Application
As part of the application process you will be asked to provide a CV and Personal Statement.
The CV should cover your previous employment history.
The Personal Statement should be no more than 750 words and demonstrate how you meet the essential skills and experience criteria outlined in the person specification section of this job advert.
Sift
The indicative programme is below but please note that these dates may be subject to change. You will be informed at the earliest opportunity if any changes are required.
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Deadline for submission of applications - 2nd August
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Sift week commencing - 3rd August
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Interviews to be held during week commencing - 17th of August
Interview
If successful at the application stage, you will be invited to an interview via MS Teams where you will be assessed on the behaviours and strengths listed, and your experience.
There will be an In-Tray exercise during the interview to test Experience. Details will be provided at the start of the interview and candidates will get an allotted amount of time to review the scenario(s), feedback to the panel and answer any follow up questions.
Please note that interviews via video use Microsoft Teams and you will need to use your device to access the video link.
The following Behaviours & Strengths will be assessed at interview/ Test
- Managing a Quality Service
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
You will receive a link to join the interview at the appointed time through the email account you provide us with on your application.
Existing Civil Servants and applicants from accredited NDPBs are eligible to apply but will only be considered on loan basis (Civil Servants) or secondment (accredited NDPBs). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.
Location
As part of the pre-employment process, successful candidates will agree a contractual workplace from the locations listed in this advert. This agreed location will become their substantive and permanent place of work.
Where the location is listed as National, the successful appointee must discuss and agree an appropriate contractual location before pre-employment processes begin, in line with Defras location policy and site capacity.
Time spent at a workplace for this post must meet the Civil Service expectation that at least 60% of working time is spent in an organisational workplace, with the remaining time worked flexibly from home. Workplace time may include other organisational sites, field-based operational locations, and supplier, customer or partner locations. This is a non-contractual agreement aligned with common Civil Service expectations.
Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will follow departmental travel and subsistence policies. Employees are responsible for travel costs to their contractual workplace.
The successful candidate must carry out all duties from within the UK and cannot work from an overseas location at any time.
Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, CEFAS and VMD.
Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Near Miss Candidates
Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Defra which may be at a lower grade but have a potential skills match.
Merit Lists
Where more than one location is advertised, candidates will be posted in merit order by location.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to DEFRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should contact the Government Recruitment Service via [email protected] as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the Assistance required section in the Additional requirements page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if youre deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing [email protected] stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Higher Security Clearance
All of these posts require the successful candidate to hold basic security clearance. Candidates posted to London may be subject to a higher level of clearance because of the security requirements for that location. Job offers to these posts are made on the basis of merit. Security vetting will only take place after the receipt of a job offer.
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.
Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
