1. Application Process
To apply for this post, you will need to complete the online application process outlined below no later than 12 noon on Monday 10th August 2026.
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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 only have limited information on which to assess your application against the criteria in the person specification.
As part of the online application process, you will be asked a number of diversity-related questions. If you do not wish to provide a declaration on any of the particular characteristics, you will have the option to select 'prefer not to say. All monitoring data will be treated in the strictest confidence and will not be provided to the selection panel. The information you provide when submitting your application will help us monitor our progress towards the Civil Service becoming the most inclusive employer.
2. Shortlist
A panel, including the hiring manager, will assess your application to select those demonstrating the best fit with the role by considering the evidence you have provided against the criteria set out in the person specification section of this pack. Failure to address any or all of these may affect your application.
The timeline later in this pack 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.
3. Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a panel interview in order to have a more in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the person specification. You may be asked to prepare a 5-minute presentation. Full details will be provided prior to the interview.
Your interview will be via a video call. The interview panel will be chaired by Kerstin Parker, who will be supported by additional panel members. The final panel interview will be a blended interview, covering Behaviours and Experience. A blended interview aims to be more of a conversation exploring the candidates capability for the role.
Shortlisted candidates may have the opportunity to speak to Kerstin Parker, 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.
4. 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.
Expected Timeline:
Shortlist Meeting: Week Commencing 7th September 2026
Informal Discussions: Week Commencing 14th September 2026
Interviews: Friday 18th September 2026
Reasonable Adjustments
At DWP we value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, especially those that are underrepresented in our workforce. We consider visible and non-visible disabilities, neurodiversity or learning differences, chronic medical conditions, or mental ill health. Examples include dyslexia, epilepsy, autism, chronic fatigue, or schizophrenia.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should contact [email protected] as soon as possible, before the closing date to discuss your needs. Complete the Reasonable Adjustments 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.
Disability Confident Scheme
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. DWP is recognised as a Disability Confident Leader, demonstrating the departmental commitment to attracting, recruiting and retaining disabled people and supporting them in achieving their full potential. We run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the advertised role. To be considered for an interview, you must have:
- a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term (over 12 months) adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day to day activities; or a long-term health condition; and
- demonstrated that you meet all the minimum qualifying criteria set out in the advertisement for the post at the application and testing stages.
A full definition and examples of conditions can be found on this webpage. You will be asked at the initial application stage if you wish to apply via the scheme.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
