Department of Health and Social Care - Health Policy Fast Track Scheme

When you join the Health Policy Fast Track Scheme, you are joining the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) which plays a vital role in leading the nation’s health and social care to help people live more independent and healthier lives for longer. Diversity and Inclusion is one of our biggest priorities and we recognise it’s a work in progress. One of our goals is to establish a workforce which reflects the society we serve, and DHSC welcomes applications from all. We are especially interested to hear from gender diverse, BAME, disabled and LGBT+ candidates who are currently under-represented. People with lived experience are needed to help us improve outcomes and reduce inequalities across health and social care, and to become a more inclusive place to work. We view flexible working as essential for all our employees, and it enables us to recruit and retain talented people.

What is the Health Policy Fast Track Scheme?

The Health Policy Fast Track Scheme (HPFTS) is an exciting three-year health and social care policy leadership development scheme in the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). Applications for September 2021 are open now so if you think you have the skills and passion to become a leading health and social care policy professional then please apply.

The HPFTS provides a unique opportunity to develop an understanding of the political environment and gain hands-on experience of how health and social care policy is developed and delivered by Government, in an unprecedented time. Working with front-line services, think tanks, academia and stakeholder organisations you’ll build the skills needed to become a top-class policy professional and health care leader, developing and delivering high quality, evidence-based policies. You’ll develop a rewarding career that makes a real impact on people’s lives.

What will HPFTS participants experience on the Scheme?

You will be based at DHSC headquarters in either Leeds or London. The scheme includes placements in core policy roles and our Arm’s Length Bodies or the NHS, to give you cross health and social care experience. You will also gain direct experience of working with Ministers and senior officials through working in Private Office or in a similar role.

Scheme participants will benefit from a comprehensive development and support package including:

DHSC offers a competitive benefits package including 25 days holiday (increasing by one day a year to a max of 30 days) plus bank holidays, flexible working and a range of staff networks, discounts and other support and development opportunities.

As a future health and social care policy leader you will live up to DHSC values (fair and inclusive, respectful and confident, open and engaged) and become a high-calibre professional who will lead health and social care improvements for the benefit of people across the country, it is an opportunity to make a real difference. The HPFTS is a challenging and fast paced scheme that will provide you with unique experiences as well as support you with training, skills, knowledge and qualifications. By the end of the scheme, we expect you to compete for leadership roles in the £49,529 to £53,355 bracket.

Applications are open now through the Civil Service Jobs website. The deadline for the September 2021 intake is Monday 16th November 2020 and further information can be found there.