How to apply and what's next
Your application will be sent to the relevant hiring manager. Only applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be shortlisted. Once shortlisted, you’ll be invited for an interview. We’ll let you know all the details via email.
How to apply
Before completing the application form, read through the job description and person specification first. Reading these documents helps you to see what the job involves and can help you to decide if you’d like to apply.
Afterwards, consider the skills or experience you have that will prove you meet all the requirements listed under the essential criteria.
Step 1
- Use ‘search jobs’ to find your ideal role.
- Carefully read through the job description and person specification to make sure you meet all our criteria.
Step 2
- Ensure your CV is up to date and prepare your supporting statement.
- Tip: tell us in as much detail as possible how you meet the essential and desired criteria. This is what we’ll assess your application on.
Step 3
- Complete the application form.
- You’ll get confirmation via email that we’ve received it.
Tips for your CV
- On the first page, detail why you’re the right person and have the skills to fill the job vacancy.
- Include details of past roles, paid and voluntary, in date order, starting with the most recent or your current job. This should include the key skills required to do the job and the main experience received.
- Don’t make your CV too extensive. Use key points rather than lengthy statements. Use bullet points instead of paragraphs where possible.
- Use a confident tone and positive language.
- Read your CV before submitting to check grammar and spelling.
- For safer recruitment roles, ensure you’ve included your full work history and accounted for any gaps in employment.
Tips for your supporting statement
- Consider your past experience in and outside of work. If your work experience is limited, consider what you may have done at school, university, when volunteering or during your private or family life.
- Show you’re our ideal candidate by explaining and providing examples of how you meet each of the main characteristics of the job description. Look at the person specification as we’ll be scoring your application based on your answers to the criteria listed here.
- Don’t over complicate your supporting statement or make it too lengthy. Keep it to the point.
- Read your supporting statement before submitting to check grammar and spelling.
- Write a new supporting statement for each job you apply for. Even if the role is similar, there are likely to be some differences.
What’s next?
Interviews and selection
As part of the recruitment process, you may also be asked to do a telephone interview, psychometric test, or a role-related assessment. But don’t worry, we’ll let you know in advance so you can prepare.
Tip: have a few examples up your sleeve that show why you’re suited for the role. And it’s always a good idea to do a bit of research on the organisation you want to join – so take a look at our main website.
Disclosure and Barring Service
Some of our roles require a disclosure check before you start work. This includes any information held by the police, and is used to make safer recruitment decisions. For roles that involve working with children or vulnerable adults, an additional check is carried out to make sure employees don’t have a history that makes them unsuitable for this type of work.
We’ll tell you if the role you’re applying for needs a DBS check. You’ll only be asked to apply for one after a conditional offer of employment has been made.
Visit the Disclosure and Barring Service website to find out more.
After your interview
We’ll let you know the outcome of your interview as soon as possible.
If successful, we’ll make you an offer based on certain conditions being met (such as medical clearance, entitlement to work in the UK, references, criminal record checks). So it’s best not to hand in your notice at your current job until everything’s been confirmed. Then all that’s left is to sign your contract, and start your first day.
If you’ve been unsuccessful, we’ll give you feedback and the reasons for our decision. You could join our Talent Pool, where we keep your details on file in case similar roles become available. Alternatively, registering for email alerts means you’ll be notified when more opportunities pop up.
Equality and diversity
Equality is one of our top priorities. We’re proud to champion equal opportunities for all, and welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates.
Plus, we’re committed to fairly treating employees, candidates or service users - regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethic or national origins), sexual orientation, religion or belief, and marital status.
We’re also part of the government’s Disability Confident Scheme, and treat every person with respect. So if you apply to work for us, and have a disability, you’ll be guaranteed an interview should you meet all the essential job criteria.
Contact us
Contact us for recruitment enquiries or support.
Email: [email protected]