Teodor Grama
@teodorgrama.bsky.social
learning & development @instituteforgovernment.org.uk, fmr research assistant (civil service & policymaking), he/him
For more on fast stream recruitment, how it's going, and what it means for the future of the programme, join our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk event next Monday (17 November)!
Register here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/civil-...
Register here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/civil-...
November 12, 2025 at 4:20 PM
For more on fast stream recruitment, how it's going, and what it means for the future of the programme, join our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk event next Monday (17 November)!
Register here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/civil-...
Register here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/civil-...
The fast stream saw record application volumes in the last recruitment cycle. But different categories of applicants had different odds of getting on the scheme - with success rates for non-Russell Group candidates several times lower than those for Oxbridge applicants (0.4% to 4.7%).
November 12, 2025 at 4:20 PM
The fast stream saw record application volumes in the last recruitment cycle. But different categories of applicants had different odds of getting on the scheme - with success rates for non-Russell Group candidates several times lower than those for Oxbridge applicants (0.4% to 4.7%).
It's hard to overstate how remarkable the turnaround has been in fast stream application numbers. A lot of it may be bound up with wider graduate job market dynamics - but choices by fast stream management (incl. on pay) definitely played a role.
September 30, 2025 at 12:38 PM
It's hard to overstate how remarkable the turnaround has been in fast stream application numbers. A lot of it may be bound up with wider graduate job market dynamics - but choices by fast stream management (incl. on pay) definitely played a role.
In the report, we also dig deep into fast stream recruitment data to see how the scheme has changed over time. We find substantial progress on ethnic minority, disabled and LGB+ representation – but far less on class. More transparency and a greater focus on evaluation would help here.
September 4, 2025 at 12:22 PM
In the report, we also dig deep into fast stream recruitment data to see how the scheme has changed over time. We find substantial progress on ethnic minority, disabled and LGB+ representation – but far less on class. More transparency and a greater focus on evaluation would help here.
To help stop early departures from the programme, we recommend bumping fast stream pay to be at least equal to the median pay for civil servants at the same notional grade level.
September 4, 2025 at 12:22 PM
To help stop early departures from the programme, we recommend bumping fast stream pay to be at least equal to the median pay for civil servants at the same notional grade level.
Widespread dissatisfaction around pay also needs to be addressed. Too many fast streamers are leaving the scheme early for other roles. This is at least partly because civil servants at the same grade level but outside the FS are paid more than fast streamers.
September 4, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Widespread dissatisfaction around pay also needs to be addressed. Too many fast streamers are leaving the scheme early for other roles. This is at least partly because civil servants at the same grade level but outside the FS are paid more than fast streamers.
For one, the fast stream should be smaller and more selective. Intakes have ballooned in size over the 2010s, and declined slightly since – but remain too large by historical standards. A smaller scheme would make it easier to deliver better quality roles and support for FSers.
September 4, 2025 at 12:22 PM
For one, the fast stream should be smaller and more selective. Intakes have ballooned in size over the 2010s, and declined slightly since – but remain too large by historical standards. A smaller scheme would make it easier to deliver better quality roles and support for FSers.
Departmental Efficiency Plans published alongside the spending review project major efficiency gains in the next few years. For some depts, these plans are heavily weighted towards the end of the SR period. And many depts seem to be betting big on digital to deliver the efficiencies they seek.
June 11, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Departmental Efficiency Plans published alongside the spending review project major efficiency gains in the next few years. For some depts, these plans are heavily weighted towards the end of the SR period. And many depts seem to be betting big on digital to deliver the efficiencies they seek.
The largest absolute increases in Q1 2025 happened in HMRC and DWP (1,125 and 1,055), both depts with large operational delivery arms, while DBT saw the largest proportional increase (2.3%).
The largest proportional reductions in staff were recorded in FCDO and Defra (-1.2% and -1.1%).
The largest proportional reductions in staff were recorded in FCDO and Defra (-1.2% and -1.1%).
June 10, 2025 at 4:20 PM
The largest absolute increases in Q1 2025 happened in HMRC and DWP (1,125 and 1,055), both depts with large operational delivery arms, while DBT saw the largest proportional increase (2.3%).
The largest proportional reductions in staff were recorded in FCDO and Defra (-1.2% and -1.1%).
The largest proportional reductions in staff were recorded in FCDO and Defra (-1.2% and -1.1%).
🚨 Civil service expands… again
New data show CS staff numbers increased by 0.4% in Q1 2025.
The 2,020 additional staff more than wiped out the ~600 FTE reductions recorded in Q4 2024 (only the second quarter since the Brexit referendum when the CS shrank).
(Quick 🧵)
New data show CS staff numbers increased by 0.4% in Q1 2025.
The 2,020 additional staff more than wiped out the ~600 FTE reductions recorded in Q4 2024 (only the second quarter since the Brexit referendum when the CS shrank).
(Quick 🧵)
June 10, 2025 at 4:20 PM
🚨 Civil service expands… again
New data show CS staff numbers increased by 0.4% in Q1 2025.
The 2,020 additional staff more than wiped out the ~600 FTE reductions recorded in Q4 2024 (only the second quarter since the Brexit referendum when the CS shrank).
(Quick 🧵)
New data show CS staff numbers increased by 0.4% in Q1 2025.
The 2,020 additional staff more than wiped out the ~600 FTE reductions recorded in Q4 2024 (only the second quarter since the Brexit referendum when the CS shrank).
(Quick 🧵)
CO places the estimate at 2965 – and points out that ‘across all responding organisations approximately 0.62% of their total FTE are committee members’. Even then, these are not civil servants that spend all – or even most – of their time on EDI work.
May 30, 2025 at 1:01 PM
CO places the estimate at 2965 – and points out that ‘across all responding organisations approximately 0.62% of their total FTE are committee members’. Even then, these are not civil servants that spend all – or even most – of their time on EDI work.
Total spend on EDI across govt is estimated at ~£27.1m in that same period. The largest chunk of this spend – £20m – is on salaries for EDI roles.
For reference, we estimate the total CS paybill in 2023 to have been of around £17bn – meaning about 0.11% of it would have been spent on EDI staff.
For reference, we estimate the total CS paybill in 2023 to have been of around £17bn – meaning about 0.11% of it would have been spent on EDI staff.
May 30, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Total spend on EDI across govt is estimated at ~£27.1m in that same period. The largest chunk of this spend – £20m – is on salaries for EDI roles.
For reference, we estimate the total CS paybill in 2023 to have been of around £17bn – meaning about 0.11% of it would have been spent on EDI staff.
For reference, we estimate the total CS paybill in 2023 to have been of around £17bn – meaning about 0.11% of it would have been spent on EDI staff.
And that’s using a pretty expansive definition of EDI.
May 30, 2025 at 1:01 PM
And that’s using a pretty expansive definition of EDI.
How many EDI roles are there in the civil service?
Cabinet Office data released yesterday (from a review commissioned by the previous govt) tells us - about 350 (FTE) between July 2022 and July 2023.
Or the equivalent of ~0.07% of the whole civil service over that period.
Quick 🧵
Cabinet Office data released yesterday (from a review commissioned by the previous govt) tells us - about 350 (FTE) between July 2022 and July 2023.
Or the equivalent of ~0.07% of the whole civil service over that period.
Quick 🧵
May 30, 2025 at 1:01 PM
How many EDI roles are there in the civil service?
Cabinet Office data released yesterday (from a review commissioned by the previous govt) tells us - about 350 (FTE) between July 2022 and July 2023.
Or the equivalent of ~0.07% of the whole civil service over that period.
Quick 🧵
Cabinet Office data released yesterday (from a review commissioned by the previous govt) tells us - about 350 (FTE) between July 2022 and July 2023.
Or the equivalent of ~0.07% of the whole civil service over that period.
Quick 🧵
Can the government produce an up-to-date, reliable list of permanent secretaries? The answer published yesterday to this written question from Lord Agnew suggests not.
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
Quick 🧵
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
Quick 🧵
May 20, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Can the government produce an up-to-date, reliable list of permanent secretaries? The answer published yesterday to this written question from Lord Agnew suggests not.
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
Quick 🧵
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
Quick 🧵
Looking at the numbers on a departmental basis – the Home Office and the MoD saw the largest proportional and absolute drops in staff numbers. But looking at trends over the previous year, the story is different – with DCMS shrinking the most (26.1%).
March 20, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Looking at the numbers on a departmental basis – the Home Office and the MoD saw the largest proportional and absolute drops in staff numbers. But looking at trends over the previous year, the story is different – with DCMS shrinking the most (26.1%).
🚨Civil service shrinks for the first time in years
Stats out today showed civil service staff numbers fell at the end of last year - for the first time since 2022.
This is only the second quarter in which numbers have fallen since the EU referendum.
Stats out today showed civil service staff numbers fell at the end of last year - for the first time since 2022.
This is only the second quarter in which numbers have fallen since the EU referendum.
March 20, 2025 at 4:44 PM
🚨Civil service shrinks for the first time in years
Stats out today showed civil service staff numbers fell at the end of last year - for the first time since 2022.
This is only the second quarter in which numbers have fallen since the EU referendum.
Stats out today showed civil service staff numbers fell at the end of last year - for the first time since 2022.
This is only the second quarter in which numbers have fallen since the EU referendum.
Tech & AI were major themes in PM's speech on govt reform earlier today. McFadden recently spoke of 1 in 10 civil servants being in digital roles by 2030. But data on CS professions reveals that the govt is not currently on track to meet this target - and bolder action is needed.
March 13, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Tech & AI were major themes in PM's speech on govt reform earlier today. McFadden recently spoke of 1 in 10 civil servants being in digital roles by 2030. But data on CS professions reveals that the govt is not currently on track to meet this target - and bolder action is needed.
Late Thursday Cabinet Office data release on the civil service means a new @instituteforgov.bsky.social chart! CO has committed to publishing data on civil service HQ occupancy on a quarterly basis - so will be interesting to see how the figures change over time.
February 13, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Late Thursday Cabinet Office data release on the civil service means a new @instituteforgov.bsky.social chart! CO has committed to publishing data on civil service HQ occupancy on a quarterly basis - so will be interesting to see how the figures change over time.
💼Are you or have you ever been on the civil service fast stream? Are you applying this year?
The @instituteforgov.bsky.social wants to know your views on the scheme - and how it can be improved.
Fill out our survey (and get the chance to win a £30 Amazon voucher): tinyurl.com/5fvh7wz8!
The @instituteforgov.bsky.social wants to know your views on the scheme - and how it can be improved.
Fill out our survey (and get the chance to win a £30 Amazon voucher): tinyurl.com/5fvh7wz8!
February 7, 2025 at 9:32 AM
💼Are you or have you ever been on the civil service fast stream? Are you applying this year?
The @instituteforgov.bsky.social wants to know your views on the scheme - and how it can be improved.
Fill out our survey (and get the chance to win a £30 Amazon voucher): tinyurl.com/5fvh7wz8!
The @instituteforgov.bsky.social wants to know your views on the scheme - and how it can be improved.
Fill out our survey (and get the chance to win a £30 Amazon voucher): tinyurl.com/5fvh7wz8!
📢Calling all UK policy officials!
Have you ever had to provide policy advice under pressure – in a crisis or in response to breaking news? We at the @instituteforgov.bsky.social want to hear from you!
Fill out our survey (open until 14 Feb) to share your insights: bit.ly/3Ek2KoM!
Have you ever had to provide policy advice under pressure – in a crisis or in response to breaking news? We at the @instituteforgov.bsky.social want to hear from you!
Fill out our survey (open until 14 Feb) to share your insights: bit.ly/3Ek2KoM!
February 4, 2025 at 11:32 AM
📢Calling all UK policy officials!
Have you ever had to provide policy advice under pressure – in a crisis or in response to breaking news? We at the @instituteforgov.bsky.social want to hear from you!
Fill out our survey (open until 14 Feb) to share your insights: bit.ly/3Ek2KoM!
Have you ever had to provide policy advice under pressure – in a crisis or in response to breaking news? We at the @instituteforgov.bsky.social want to hear from you!
Fill out our survey (open until 14 Feb) to share your insights: bit.ly/3Ek2KoM!
But departmental accounts are a flawed source of data – and might underestimate the “real” levels of consultancy spend. The govt has not been clear about the baseline from which it is planning to cut £550m. From the report: 4/5
January 16, 2025 at 3:11 PM
But departmental accounts are a flawed source of data – and might underestimate the “real” levels of consultancy spend. The govt has not been clear about the baseline from which it is planning to cut £550m. From the report: 4/5
Among core depts, DHSC has seen significant cuts to both consultancy & temporary staff spend from pandemic-era highs. The opposite is true for other departments, such as the Home Office, which now spends the most on consultants & temporary labour of any core department. 3/5
January 16, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Among core depts, DHSC has seen significant cuts to both consultancy & temporary staff spend from pandemic-era highs. The opposite is true for other departments, such as the Home Office, which now spends the most on consultants & temporary labour of any core department. 3/5
The govt has made much of its pledge to reduce consultancy spend by £550m. But how much is it currently spending on consultants and temporary staff? Hint: it’s still more than before the pandemic. A 🧵 on the findings from our annual @instituteforgov.bsky.social Whitehall Monitor report. 1/5
January 16, 2025 at 3:11 PM
The govt has made much of its pledge to reduce consultancy spend by £550m. But how much is it currently spending on consultants and temporary staff? Hint: it’s still more than before the pandemic. A 🧵 on the findings from our annual @instituteforgov.bsky.social Whitehall Monitor report. 1/5
BONUS: This new chart which reveals that the gender pay disparity across the entire civil service has shrunk from 18% in 2007 to 7.5% in 2024, whilst gender pay disparities within grades changed comparatively little over the same period. 6/8
January 16, 2025 at 11:27 AM
BONUS: This new chart which reveals that the gender pay disparity across the entire civil service has shrunk from 18% in 2007 to 7.5% in 2024, whilst gender pay disparities within grades changed comparatively little over the same period. 6/8