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

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 27 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 115

  • @MsDarkie93
    @MsDarkie93 3 роки тому +109

    Your voice is so soothing Lool

    • @FeliciaAyensua
      @FeliciaAyensua  3 роки тому +4

      😂 really? Haha thanks I guess 🙏🏾

    • @itsmesoitis4059
      @itsmesoitis4059 3 роки тому

      Leave a man alone to his fate

    • @KeithBarnesLife
      @KeithBarnesLife 3 роки тому +1

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

    • @RxchLJ
      @RxchLJ 2 роки тому

      It’s so cute 🥺🥺🥺

  • @zenoviagrant1231
    @zenoviagrant1231 3 роки тому +10

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

  • @J6.2017
    @J6.2017 3 роки тому +9

    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!

  • @jjfadaka2698
    @jjfadaka2698 3 роки тому +37

    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 :)

  • @krisztucker31
    @krisztucker31 2 роки тому +2

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

  • @IBSSnape
    @IBSSnape 3 місяці тому +1

    The UK Civil Service is so large and there's also the devolved Scotland CS and Northern Ireland CS to consider.
    The experience you'll get depends on where you're posted and your team members. I have even worked in various teams in the same department but I have vastly different experiences.
    I like how the CS is willing to invest in their staff, you have flexibility to move between roles to broaden your horizons, willingness to implement reasonable adjustments to accommodate staff's needs and job stability. I absolutely loved every CS job I had.
    The only downside is that the salary is lower than the private sector, but it's good that we got a 5% increase plus £1500 bonus a few months ago.
    Before getting the pay rise and bonus, I found it a struggle to get by during the past year on a junior civil servant's salary and I had to go to food banks and borrow from friends to get by. After getting a couple of promotions, I'm now in a better financial position.
    At least the Chancellor of the Exchaquer is working towards improving the salary.

  • @stuwood4389
    @stuwood4389 3 роки тому +6

    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.

  • @princesredcap8768
    @princesredcap8768 3 роки тому +27

    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
      @clair233 3 роки тому

      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.

    • @SJ_Vibezz
      @SJ_Vibezz 2 роки тому

      Don’t wanna put you off but try both

  • @oliviajayward
    @oliviajayward 3 роки тому +4

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

  • @ismailhussain7679
    @ismailhussain7679 3 роки тому +7

    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

  • @cottoncandyxoxo1234
    @cottoncandyxoxo1234 3 роки тому +4

    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!!!

  • @juliethassan9804
    @juliethassan9804 3 роки тому +7

    Really enjoyed this and learnt a lot !

    • @FeliciaAyensua
      @FeliciaAyensua  3 роки тому +1

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

  • @benpringle9699
    @benpringle9699 2 роки тому +1

    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.

  • @Itsclarkew7
    @Itsclarkew7 3 роки тому +3

    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.

  • @mirasmandolin
    @mirasmandolin 3 роки тому +4

    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!

  • @JacWilliamsVideo
    @JacWilliamsVideo 3 роки тому +7

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

    • @FeliciaAyensua
      @FeliciaAyensua  3 роки тому +2

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

    • @IBSSnape
      @IBSSnape 3 місяці тому

      Every time there's a birthday or leaving do, the cash envelope will be passed around to collect contributions from the team.
      Someone will be put in charge of buying tea/coffee, cakes, buns and the presents with the money (usually me).
      Post-Covid, this has mostly moved online and people prefer to just get the cash sent to them.

  • @francisdomjan706
    @francisdomjan706 3 роки тому +1

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

  • @501sqn3
    @501sqn3 Рік тому +11

    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
      @marklewis1750 Рік тому +1

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

    • @501sqn3
      @501sqn3 Рік тому +2

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

    • @TheEamz
      @TheEamz Рік тому

      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
      @501sqn3 Рік тому +1

      @@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
      @501sqn3 Рік тому +1

      @@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.

  • @missc541
    @missc541 3 роки тому +5

    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!

  • @saffrond3436
    @saffrond3436 3 роки тому +4

    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

  • @tahmedurrahman666
    @tahmedurrahman666 3 роки тому +19

    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 😂😂

    • @maryamaswat352
      @maryamaswat352 2 місяці тому

      hi, do you have any advise for applicants? x

  • @LUxo323
    @LUxo323 Рік тому

    Thanks for informing and helping.

  • @Mycontentklaje
    @Mycontentklaje 10 місяців тому

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

  • @toriesout8692
    @toriesout8692 3 роки тому +2

    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
      @hubadabubbada 3 роки тому

      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.

  • @Bandanathebanana
    @Bandanathebanana 3 роки тому +2

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

  • @ladyshamssx9442
    @ladyshamssx9442 3 роки тому +5

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

  • @GhostStPatrick_
    @GhostStPatrick_ 9 місяців тому +1

    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.

    • @Number-s9h
      @Number-s9h Місяць тому +1

      @GhostStPatrick_ I'm in the same situation as you, and I think they have restructured us out. Those who change things don't change them for the better of us all. They have online tests now to, before you get to the application. Then there is the subjective interview and can't tell if they like me or you or what. Those interviewers give nothing away. Feedback is difficult to get too.

    • @GhostStPatrick_
      @GhostStPatrick_ Місяць тому +1

      @@Number-s9hyeah, luckily I have now been selected from the reserve list so all hope is not lost.
      However, I do feel the whole recruitment process needs an overhaul so those with previous experience can get back in a lot easier into the system.

    • @Number-s9h
      @Number-s9h Місяць тому +1

      ​@@GhostStPatrick_lucky you, I'm still applying. I was at HMRC and now have to tick the non civil service box on the application as if I was never there, so I agree with you on that. It really is pot luck at interview as we don't know what the interviewers personally on the day really want to hear.

    • @GhostStPatrick_
      @GhostStPatrick_ Місяць тому

      @@Number-s9hyeah I worked there too wouldn’t recommend as I had to tick the non civil service box too. It’s all just a bit backwards for my liking. Would love to see the people who run the recruitment process.

    • @Number-s9h
      @Number-s9h Місяць тому

      @GhostStPatrick_ same for any department. I found a recruitment job posting few days back, seems they have there own people who are trained to recruit, but Interviewers seem to be from the local office.

  • @kingsleyudofa8157
    @kingsleyudofa8157 3 роки тому +3

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

  • @sabrina-ww2zh
    @sabrina-ww2zh Рік тому

    This was so insightful, thank yo
    u :)

  • @AnaAna-pz3vd
    @AnaAna-pz3vd 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you very much for your advice

  • @maameakuaowusu-ansah6451
    @maameakuaowusu-ansah6451 3 роки тому

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

  • @Kujizzle
    @Kujizzle 2 роки тому +3

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

  • @fontie6
    @fontie6 2 роки тому

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

  • @aprecioustouch1178
    @aprecioustouch1178 5 місяців тому

    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.

  • @laylababirye7521
    @laylababirye7521 3 роки тому +2

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

  • @abcdefs100
    @abcdefs100 2 роки тому

    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😅

  • @sandrajinny7204
    @sandrajinny7204 3 роки тому +2

    such a great video!!

  • @jacksonusiosefe8474
    @jacksonusiosefe8474 3 роки тому

    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.

  • @tishabhazi6247
    @tishabhazi6247 3 роки тому +3

    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
      @FeliciaAyensua  3 роки тому

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

    • @lydiasemakula2951
      @lydiasemakula2951 3 роки тому +3

      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!

  • @julimoussarie
    @julimoussarie 11 місяців тому +1

    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
      @elliesmith2059 11 місяців тому +1

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

    • @julimoussarie
      @julimoussarie 10 місяців тому

      @@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! :)

  • @camacamouflage
    @camacamouflage 2 роки тому

    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. 🙄

  • @TheLoveForBeauty1
    @TheLoveForBeauty1 3 роки тому

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

  • @BeautifulNaturalDramatic
    @BeautifulNaturalDramatic Рік тому

    Very useful and informative video 👍

  • @julimoussarie
    @julimoussarie 3 роки тому +2

    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

  • @MaxTalks
    @MaxTalks 3 роки тому

    Very useful video, thank you!!!

  • @showwatchxx
    @showwatchxx 3 роки тому +1

    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
      @sarahisaacs2928 3 роки тому +1

      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.

  • @showwatchxx
    @showwatchxx 3 роки тому +2

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

  • @caitlinflattery8463
    @caitlinflattery8463 3 роки тому +1

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

  • @JPTNation
    @JPTNation 3 роки тому

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

  • @Spainpromise
    @Spainpromise 3 роки тому +11

    The streets wanna know what the bread is saying?

  • @annyali8897
    @annyali8897 2 роки тому

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

  • @george_h2979
    @george_h2979 3 роки тому

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

  • @annebracher1843
    @annebracher1843 2 роки тому

    Thanks - helpful.

  • @so-nali
    @so-nali 3 роки тому +1

    Your voice is everything ✨

  • @RxchLJ
    @RxchLJ 2 роки тому

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

  • @harisdavid8947
    @harisdavid8947 3 роки тому

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

  • @boscokimani
    @boscokimani 3 роки тому

    Great overview 😂😂😂

  • @samweeks2128
    @samweeks2128 3 роки тому +3

    '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
      @FeliciaAyensua  3 роки тому +3

      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
      @retrospect3-2-15 2 роки тому

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

  • @ohisogedengbe7337
    @ohisogedengbe7337 3 роки тому +2

    Your face is on the civil service website

  • @AJGORKhans
    @AJGORKhans 2 місяці тому

    I wanted to but how 🤔 possibly me & mytalent because am so fedup working with people & people damage 💔 everything's so I need someone real helping me! How 🤔 can possible to and fec to fec talking &see any address sending for me or can calls 📞 me please 🙏

  • @satishdurga577
    @satishdurga577 3 роки тому

    I AM INDIAN .YOUR REVIEW SO HONEST

  • @tas655
    @tas655 2 роки тому

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

  • @lilmizzije
    @lilmizzije 3 роки тому

    Your voice😍

  • @Number-s9h
    @Number-s9h Місяць тому

    She seams to know more about America then england and yes I believe black and female has helped her in interviews. Including myself I have also seen a lot of HEOs and SEOs who can't get picked at interview for a job. These interviewers have excellent poker faces and it is imposible to tell if I impressed them or not.

  • @satchiebabe6052
    @satchiebabe6052 3 роки тому +4

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

  • @ben.p.c9560
    @ben.p.c9560 2 роки тому

    I just know you have no idea about politics.

    • @FeliciaAyensua
      @FeliciaAyensua  2 роки тому +12

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

    • @ben.p.c9560
      @ben.p.c9560 2 роки тому

      @@FeliciaAyensua gotcha