Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what impact evaluation they have undertaken of the exclusion of disability from the eligibility criteria for entry and progress in the Civil Service Fast-Stream.

Fast Stream and Emerging Talent (FSET) have introduced a new Summer Internship Programme (SIP) and in doing so broadened the eligibility criteria so that people from all backgrounds can now apply for internship opportunities - thus acknowledging a wider definition of diversity in line with the CS D&I Strategy. The separate eligibility strand for disabled applicants has been removed based on consistent performance evidence showing that disabled applicants have a higher success rate than non-disabled applicants for the Fast Stream. Nevertheless disabled applicants are still able and encouraged to apply to the SIP. Eligibility for the Fast Stream graduate programme is not affected in terms of disability.

This decision, in respect to disability, was based on a substantial internal review of disability outcomes for the Fast Stream graduate programme (for which the internship is a feeder scheme). An equality impact assessment was completed also based on the review. Due to changes to our selection process and associated performance of those with a disability and strong, inclusive brand we anticipate there will be minimal impact.

The review highlighted that disabled candidates at Fast Stream selection no longer demonstrated under-representation, as was previously the case. There has been strong disability representation at the Fast Stream appointment stage - at 25.5% in 2021 and 22.7% in 2022, against a higher education (HESA) university population benchmark of 17.1%.

In respect to consultation, we have liaised on this decision with Fast Stream scheme holders, SIP SPOCs, Government Legal and the CS Inclusive Practice team.

We previously removed the SDIP disability strand in 2011 when representation exceeded our benchmark.

We will continually monitor outcomes to ensure an inclusive, fair and evidence based approach for all centrally coordinated early talent programmes.