Applications to the Civil Service Fast Stream graduate programme have fallen dramatically for the second year in a row, with the 2023 scheme receiving less than half the number of applicants as in 2021.
The scheme’s digital, data and technology track fared better than any other specialist segment – but has still seen a 45% drop in applications by first preference.
According to an exclusive report from PublicTechnology sister publication Civil Service World, overall interest in the programme scheme for future government leaders has now dropped three years in a row, having reached a high of 64,697 applicants in 2020. A small drop in 2021 – to 59,603 – was followed by a significant decrease in 2022 – to 38,950. In 2023, the numbers applying has markedly fallen again – to 26,899.
The application process for the 2023 cohort was impacted by the Boris Johnson-led government’s decision to pause the scheme in as part of plans to cut 91,000 civil service jobs, which Rishi Sunak reversed when he became prime minister in October 2022.
