Our selection process ensures a comprehensive assessment of each applicant's skills, and potential fit within our organisation.
The selection process for this role will include completing a short CV and a 250 word statement.
Stage 1:
You will be asked to provide a short CV listing your skills and experience and complete a 250 word technical statement.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Your CV will only be considered for applications that progress to job offer and will assist the vacancy holders in matching skills to suitable opportunities/locations. It will not form part of a sifting process or be scored.
Stage 2: Online Tests
After submission of your application you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Numerical Test.
If you successfully pass the test you will then be invited to take the Civil Service Styles Assessment (CSSA). At this stage, you will be assessed against the Behaviours element of the Success Profile Framework:
You will be assessed on all 9 Civil Service Behaviours: Seeing the Big Picture, Changing & Improving, Making Effective Decisions, Leadership, Communicating & Influencing, Working Together, Developing Self and Others, Managing a Quality Service & Delivering at Pace.
Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests is 23:55 on 02/07/2026. If you fail to complete the online test before the deadline your application will be withdrawn. Guidance for the test will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website.
There will be scheduled maintenance for online tests on 21st June and the 28th June. This means you will be unable to access the online tests between 12pm and 1pm on the 21st June and 4pm to 12pm on the 28th June. Your progress will be saved, and you will be able to continue once the tests are available again.
Important Note:
If we receive a large number of applications, we may raise the pass mark on the online test. In such cases, only shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview even if they have achieved the minimum required standard on the online test.
Both the online tests and application must be completed by the closing date on the advert, otherwise your application will be rejected.
There is comprehensive candidate guidance for the Civil Service Styles Assessment (CSSA). We strongly recommend candidates to read the assessment guidance, watch the information video and to take the practice test prior to completing the real assessment.
Sift:
A sift will be conducted using the information applicants provide against the Technical criteria outlined on the technical template (250 words) supplied in the application process. Applicants who do not meet the minimum standard at this stage will not progress to interview.
Interviews
Applicants meeting the agreed minimum standard will be interviewed using the blended approach testing Technical skills and Strengths.
Applicants invited to interview, will be required to deliver a 5-10 minute verbal presentation at the start of your interview. Details of the presentation and what is required will be supplied as part of the invite to interview.
Interview dates to commence 21st July 2026 these are subject to change.
Interviews could be conducted face to face or virtual.
Postings:
Successful candidates will be posted in merit order based on your location preferences and the geographical requirements of the business.
Further Information
At the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) we value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including those that are underrepresented in our workforce.
Find out more about working for DWP on the DWP Careers Hub.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made.
If you are placed on a reserve list but we cannot immediately offer you a post, please note:
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If you are later offered the role you applied for, in a location you have expressed a preference for, and you decline the offer or are unable to take up the post within a reasonable timeframe you will be withdrawn from the campaign and removed from the reserve list, other than in exceptional circumstances (e.g. a contractual Part Time Working Pattern cannot be accommodated in the initial role offered or in cases of serious ill health).
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If DWP makes an offer of an alternative role or location to that which you originally applied for, and you decline that offer, you will be able to remain on the reserve list.
Disability Confident Scheme
If high application volumes are received, the benchmark for candidates to proceed to the next stage may be raised. In line with our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS), we aim to advance all candidates applying under the DCS who meet the minimum standard. However, we may only progress those candidates who best meet the required standards.
Reasonable Adjustments
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 the Government Recruitment Service via [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. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if youre deaf, a Language Service Professional.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Integrity, plagiarism and Civil Service Principles
The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles.
Please ensure that all examples provided in your application are taken directly from your own experience and that you describe the examples in your own words.
Examples of plagiarism can include:
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Presenting the work, ideas and experience of others as your own
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Copying content or answers from an online or published source that is not your own
Disclosure and Barring Service and Internal Fraud Database Checks
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service/Disclosure Scotland 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.
For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email [email protected]
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 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check will be carried out.
Important
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Before applying for this vacancy, current employees of DWP should check whether a successful application would result in changes to their terms & conditions of employment, e.g. mobility, pay, allowances. If you are a current employee and are successful you must be able to be released from your current post within four weeks.
Those on protected TUPE/ COSoP terms and conditions applying on promotion or voluntary permanent level move will adopt DWPs Terms and Conditions and this may have a different impact on pay and allowances. Please review this prior to acceptance of a role.
Civil Servants that would transfer into DWP from other government organisations, following successful application, will assume DWP's terms & conditions of employment current on the day they are posted, unless DWP has stated otherwise in writing. Accepting a post will be taken to mean acceptance of revised terms & conditions.
Civil Servants applying on promotion will usually be appointed to the salary minimum or within 10% of existing salary.
Any move to DWP 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. Determine your eligibility at the Childcare Choices Website.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
