Guidance

Applications process

Published 21 May 2024

We have a structured application, interview and onboarding process designed to be fair and inclusive, and to recruit the best and most suitable candidates.

In line with our commitment in the Civil Service Workforce plan, we use the Success Profiles framework to attract and retain people from a range of sectors and all walks of life.

How to apply

Before you apply

Before you apply you must:

• check the level of security clearance required for the role
• check the nationality rules and right-to-work criteria to see if you are eligible

Submitting your application

To submit your application you must:

• complete your application form in full with information from your CV and statement of suitability
• submit a completed application before the deadline as we can not accept submissions after the date has passed

You will receive confirmation of your application via email.

Next steps

1. Candidate shortlisting or ‘sifting’

2. Interview

3. Results

4. Pre-employment checks and security clearances

5. Starting work

1. Candidate shortlisting or ‘sifting’

Sifting of applications takes place once the advert has closed. The selection panel assesses each application against the advertised criteria and the highest scoring applicants that meet the minimum criteria are invited to interview.

If there is a large number of applicants, the minimum criteria may be raised.

All candidates will receive an email updating them on the outcome of their application but we don’t normally provide feedback at this stage.

2. Interview 

Our interviews may take place in person or on Microsoft Teams. They usually last between 30 to 60 minutes.

At the interview, you will be assessed against the criteria listed in the advert. You will also be assessed on Civil Service Success Profiles, or with a competency based assessment.

You will be asked to show photo ID at the start of the interview to confirm your identity.

When you book a slot for interview you will be asked if you need a reasonable adjustment. If you do need an adjustment (see adjustments), select ‘yes’ and explain what you need and how this will make the interview process accessible for you.

3. Results  and offer

Once everyone has been interviewed, the panel will review the scores. All roles must be offered to the highest scoring candidate first.

If you receive a formal job offer, it will be in an email from HealthJobsUK. You may also receive an informal offer by phone.

If you’re unsuccessful, you’ll be told this and feedback will be provided if requested. This may be by phone but will always be followed by written confirmation in an email.

If you pass the interview criteria, but are not the highest scoring candidate, you may be kept on a reserve list for 12 months. This means you could be offered similar roles within UKHSA if they become available.

You could be offered a role at a lower grade if there is one available within the team you’ve applied for.

4. Pre-employment checks and security clearance

You must complete all necessary pre-employment checks before UKHSA can issue a contract of employment.

For some roles a higher level of security clearance is required and this would be discussed as part of the recruitment process.

5. Starting work

Once you have completed all pre-employment checks, your new line manager will contact you to arrange a start date.

Once the start date is confirmed, you will be issued with:

• an unconditional offer letter
• a contract
• new starter documents

These should be completed and returned as soon as possible so we can set you up on our payroll system.

You will then receive information from your line manager about what to do on your first day of work.

You will also receive an email regarding induction, email accounts and IT equipment if necessary.

Disability Confident scheme

We’re part of the Civil Service Disability Confident scheme (DCS).

This means we’re committed to encouraging positive action for disabled people and encouraging them to apply for jobs by offering them the assurance that, if they meet the minimum criteria, they will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent, and abilities at the interview stage.

If you consider yourself disabled and meet the minimum criteria for the role you’d like to apply for:

• tick the box on your application form to indicate you are eligible and would like to be considered under the scheme

• if you meet the minimum criteria, you will be invited for interview

Adjustments to the process

To support candidates with a disability during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that you may need to help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the DCS.

If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process, please contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.

Search roles we are currently recruiting for on Civil Service Jobs.