with disabilities (as defined in the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act) can choose to declare that they require adjustments and can opt to by-pass the online tests. We can make a range of provisions, including modified PCs, special chairs, trained readers and adjustment of time in the invigilated exercise (e-Tray).
2012 Economist Fast Stream
Due to a decrease in the number of fast stream economist vacancies this year, it is unlikely that we will be running a second round in 2012.
If you choose an Analytical Fast Stream (Economist, Statistician, Social Researcher or Operational Researcher), you will not be able to apply for GFS, TIB, NI, EFS, and the HR Fast Streams in the same year, and vice versa. You can apply for more than one scheme in the Analytical Fast Stream, but these must be in the same recruitment round.
You cannot apply for the GES Economist, Statistician, Social Researcher or Operational Researcher schemes on more than one occasion between September 2011 and April 2012. If you apply for Round 2 of any of the Analytical schemes, having already applied to Round 1 of any of the Analytical schemes, it will constitute a second application and will receive an automatic fail.
Dates for the Economic Assessment Centres (EAC) are detailed below. If you want an early EAC date, you must complete each stage of the application process promptly.
2012 Round 2 Scheme Timetable
|
Government Economic Service |
Diplomatic Service |
|
|
Round 2 Opens |
05 March 2012 |
N/A |
|
Round 2 Closes |
10 April 2012 |
N/A |
|
EAC Open Days |
Mid-April & mid-May 2012* |
N/A |
|
Economic Assessment Centres |
10,11,17,18 and 28 May** |
N/A |
|
Fast stream Assessment Centres |
June 2012** |
N/A |
*Only candidates invited to EAC can register for the EAC Open Days
**Some EAC and FSAC dates may be subject to change