Thank you for your email.

You may probably be aware that where groups are under represented in a particular area, the law allows for training to “level the playing field for them”. Under the Race Relations Act, section 37/38 employers are allowed to provide training for any ethnic group where it can be proved that it is under represented in their workforce. The Civil Service General Fast Stream Development Programme is a graduate entry route taking high calibre graduates from a range of institutions. Currently 85% of the university population is white but white students make up at least 95% of those joining the General Fast Stream.

The reasons for this lack of balance are numerous and complex, but we believe that they include a lack of awareness of the Civil Service amongst some ethnic groups, unfamiliarity with the Civil Service culture, and a belief that they would not be welcome. As the Act allows, the autumn and winter and development programmes raise awareness of the General Fast Stream amongst those who are under represented within it. They also introduce graduates and undergraduates, who might otherwise not consider us, to Civil Service culture. As such, they are not open to white graduates. Nevertheless, the selection to the Graduate Fast Stream itself is, as it has always been, completely fair and open to all, and every applicant is judged on merit throughout the selection process.

You may have also noticed that we another targeted programme for undergraduates and graduates who have a disability, again this is for similar reasons but this time addressing the issue: under representation of people with disabilities in the Senior Civil Service.

I hope this answers your concerns. You may be interested to learn about other opportunities available in the Civil Service through the website: www.careers.civil-service.gov.uk.

Kind regards,

Nazia Kosar