The 2005 Fast Stream recruitment report was published online at www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk today. It summarises the results of the Civil Service Fast Stream recruitment competitions completed in the year ending November 2005, and describes some significant developments in the Fast Stream selection process during the same period.

Entry into the Fast Stream remains highly attractive and competitive. Key facts and figures from the report are as follows.

All vacancies in the graduate Fast Stream scheme, and 94 per cent of Fast Stream vacancies overall, were filled.

The proportion of successful female candidates rose to 43.7 per cent, improving slightly from 41.5 per cent in 2004.

The proportion of successful candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds rose to 7.1 per cent, from 5.4 per cent in 2004.

The proportion of applicants with a declared disability fell slightly to 2.5 per cent, from 3.2 per cent in 2004.

The Fast Stream selection process itself is subject to continuous review, and the results are monitored in detail to ensure no adverse impact on any particular groups of applicants. We shall continue to work to improve Fast Stream recruitment from the point of view of both applicants and employing departments.