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Last updated: 24 November 2008
Parity plc managed the delivery of the 2004 scheme having taken over the contract from Capita. The most significant change in the recruitment process was the introduction of IT–based administration, to control the cost effectively the increasingly large volumes of applications.
The online application process for 2004 included mandatory self–assessment prior to completing the application form and stage one of the Qualifying Test (bio–data questionnaire). Approximately 50 per cent of candidates were then invited to a Parity test centre for invigilated computer–based cognitive tests (QT part two). This first use by the Cabinet Office of computer–based assessment proved successful and provided valuable experience for planning the greater use of online assessment for the 2005 scheme.
During the year work began on the development of the 2005 selection process, taking forward the plans agreed last year. The Cabinet Office contracted out the development of the new assessment materials following a series of tendering exercises. The appointed contractors were tasked with ensuring that the new processes are in line with the best of current practice and are diversity friendly. In the case of candidates with disabilities, as now, all reasonable adjustments will be made at all stages to enable them to compete on a fair basis with non–disabled candidates. The new assessment sift tests and exercises were piloted during the summer of 2004 ready for the launch of the 2005 scheme in September 2004. The development of the assessment centre exercises began during the summer of 2004. These were trialled and refined ready for use within a very tight timetable.
The 2005 process represents the most significant redesign of the selection of Fast Streamers since the 1950s when the assessment centre approach finally replaced the examination based process. A rigorous evaluation of the new process is planned, paying particular attention to its effects on the diversity and quality of those recruited.
Fast Stream 2005 General Fast Stream competition initial results
The final boards for the General Fast Stream 2005 competition were completed at the end of March 2005. Early indications show that the improvements made to the selection process have increased the number of successful applicants from ethnic minority backgrounds. Full details of the 2005 competition will be reported in the next Fast Stream report.