Government Analysis Function > Government Statistical Service and Statistician Group > GSS careers and learning > Government Statistical Service (GSS) Fast Stream

Government Statistical Service (GSS) Fast Stream

The Civil Service Fast Stream is an accelerated development programme to senior leadership with a supported curriculum and other development activity. The GSS scheme is a centrally run scheme, managed by the Cabinet Office as part of its overall Fast Stream offering.

Being on one of the Fast Stream schemes allows you to skip some of the lower grades in your career progression, allowing you to get to leadership roles faster.

The Fast Stream schemes, the GSS and the government professions

There are a range of Fast Stream schemes available, most of which are based on the government profession you wish to progress through.

If you join the Government Statistical Service (GSS) Fast Stream you will automatically join the GSS and the Government Statistician Group (GSG) because you will have passed a badging exercise as part of your interview process.

Find out more about the GSS, the GSG and the other government professions.

Find out more about joining the GSG as a Fast Streamer.

Find out more about the Civil Service Fast Stream.

Analytical learning and development

To complement your Fast Stream core learning which focuses on leadership, you will also be asked to complete the GSS Fast Stream statistical learning offer.

All GSS Fast Streamers must attend GSS Fast Stream induction.

The GSS Fast Stream learning offer has been developed containing technical learning modules for years 1 and 2 Fast Streamers from 2024. This is organised into themes.

Part A: Core Analytical Learning

For the Software and Coding theme, you should select and complete learning across the two years that is relevant to your role and responsibilities. For all other themes, you are asked to complete all of the modules.

The modules for this theme are:

All of these modules are available on the Learning Hub. Each module will take 1 hour to complete.

The modules for this theme are:

The modules for this theme are:

The courses and resources for this theme are:

  • Data visualisation e-learning — this course is available on the Analysis Function website and will take between 3 and 5 hours to complete
  • Writing about Statistics — this resource is available on the Analysis Function website and will take between 2 and 3 hours to complete

The modules for this theme are:

There are many resources available to enhance your learning, including:

Part B: GSS-specific learning

The courses and modules are:

  • the Fast Stream GSG Induction Course — all Fast Streamers will receive invitations to attend this course
  • Quality statistics in government — this learning module is available on the Learning Hub and will take 1 hour to complete
  • Introduction to Bayesian data analysis — this module is available on the Learning Hub and will take 6 hours to complete
Guidance documents and resources

The mandatory resources are:

This learning is the foundational learning offer for all GSS Fast Streamers. You will identify further learning requirements relevant to your role, please discuss this with your departmental Activity Manager. You may wish to consult with the Analysis Function Learning Curriculum to consider the technical and wider learning options available.

More information on the professional L&D offer is available in the GSS Fast Streamer Guide, available to all new Fast Streamers on joining.

All Fast Streamers will also have access to cohort days. These days allow Fast Streamers to share best practice and learning from peers, other cohorts and invited speakers.

Corporate Membership

Membership of the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) is now included as part of the benefits of being on the scheme.

The Royal Statistical Society has over 10000 members and is the UK’s professional body for statistics and data analysis. It works to further the cause of statistics and data in society and in policy formulation and from time to time works closely with GSS.

RSS fellow level membership and fees will be paid for directly by Fast Stream and Early Talent team and recharged to Departments as part of their costs for employing GSS Fast Streamers. New starters from 2021 will automatically be enrolled with the RSS.

As a Fellow, members:

  • can access the RSS website including wider development material
  • will receive the quarterly “Significance” magazine
  • have the opportunity to network with others in the profession including industry and other public sector statisticians.

If you leave the Fast Stream, you may retain your membership for the remainder of the membership term but you will lose your automatic annual renewal of RSS paid for through the Fast Stream.  You can then assess whether this can be claimed from your new organisation or you no longer wish to be a member.

Fast Stream skills passport

The skills passport for the GSS Fast Stream (ODT, 40KB) should be a live, continuous record of the technical statistical skills that Fast Streamers develop over the course of the scheme.

It should be completed in addition to the core Fast Stream skills passport where Fast Streamers record leadership and behavioural skills. It should be reviewed periodically during development conversations with activity managers and one-to-ones with skills capability managers.

Training bursary for year three and four

A bursary is available, in the sum of £1000, to all GSS Fast Streamers to be used for additional learning and development during Y3 and/or Y4.

The full principles and process are set out below with the GSS Fast Stream Bursary template.

  1. Learning must be used to improve statistical knowledge, networking and leadership, not generic leadership.
  2. It is advisable to consult the Government Statistician Group (GSG) Career Framework and analytical Learning Pathway for professional learning.
  3. Fast streamers must allow enough time for learning events to be approved.
  4. Learning must be £1000 inclusive of VAT, where applicable, or less. Any associated travel and subsistence costs are to be claimed in the normal way through Workday.
  5. Learning selected must not be available free of charge or at a lower cost through other internal Civil Service routes.

The type of learning and development activity could be:

  • formal learning
  • attending conferences or events
  • books
  • modules within a university course
  • learning provided by the Royal Statistical Society (RSS)
  • Government Analysis Function learning from other professions

Step 1

Fast Streamers consider their development requirements and discuss it with their Activity Manager, in line with principles.

Fast Streamers must complete the GSS Fast Stream Training Bursary Form and submit it to their Activity Manager who should send it to the FSET Statistics Business Engagement Manager using statsfaststreamteam@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Step 2

The Business Engagement Manager reviews the learning to make sure it meets the principles.

If the learning does not meet the principles, the Business Engagement Manager will discuss this with the Fast Streamer and Activity Manager to explain why the application does not meet the principles. Alternative learning routes will be suggested to the Fast Streamer.

Step 3

The Business Engagement Manager signs off the request and submits the form to the Fast Stream Early Talent (FSET) Statistics Scheme Lead for overall approval. The form will be shared with FSET Finance colleagues to approve the request through workday or book the learning where appropriate.

Step 4

The FSET Finance Team recharge costs from the department.

Step 5

Fast Streamers book their learning and submit evidence through workday or ask the FSET Finance team to book on their behalf.

Step 6

Fast Streamers attend learning and share their experiences with the Activity Manager. This will help them find out more about the type and value of the learning and assess the value for money it represents.

Step 7

FSET Business Engagement Manager will keep an overall list of learning type and cost for each cohort of Fast Streamers. This is to be shared with the GSS Careers Team on every year.

Step 8

GSS Careers Team review and evaluate learning with input from Learning and Development Steering Group.

Download a copy of the GSS Fast Stream Bursary Form

How your progress is assessed

This information is for fast streamers that are in cohorts 2021, 2022 and 2023 only. Cohorts from 2024 onwards should refer to the GSS fast streamer guide on the Cabinet Office Fast Stream intranet.

All GSS Fast Streamers will be encouraged and supported to review statistical, as well as leadership progress throughout their time on the scheme. The main tool to help with this is the GSS Fast Stream Skills Passport (ODT, 25KB).

During the second year on the scheme all Fast Streamers are assessed through a Development Trajectory Assessment to ensure they are on course to Grade 7 (G7) for their leadership element.

For the GSS scheme we also ask that in months 22 and 23 of the scheme the activity manager checks in with the Fast Streamer to review their statistical progress.

The End of Scheme Assessment is the final formal assessment completed by the Fast Streamer and is the gateway to their exit and graduation from the scheme. The Fast Streamer is required to present a suite of evidence from their time on the programme, to demonstrate their capability to perform at G7 level.

For the GSS scheme our Fast Streamers will be assessed on:

  • the leadership behaviours
  • the statistical competencies

Successful completion of this enables the Fast Streamer to apply for G7 statistical roles and means they are badged as a G7 statistician.

If you are a current GSS Fast Streamer and would like more information on any of these assessments, please contact your Skills Capability Manager.

Senior Leaders Blogs

Hear more from a range of colleagues who all started out as government statisticians, and are now in senior roles (Director or above), about what they are doing now and advice they would give to help current statisticians think about their future careers.

Statistician pathways – what could your future look like?

This year I’ve enjoyed being cohort sponsor for the Year 1 Government Statistical Service (GSS) Fast Stream. It’s been great to hear about the new skills they’ve gained and the experiences they are embracing to set them up for their future careers.

In talking to them it’s clear they are ambitious, and rightly so! However, they also highlighted a lack of awareness of statisticians in senior roles in government. With this in mind, I spoke to colleagues in senior roles who had been government statisticians early in their careers, to find out more about their careers and see what advice they had for the latest recruits.

However, before sharing more on this, I can’t pass over one of the most well-known and influential individuals in the creation of the GSS. Harold Wilson, while best known as Prime Minister, he was also Director of Economics and Statistics in the Ministry of Fuel and Power and a Royal Statistical Society (RSS) Fellow. In fact, he was president of the RSS between 1972 and 1973. The GSS was formed while Harold Wilson was Prime Minister, in response to recommendations made by Claus Moser as Director of the Central Statistical Office.

Since then, we have seen statisticians rise to permanent secretary – whether as National Statistician (John Pullinger) or leading a ministerial department (Robert Devereux, Department for Transport and Department for Work and Pensions).

What do statisticians go on to do in government?

The experiences of the individuals above and our current senior colleagues show that being a statistician provides an excellent basis for a future career in a range of roles in the civil service. When I spoke to statisticians who have gone on to senior roles their current roles included policy, programme management, analytical leadership and data focused positions. They universally felt their background as a statistician was helping in their current roles.

How does a statistical background help in senior roles?

The analytical approach to problem solving was seen as valuable irrespective of the current role.

“I have found being a statistician a huge advantage – a culture of innovation, automation, thinking of the end-to-end delivery model to see where data collection, reporting, metrics, insight fit in.”

Ian Knowles, Chief Analyst, Department for Education

“I am in a policy role, and have analysts to support me, but my stats background comes in handy all the time.”

David Fry, Director, Office of Manpower Economics

What do individuals most enjoy about their current roles?

The breadth of aspects individuals enjoy is wide, including, collaboration, innovation, and working with talented colleagues. Though the aspect that came across most strongly – and with most passion – is the opportunity to have an impact and improve citizen’s lives.

“My favourite part is seeing innovative new analysis coming together that really helps to influence policy or operational choices.”

Jane Whittaker, Director of Analysis, HM Revenue and Customs

“Lots of things, but by far the most is the thought that every time we can provide the data/insight/evidence into policy development and decision making – we are helping to ensure a better future for the next generation.”

Ian Knowles

“Using data, evidence, evaluation and digital to help make an impact on the health and wellbeing of the people of Wales.”

Iain Bell, Director of Public Health Data Knowledge and Research, Public Health Wales

Cyfarwyddwr Data, Gwybodaeth ac Ymychwil Iechyd Cyhoeddus, Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru

What had the biggest influence on the careers of statisticians?

Many factors had influenced the careers of these statisticians, but two areas had made the biggest difference. First, the influence of people they had worked with and looked up to. These key people in their careers had given them confidence, pushed them to do better or think in new ways, and provided inspiration and support.  Second, the roles they had taken on – often moving gaining experience outside statistical roles, or taking unexpected opportunities, had helped stretch them and learn more about how to produce and use statistics more effectively.

“There are so many people who have inspired me to keep learning and developing.”

Iain B

“The biggest impact on my success at SCS level, including becoming a director, came from temporary moves I made away from formal analytical roles and into jobs in operational delivery and finance parts of HMRC. I learnt so much in these different roles, particularly about opportunities for data and analysis to improve both operational decision making and strategic direction setting.”

Jane Whittaker

“Having a passion for what I do. I’ve always found my work interesting and exciting.”

Jen Woolford, Director, Public Policy Analysis, Office for National Statistics

What advice do they have for early career government statisticians?

And finally, I asked what advice our colleagues would give to early career government statisticians. Needless to say, they all had really helpful suggestions, no doubt informed by their own career paths and experiences.

“Keep asking who needs this and does this meet that need?  Understand the golden thread between your work and the benefit to society.  If you don’t know the answer to that, ask again and again until you understand it.”

Ruth Studley, Director of Population Transformation & SRO for Future of Population & Migration Statistics Programme, Office for National Statistics

“Firstly, to work on policies and in jobs you find interesting. You will then find your work enjoyable, which will in turn motivate you to do a great job. And secondly, to take up the opportunities that come your way in the civil service.”

Alex Jones, Director, Insights and Research, Ofsted

“Take every opportunity – if someone offers you an amazing opportunity and you are not sure you can do it – say yes and learn how to do it later!”

Lucy Vickers, Director, Chief Data Officer and Chief Statistician, Department of Health and Social Care

Of course, this blog can only scratch the surface of this important topic, but I hope it gives some insight and inspiration for people setting out on their own career paths and wondering what their futures might look like.

Ruth Studley

Director of Population Transformation & SRO for Future of Population & Migration Statistics Programme, Office for National Statistics

 

David Fry

Director, Office of Manpower Economics

 

 

Lucy Vickers

Director, Chief Data Officer and Chief Statistician, Department of Health and Social Care

 

Alex Jones

Director, Insights and Research, Ofsted

 

 

Jane Whittaker

Director of Analysis, HM Revenue and Customs

 

 

Jen Woolford

Director, Public Policy Analysis, Office for National Statistics

 

 

Fast stream secondments and placements

In year three of the GSS Fast Stream scheme, all Fast Streamers complete either a secondment (to an external organisation), or complimentary placement (to another government profession) for six months. Read about:

The opportunity to work at the headquarters of the BBC News in London is run through an Expression of Interest (EOI). This BBC secondment programme is run annually.

There may be an opportunity for an international posting. These opportunities are limited and will usually be either a Year 3 or Year 4 placement. You can read about Olivia Podmore’s international posting on the Analysis Function blog.

GSS Fast Stream – Mentoring

All GSS Fast Streamers are encouraged to find a mentor using any of the different networks that you have access to as part of the Fast Stream programme.

You may want a mentor to help you develop your leadership style and knowledge. But there may also be times where you would benefit from being mentored by someone within the statistics profession especially if you are looking to gain experience and knowledge of a specific statistical area.

In the first instance you should always talk to your Activity Manager to explore what you want to get out of the mentoring arrangement. They may be able to recommend someone to put you in touch with or could advise you to speak to your departmental Head of Profession who could also help you make connections outside of your immediate department.

There are a number of other existing routes you also could explore. Many departments have their own mentoring programmes although these will not be specific to mentoring for statistical development.

Useful links:

If you are unable to secure a mentor through your Activity Manager, please contact GSS.Careers@ons.gov.uk.

Senior Sponsors of the GSS Fast Stream

To increase the support offered to our Fast Streamers, 5 members of the Government Statistical Group’s Senior Civil Service (SCS) community have volunteered to become senior sponsors. There will be one sponsor for each cohort plus the GSS Fast Stream Alumni.

Each sponsor will host events for their cohort. Their role as sponsor will include:

  • encouraging GSS Fast Streamers to see the overall development benefits of completing the scheme and End of Scheme Assessment (ESA) before moving to Grade 7 roles
  • discussing developments in the statistical system, linking to the UK Statistics Authority (UKSA) Strategy and horizon scanning future direction
  • encouraging the use of, and explaining the value, of the GSS Fast Stream (FS) skills passport in monitoring professional development against the GSG competencies
  • providing guidance on GSG competences, how to seek opportunities to gain experience, keeping evidence in preparation for Y2 professional development progress check in, and ESA
  • providing feedback on any issues or concerns raised by their cohort

Alumni

GSS are looking to offer our Fast Stream alumni the opportunity to continue to network and share experiences as they take the next steps in their careers. To help this we have set up an alumni network channel through the GSS workspace on Slack with the aim that this becomes self-sustaining over time.

Any GSS Fast Streamer that joined the centralised scheme from 2016 onwards and completes their Fast Stream programme or moves into a Grade 7 role in their final year is welcome to join the channel.

As the scheme progresses and more people complete the programme we hope to see the group grow and flourish. The GSS careers team will also use this as a route to contact you with opportunities.

Questions about the GSS Fast Stream

You can contact the careers team at GSS.Careers@ons.gov.uk to ask any questions about the GSS Fast Stream.

Related