Everything you need to know about working in the Civil Service & the Fast Stream! + Application Tips

Everything you need to know about working in the Civil Service and the Fast Stream! Yup, that's right, I talk about the good the bad & the ugly.
In this video, I discuss what it's like to work in the UK civil service (Central Govt - in Whitehall), the pros and cons and I also delve a little into the fast stream and my general thoughts on the whole thing. Please note that everything discussed in the video is based on my own personal experience in the Civil service for 2.5 years for 3 different roles across 2 different departments at a junior-mid level. I have really enjoyed my time working in the CS so far and would definitely recommend it as a place for anyone seeking a career in public policy. So for anyone looking to join the civil service, whether via the fast stream or not, get your note pads ready - this one's going to be deep!
CHAPTERS:
00:00 INTRO
01:40 - aims of the Civil Service
02:06 - My thoughts on political impartiality
03:23 - Pros of working in the civil service
06:44 - Cons
09:25 - The fast stream
13:11 - Overview of the fast stream application process
17:37 - Concluding thoughts
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LETS CONNECT: Twitter: / feliciaayensuainstagram: / felicia.ayensua

[@MsDarkie93]

Your voice is so soothing Lool

[@FeliciaAyensua]

😂 really? Haha thanks I guess 🙏🏾

[@itsmesoitis4059]

Leave a man alone to his fate

[@KeithBarnesLife]

yo - I was thinking the same. It makes for good listening

[@RxchLJ]

It’s so cute 🥺🥺🥺

[@J6.2017]

Thank you so much for creating this video, I’ve been lost for so many years trying to figure what to do, this couldn’t come at a better time for me. Thanks a million!

[@oliviajayward]

that makes me so happy that you’re working on helping the environment!! :)

[@jjfadaka2698]

This has been so helpful thank you so much! I’m an incoming Fast Streamer and I’m so nervous about what the job/culture is going to be like, so thanks for covering your experience on the fast stream too. Good luck in your new role :)

[@stuwood4389]

This is a great video thank you for making it. I was a little unsure about applying for the fast stream as a recently graduated mature student but I'm following the process anyway. The Civil Service certainly seems a great place for an interesting and varied career. One aspect I wish I knew more about is the "work style" component of the process.

[@ismailhussain7679]

Great video keep it up - would love to hear some examples of actual work you would do. Would be good to see a week of working as a fast streamer

[@mirasmandolin]

this video was so helpful thank you! i got into EDIP but it was during peak corona time (april 2020) so i really didnt gain that much insight. i think i’ll apply for SDIP this year!

[@benpringle9699]

Really good video setting out the pros and cons and have recommended to family and friends looking at joining the Civil Service. The only thing I would add is that it sounds like you worked in roles that weren't very fast paced and that the work of an economist in Government can vary massively. I agree that bureaucracy is a big barrier but also can be an enabler if used correctly.

[@francisdomjan706]

This video was so useful! Thank you, Felicia :)

[@cottoncandyxoxo1234]

Hi, I've just come across your video as I'm applying the Fast Stream in a couple of weeks!! I would really love more tips if you were to do another video! Thank you!!!

[@maameakuaowusu-ansah6451]

Super helpful!! I wish this video was available years ago🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@Itsclarkew7]

This is a great video. I’ve wanted to work at Civil Service. There are always positions in Human Resources. I’ve kept my eye on them. This video is so insightful. I find the recruitment process tiring and not very neurodivergent friendly.

[@Bandanathebanana]

Thank you so much!!! Will be applying this year 😮

[@zenoviagrant1231]

Sis your hair is absolutely GORGEOUS keep being unapologetically you beautiful👑💫

[@FeliciaAyensua]

thank you hun!

[@jacksonusiosefe8474]

Really nice description of the Civil Service. Its been a great opportunity for me and I truly enjoy it. You're right about the milk and biscuits though (your Nigerian accent popped out when you said biscuit ❤️) 😂 but I get lots of sweets in my department 😂. Great video, too bad you had to quit FST but I am sure you'll do excellently well, wherever you are. Goodluck.

[@tahmedurrahman666]

Great video! Excellent quality, well edited and very informative. You provided a great insight and it was humorous 😂 you deserve way, way, way more views. 794 views only. You deserve 794,000 views at the very least! I want to complete a Higher or Degree Apprenticeship. I've always had an aspiration to work for the Civil Service and I've been applying for loads of Apprenticeship programmes with them. I got placed on 2 reserve lists. I have an ultimate ambition to work myself up the ranks to Director General roles or CEO job roles. I have always been interested in public policy and politics. I've always wanted to be on the frontline. I've always wanted to work in Westminster as well 😂😂

[@krisztucker31]

Am a Ghanaian and I admire people make us proud God bless u

[@juliethassan9804]

Really enjoyed this and learnt a lot !

[@FeliciaAyensua]

Aww that’s awesome! Really glad you enjoyed it & learnt a lot 🎉🙏🏾

[@sabrina-ww2zh]

This was so insightful, thank yo u :)

[@toriesout8692]

Very informative! I've tried to get on the Fast Stream but I'm not quite bright enough for the tests. So slowly working my way up each grade instead haha also agree with Love Loss, your voice is really soothing ☺️👍 We do have recognition bonuses in the Civil Service. I've had two so far this year (£250 each). But you won't be guaranteed one, before my current role the most I got was £50 and that was about 7 years ago. Some departments are working hard to make sure people are being rewarded for their contributions.

[@hubadabubbada]

Which tests are you referring to? I am currently applying for the FS and I have been invited to AC in January. More than happy to provide any advice or answer any questions to help you. Its weird because I have spoken with many applicants who work within the CS and have been unsuccessful aswell.

[@MaxTalks]

Very useful video, thank you!!!

[@AnaAna-pz3vd]

Thank you very much for your advice

[@Mycontentklaje]

I was speaking to an advisor about joining the civil service thanks for your video it is informative 😊

[@LUxo323]

Thanks for informing and helping.

[@sandrajinny7204]

such a great video!!

[@FeliciaAyensua]

Thank you!

[@BeautifulNaturalDramatic]

Very useful and informative video 👍

[@saffrond3436]

Some roles in the civil service are entitled to performance related pay (I.e. bonus) but I defo think it is more on an exception basis

[@abcdefs100]

Lovely video, thanks! I turned 30 this year, still not sure where my skills can take me, but I think CS is the one. No free biscuits is a huge concern though😅

[@fontie6]

Amazing overview! The bureaucracy is 😩😩😩, totally agree!

[@laylababirye7521]

Thank you so much for this insight. Would you please share any resources I can use to prepare for work based scenarios?

[@TheLoveForBeauty1]

Thank you for this video! Found it really helpful. Was just wondering what type of questions are asked on the video interview?

[@julimoussarie]

Hey! Thanks for the fantastic video Felicia:) I'm interesting in applying to the civil service fast stream for the diplomatic services next year. I was wondering how early you advise me to start preparing for the process? Also, does the application happen quite early on in the academic year? I'm worried balancing the application and university work will be tricky. Do you have any tips on this? Also, do you know what sort of things they like for the diplomatic fast stream-do they favour things like a masters or volunteering initiatives? Thanks a lot!!!! xxx

[@ladyshamssx9442]

You need to read books on CBeebies!!!! Your noise is so lovely 🥺

[@kingsleyudofa8157]

🥰🥰 but the sound effects 😁😁🤣🤣 Love it!!!

[@FeliciaAyensua]

😂 thank you!

[@caitlinflattery8463]

hey! what experience would you say is the most valuable to have for the graduate scheme? part time jobs, volunteering etc! xx

[@princesredcap8768]

Hi, I found this video very informative! I graduated with a law degree last year and I’m now having doubts about whether a career in law is for me. Definitely considering transferring from Law to working in the civil service 🤔

[@clair233]

There are many law jobs in the civil service based in Birmingham and London, listed on their site at the moment (I looked yesterday). Including those who are ywt to qualify.

[@Obatala_Vibez]

Don’t wanna put you off but try both

[@camacamouflage]

Your voice!!! You sound like NAO 🥰🥰 I agree with all points in this video. I work for the civil service (MOD) and yes. You are right on every fact. Buying our own biscuits is saaad. They can't even cough up the money for a pack of custard creams. 🙄

[@JacWilliamsVideo]

Paying for our own tea and biscuits cracked me up 😅 nice video Felicia!

[@FeliciaAyensua]

haha honestly it was a real con for me. thanks Jac!

[@JPTNation]

hi do you know where i can find practice work based scenarios exercises please? thank you

[@missc541]

My only stickler with Civil Service is the attitude of many only interested in collecting pay check not nessisarily there to help public. Too much complacency maybe they need to test everyone regularly. As many of them haven't even done the tests of today!

[@george_h2979]

How long was it for you personally between the SJT and the video interviews being unlocked?

[@so-nali]

Your voice is everything ✨

[@annebracher1843]

Thanks - helpful.

[@Kujizzle]

I was not ready for the voice 🤣. It's beautiful though

[@GhostStPatrick_]

I worked at the Home office for 6 years. Recently I have tried getting back in after taking time off travelling. I am currently on a reserve list for an EO position as well as an AO position. I scored a 6 out of 7 and have been placed on a reserve list. There isn’t any consistency I’m afraid. I would have thought after scoring so well and having 6 years experience would have got me straight back in and not placed on some reserve list. The recruitment service needs a restructure which I’ve been saying for years but nothing has happened. It puts people like me in a tough situation who have the years experience as well as the comps to back it up. Unfortunately it all comes down to who is sifting the applications, sadly they won’t take time of experience in a certain role which to me is backwards.

[@aprecioustouch1178]

Wow my dreammmm!!!! Always wanted to make a change. qualifying in computer science and was to specialize in PM as a masters. But this here gives me so much hope. Would Data Analytics skill help.

[@showwatchxx]

Love the video. I've managed to get a job in the civil service but would prefer to do the Fast Stream as a graduate. Is there an easier way to get onto the Fast Stream once I'm in the civil service role? The reason I ask is because I am really bad at the initial tests (psycho metric and bio metric) passed few times for other jobs ad civil service.

[@sarahisaacs2928]

Being a civil servant only enables you to apply for some fast stream roles even if you don't have a degree. We still have to go through the same FS recruitment process. CS have many in house development schemes. I did one and the experience helped me gain promotion.

[@tishabhazi6247]

Thank you for this. It is super clear & informative. Quick one, is it usual for foreigners (from commonwealth countries) to get hired into the civil service?

[@FeliciaAyensua]

It’s possible but I’m not sure of the process unfortunately!

[@lydiasemakula2951]

I am from a common wealth country and I work in the CS. Read on the eligibility criteria below each job listing or fast stream scheme. If it says “ eligible for applicants from Common wealth”, then go for it. The application process is the same for everyone as long as you’re eligible. Thanks for the video Felicia. I want to try FS this year. I always find the numerical tests passable but surprisingly I don’t score highly on SJT!

[@showwatchxx]

Hey, thanks for the video. Do you get the flexibility to work from home?

[@FeliciaAyensua]

yup you do!

[@501sqn3]

Hmmm, as a British Civil Service lifer, 30 years and counting, I'd offer some additional information ,'truth' and advice;- The Civil Service isn't one giant organisation where people work to achieve the same thing, for example 'public service '. The Civil Service is made up of many branches and many different ways of working and many different types of work, you could be a research Scientist, a vet, a van driver or messenger. There is very little standardisation of rules and regulations, there's supposed to be with regard to disciplinary procedures, employee rights etc , but in reality such things are somewhat open to interpretation!. Political bias is quite evident, and individuals political preferences and opinions are broadly known. Sexism, Racism and general discrimination are rife as is bullying and favouritism. There are very few departments that operate in a slow, calm good old fashioned Civil Service manner, most are terminally underfunded, understaffed and top heavy with 'managers' . Most departments are constantly under debilitating pressure, struggling daily with enormous backlogs of work which creates stress, anger, illness,fear and toxicity in the workplace. The higher your grade, the least work you will do, and if your young, female, black and are affiliated with the LGBTQI+ community?, You will find it very easy to join and career progression can be positively meteoric!. Overall, The Civil Service is overflowing with management, dangerously understaffed elsewhere, and training and leadership are woeful. The financial reward below mid-tier is well below the private sector, leave is pretty good, IF you can actually get it!, Paid sick leave is reassuring and inevitably useful!. As for the famous Civil Service pension??....... Catastrophically eroded over the last 10 years and now pretty much worthless below 35 years service and a pay band of around 38k .Think carefully........

[@marklewis1750]

38k, not bad for clapping like a seal in endless meetings going YEAAAAH 😅

[@501sqn3]

@@marklewis1750 ....you have no idea sonny !.

[@TheEamz]

Why is the pension so useless? It's mentioned on job ads that the average contribution is 27%... That's triple what most financial companies would offer in the private sector?!

[@501sqn3]

@@TheEamz yes well..... It isn't. And even if it were,- 27% of a tiny salary is very, very little!. To get a decent civil service pension you must be one of the higher end earners , a B3/HEO and above .

[@501sqn3]

@@TheEamz ....yes, well I'm afraid it isn't!. And even if it were, 27% of a tiny salary isn't much!. To get a decent pension out of the civil service you need to be on a very decent salary and a higher rated scale,- B3/HEO or above.

[@Spainpromise]

The streets wanna know what the bread is saying?

[@FeliciaAyensua]

Lmaooo it ranges init

[@boscokimani]

Great overview 😂😂😂

[@annyali8897]

Wow so much stuff to do for the job! Seems impossible to get it 😅

[@julimoussarie]

Hi Felicia, I am currently on the fast stream and it has been awful. This is a common experience and I have heard that the drop out rate is incredibly high as it's a poorly managed course. Do you think I can constructively explain my experience on youtube without facing some sort of law suit from the fast stream? Thanks!

[@elliesmith2059]

Hi - I'm thinking about applying to the fast stream in the future - would you mind expanding on your experience?

[@julimoussarie]

@@elliesmith2059 Sure, I was disappointed by the following: 1) Virtually all jobs in the civil service, let alone the fast stream, are completely online. There is very little interaction in the offices between colleagues as the teams are not together in one office so you will have to do all your meetings online and have very little in-person contact. This is something that I did not think to check but it makes a big difference to everyday working life. 2) You probably won't be around people your own age at all most days 3) The postings are incredibly random and unglamorous e.g. admin roles, excel etc.- they used to give out 'high-flying' roles but after complaints from fellow civil-servants, 'fast streamers' are used to 'fill the gaps' these days. Forget 'international postings' or anything like that. 4) It is far from 'fast', 50% of the roles are very slow - to give you some examples, I was given about 2 tasks to do in my first 4 months which took about 2 hours. 5) The 'development opportunities' are great advertising but empty promises. The 'development courses' will point you to listen to TED talks and the 'development calls' will give out very general useless advice like 'be positive' or 'have a growth mindset'. 6) The income is very low compared to if you got the same exact role outside of the fast stream. E.g. My friend who is the same level of me working in the civil service but through a normal job earns double my income!! 7) The route to entering the FCDO is virtually impossible and forget international postings before that -> a large proportion of fast streamers enter the scheme aspiring for the FCDO. Honestly, if I were you, - reach out to other fast streamers on linkedin and ask them for their honest experiences so far. I found that on the surface people can say 'they're fine', but if you ask them whether they are really enjoying their role, they might open up to you. The application process is long and if you get the job in the end, it will be hard to reject it so make sure you know what you're getting yourself into from the start. Those are just a few things I wish someone had told me before I applied, I'm sorry if that has dampened your spirits. Better now than later though! All the best! :)

[@harisdavid8947]

Madam Ayensus can you help with my applications? Are you from Ghana 🇬🇭

[@lilmizzije]

Your voice😍

[@RxchLJ]

It’s having to pay for everyone’s leaving meal for me 🥺 I don’t even wanna be there to say bye.

[@satishdurga577]

I AM INDIAN .YOUR REVIEW SO HONEST

[@tas655]

i lost it when she said biscuit 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@freshpootube]

I’m getting strong 70’s disco vibes from this young woman. Totally off topic I know.

[@ohisogedengbe7337]

Your face is on the civil service website

[@FeliciaAyensua]

Haha yeah I know 😂

[@lydiasemakula2951]

Omg! I was going to ask. On one of the FS schemes❤️

[@samweeks2128]

'Don't know much about pension'. The pension is one of the best benefits of working in the civil service, you won't find anything close to it in the private sector.

[@FeliciaAyensua]

Haha yess this part I know! I just keep forgetting how pensions work & must admit I totally forgot to go into more detail for this video. But yes you’re right!

[@retrospect3-2-15]

How does it compare to the local government pension? Which is better?

[@satchiebabe6052]

It’s not on me it’s on the government you vote for. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ben.p.c9560]

I just know you have no idea about politics.

[@FeliciaAyensua]

I don't even think politicians have any idea about politics tbh.

[@ben.p.c9560]

@@FeliciaAyensua gotcha