Diplomatic and Development Fast Stream 2027

A dynamic and impactful career at the forefront of world events.

Join the Diplomatic and Development (DD) Fast Stream at a pivotal moment in world affairs.

The DD Fast Stream, aimed at nurturing the next generation of leaders in diplomacy and development, operates within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Our mission is to lead the Government’s diplomatic, development, and consular efforts worldwide. We champion the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, uphold our values, combat poverty, and address global challenges alongside our international partners.

The FCDO is committed to recruiting a talented and diverse workforce that truly reflects the society we serve. As a dynamic and inclusive organisation, we work at the heart of global affairs, tackling complex international challenges and shaping the UK’s role on the world stage. The Fast Stream offers a demanding and rewarding entry point into this work. The programme will stretch your skills, expose you to fast-paced and high-impact roles, and give you the opportunity to make a real contribution from the outset.

From 2026, the FCDO will introduce a China Pathway as part of the DD Fast Stream which reflects the need to develop future leaders with a strong understanding of China’s political system, economy, language, culture, and global influence. The China Pathway complements the broad, generalist leadership development that sits at the heart of the DD Fast Stream. DD Fast Streamers will be able to apply for and join the China Pathway in their first two years. Fast Streamers will continue to develop core diplomatic and policy skills, while gaining more sustained experience in China-facing roles and, where appropriate, language capability. This approach allows the FCDO to strengthen its long-term capability in a critical policy area, while maintaining the flexibility, breadth and resilience expected of future FCDO leaders.

Please note: The Final Selection Board for the DD Fast Stream will be conducted in person in London on selected dates. Candidates must be in the UK and available to attend their allocated assessment in person during January and February 2027. While assessments are expected to conclude within this period, a small number may extend into early March. Flexibility to attend in person is therefore essential.

Open to UK nationals only.

Application Process

There are several phases in the Fast Stream application process. Some of these assessments are multimedia in that they present information in video, audio, graphical or visual formats, as well as text. We hope you find it an engaging process and one that gives you a real insight into the role of a fast streamer.

At the initial application stage you will be asked to complete some background information which will include some diversity questions - which are for monitoring purposes only and will have no bearing on selection outcomes - along with the opportunity to identify your preferences in terms of the different Fast Stream schemes. You can choose up to three.

When you apply please register with a personal email address, and not a work or university email address.

Assessment Phases

There are 2 online tests:

Work-based scenarios - This test measures interpersonal skills, utilising video based scenarios and you are required to assess the effectiveness of various responses.

Case Study assessment - In this test you are required to take work based scenarios on an imaginary role, learning and responding to a series of challenges and situations and adapting to the changes you are presented with.

Additional information - depending on the schemes you have chosen, there may be additional information to be completed, or an intermediate sift process. More information on the schemes that require additional information can be found https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/fast-stream/fs-how-to-apply/fs-additional-information/

Fast Stream Assessment Centre - if you pass the above stages you'll be invited to attend a half day assessment centre. This will be conducted virtually online. The Fast Stream Assessment Centre (FSAC) reflects some of the key elements of a Fast Stream role and will consist of a written exercise, oral briefing exercise and a personal development conversation. Information will be presented via an app that you will be able to access remotely.

Final Selection Board - most schemes will then require a Final Selection Board . We'll ask you to attend this final assessment if you reach the required standard at FSAC. More information on the Final Selection Boards can be found https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/fast-stream/fs-how-to-apply/fs-final-selection-board/

The Civil Service Fast Stream is committed to supporting you through the application process by offering a range of reasonable adjustments. For further information about reasonable adjustments through the Fast Stream application process, please visit our dedicated page - https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/fast-stream/fs-how-to-apply/fs-reasonable-adjustments/

If you need to contact us, please submit a request for help https://fsetatso.freshdesk.com/support/home

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.