FAQ

How do I apply/ how long will it take?

After viewing the vacancy details you can click on the apply now button, you will be lead through the application process, how long the process takes depends upon weather you use the CV upload facility and how easily scanned your CV is, you will however be updated as to approximately how much longer it will take at each stage. 

Should you choose to make an application on paper, you should call the recruitment team who will send out an application pack for you to complete and send back to us.  This process can take about a week allowing for the variances of the post and how quickly you can complete and send back your application form.

How many vacancies can I apply for?

There is no limit to the number of applications you can make.

Can I submit a general or speculative application?

Unfortunately not.  We do have a number of talent pools that we accept applications for; these are for specifically identified skills areas and appear within our advertised vacancies.  To place your details in the relevant talent pool you will apply in the same way as you would for a current vacancy.

What should I do if I cannot find a vacancy that suits me?

We update our list of vacancies on a regular basis, by registering for our job alerts facility, you will be receive an e mail, inviting you to apply, as soon as a vacancy is posted that matched your criteria.

Do I have to fill in an application form if I am sending a CV?

Yes, but by using our CV upload system, as many field as possible will be automatically populated allowing you simply to add missing information and/or edit text that has been inserted.

What happens after I send my application in/How will I know if my application has been successful/How long is the recruitment process?

As soon as your application has been received you will be sent an automated response, thanking you for your application. 
1. As soon as the vacancy closes the available applications will undergo an initial shortlist using the screening questions asked on the application form.
2. The shortlist of applications will then be sent to the hiring panel who will conduct a further shortlisting exercise matching applicants experience and skills to the technical competencies for this post. 
3. As a result of this exercise we will then invite applicants to take part in a selection process that will more often than not be made up of an interview and assessment centre.
4. A provisional offer will be made to the appoint able candidate/s
This process usually takes between two to four weeks, dependant upon panel availability, number of applications and the number of vacant posts to be filled.  At each stage of this process will keep applicants informed of their progress via e mail

Do I have to fill I the equal op’s monitoring information?

No, although this is really useful information that is treated in confidence and not seen by the hiring panel.  We use the information provided to monitor that our recruitment processes are not unfairly discriminating against any particular gender, ethnic, age, religious, disabled or sexually orientated groups.

I hold a certain type of visa; can I apply for this job?

There are a number of different Visa’s that are acceptable as proof of eligibility to work in the UK, you can find full details by following this link to the home office site http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/passports-and-immigration/visas/ (Alan you may know of a better site if so please put it in here).  However here are a few guidance notes:
 People holding a visa stating unlimited leave to remain in the UK, providing that there are no stated restrictions are usually able to work in any capacity in the UK.

Holders of the following types of visa are generally able to work in any capacity in the UK:
  Spouse/un married Partner/Dependant  (possibly restricted to the period of the original visa holders leave to remain)
  Science & engineering graduate scheme/fresh talent working in Scotland/Highly skilled migrant

Holders of the following list will be bound by the restrictions of the visa or work permit:
  Student (allowed to work up to 20 hours per week only in term time and therefore cannot apply for full time positions of employment)
  Work permit (restricted to the named business for which the permit was issued)

Other visa’s may include
  Visitor (Not entitled to work in the UK)
  Working Holiday (permitted to work for one out of the two year period of the stated term)
  Volunteer workers (Eligible to work without payment for allowable business listed; please contact the home Office for a complete up to date list)
  A permitted ARC Card which will permit the holder to work in the UK

Please note that this list is not exhaustive and should you be in any doubt please contact the home office with your query.

Who should be my referees?

Where ever possible, your last two employers, if you are leaving school / further education and this is your first job or you are returning to work after a long absence, tutors or mentors are acceptable referees.  We cannot accept references from close friends or family members.  You should first seek permission from your intended referee before providing their details as there is no legal obligation for anyone to supply a reference and they may refuse.

What happens if I apply after the closing date?

We do not accept applications after the stated closing date; we will however in exceptional circumstances make a request to the selection panel to view a late application if there is an established and accepted reason for the late arrival.  They however are not obliged to accept late applications.

Will I have to attend an assessment centre?

With few exceptions our selection process for all vacancies will include an assessment centre (please see Hints and Tips for securing an appointment for further details)

Who will interview me?

Our selection panels are generally made up of three people but can be from two up to five.  Whenever possible we endeavour to ensure that they are people who represent a gender and ethnic mix.

Can I request a different interview date?

Because our interview panels are made up of a number of people the dates for interviews are planned in advance of advertising the vacancy to ensure all participants are available on the same day.  We also endeavour to run our assessment centres on the same day as the interview in order to minimise the amount of time applicants need to take away from their current jobs.  In addition we advertise the date of the interview and assessments with the vacancy to provide as much notice as possible for the applicants.

As such it is difficult to rearrange this level of activity at short notice in order to make separate arrangements for individual applicants.  We will however in exceptional circumstances forward a request to the selection panel to reconvene at an additional date; they however are not obliged to agree to such arrangements.

Will I have to undergo a Criminal Records bureau check?

There are a number of posts in our organisation that grant post holders significant access to one or more vulnerable groups.  We have a legal obligation to request and obtain information about these workers relating to criminal activity.  If such a check is required it will be stated in the vacancy advert.  For further information please follow this link to the CRB site http://www.crb.gov.uk/

How long will you keep my details on file?

We conform to all regulations contained in the Data Protection Act 1998, you can at any time request your contact details to be removed from our system.  For further details please follow this link http://www.ico.gov.uk/what_we_cover/data_protection.aspx

Do you have a flexible working policy?

Flexible working arrangements are at the discretion of each person’s line manager, there are however a number of positions requiring specific shift patterns that may suit your requirements and you should make enquiries at your interview.

Do you have a graduate training programme?

We do not have a graduate programme, we do however offer extensive training and development for all employees.(Insert link to development page)

Do you recruit volunteers?

We do have volunteers working in our organisation please follow this link for further information (insert link to volunteer page)

I want to know what has happened to my application who should I contact?