Fast Stream process

the Cabinet Office carries out a detailed evaluation of the Fast Stream recruitment process, in line with the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Code
in assessment centres, assessors record evidence on each of the competencies being tested, which forms the basis of a comprehensive report
all reports are checked for consistency and clarity by a Quality Assurance Coordinator and quality checks are carried out by expert assessors

Fast stream recruitment is a particular area of interest to us. The Cabinet Office carries out a detailed evaluation of the Fast Stream recruitment process, in line with the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Code. This not only includes analysis of assessment data from each assessment stage, but also an analysis of stakeholder feedback and evaluation against Cabinet Office's strategic initiatives.

In assessment centres, assessors record evidence on each of the competencies being tested. This evidence then forms the basis of a comprehensive report consisting of a score for each competency, an overall score and detailed comments about the candidate's performance in each competency. The report takes the same form, and is equally detailed, for successful and unsuccessful candidates. All reports are checked for consistency and clarity by a Quality Assurance Coordinator. In addition, quality checks are carried out by expert assessors.

The benefits of this system are that it provides:

a formal continuous improvement process for recruitment year on year;
‘in flight’ checks that give assurance during the recruitment process that standards are being maintained and the principles of the Code are being applied – the timing of these checks allows for remedial action should this ever prove necessary;
an objective view on performance by the use of monitors and Quality Assurance Coordinators and the engagement of all stakeholders in the annual review.

These reviews are in line with the requirements of the Commissioners' Recruitment Code for carrying out internal checks; and the ‘in flight’ checks are proactive, rather than retrospective. A clear record is maintained of the rationale for changes to the recruitment process over time.