Application Process
To apply for this post, you will need to complete the online application via Saxton Bampfylde process outlined below no later than Monday the 31st of August at 23:55:
- A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years;
- A personal statement (maximum 1250 words), explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities, and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the essential criteria in the person specification.
Failure to submit both documents will mean the panel has only limited information on which to assess your application against the criteria in the person specification.
Longlist
Depending on the volume of applications received, a longlisting process may be undertaken. As part of this process, candidates will be interviewed by Corrie Cowlard or Jonathan Morgan, Consultants at Saxton Bampfylde, the executive search firm appointed to manage this recruitment on behalf of DWP. These discussions are intended to explore candidates' experience and motivation in greater depth and do not form a pass/fail assessment. Instead, they provide additional evidence to support the panel's overall evaluation when determining which candidates best meet the requirements of the role and should be invited to the next stage of the process.
Shortlist
A panel, including the hiring manager, will assess applications against the person specification and shortlist those demonstrating the strongest evidence of suitability for the role. Failure to address any or all of these may affect your application.
The timeline stated in the Candidate Pack attached indicates the date by which a decision is expected to be made, and all shortlisted candidates will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible thereafter.
Assessment
If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to take part in a Staff Engagement Exercise on the 30/09/2026, via MS Teams, in advance of the interview. This assessment will not result in a pass or fail decision. Rather, it is designed to support the panels decision making and highlight areas for the panel to explore further at interview.
Shortlisted candidates may have the opportunity to speak to Mike Fell, prior to the final interview. This is an informal discussion to allow candidates to learn more
about the role and is not part of the assessment process.
Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a panel interview to discuss your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the person specification. You will be asked to prepare a 5-minute presentation. Full details will be provided prior to the interview.
Your interview will take place face to face on Tuesday 13 October 2026 at Caxton House, London. Further details will be confirmed nearer the time. The interview panel will be chaired by Mike Fell, who will be supported by additional panel members. The final panel interview will be a blended interview, covering Behaviours, Technical skills and Experience. A blended interview aims to be more of a conversation exploring the candidates capability for the role.
Offer and Feedback
Regardless of the outcome, we will notify all candidates as soon as possible. We will offer the opportunity to discuss feedback for all candidates who reached interview.
A reserve list will be held for up to 12 months, which we may use to fill future similar vacancies for candidates who are considered appointable following interview.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
