Research and evaluation trial
DWP is conducting a trial to evaluate an automated tool designed to identify similarities between application content and help assess the effectiveness of controls that support the integrity of recruitment processes.
As part of this trial, DWP may use information contained within your application solely for testing and evaluation purposes. The trial will not influence, inform or determine the outcome of your application and will not form part of any recruitment decision.
Participation is entirely voluntary and choosing not to participate will not affect your application in any way.
Further information about how your information may be used for this trial is contained within the attached privacy information notice.
If you do not wish your information to be used as part of this trial, or if you subsequently wish to withdraw your agreement, please contact [email protected]
Stage 1: Application
Your application will consist of four parts:
1. A Personal Details application form.
2. Employment history - this should contain your work experience and any skills, qualifications and accomplishments relevant to the jobs you have completed.
3. Personal statement - up to 1000 words. This statement should be used to provide examples of how you meet the essential criteria below:
-
Proven ability to produce clear, accessible and engaging written content, demonstrating strong drafting skills and the ability to communicate information effectively.
-
Experience in using feedback, data and user insight to inform decision making, refine campaign plans and continuously improve outcomes, demonstrating an evidence-based approach to delivery.
-
Proven proficiency in using digital tools and Microsoft 365 applications such as Teams, SharePoint, Planner and related platforms, to support effective collaboration, organise workload and deliver high quality communications and engagement outcomes.
-
Demonstrable commitment to continuous professional development, actively seeking opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills, sharing best practice with others, and applying learning to drive continuous improvement in communications delivery.
4. Technical statement (up to 250 words). The following statement is aligned to the required technical skill of Ideas. This statement should be used to provide example(s) of how you meet the criterion below:
-
Experience of planning, leading, delivering and evaluating complex communications campaigns, working collaboratively across teams and stakeholders, and applying industry recognised frameworks, methodologies and best practice to achieve clear and measurable outcomes.
Ensure that all examples provided in your statements are taken directly from your own experience and that you describe the examples in your own words. If you choose to use gen-AI to support your statements, you must follow the guidelines outlined in the Artificial intelligence and recruitment guide.
The sift panel will use the information in your employment history, personal statement, and technical statement to assess your experience, skills and knowledge.
An initial sift will be conducted using the technical statement. Candidates who pass the initial sift will be progressed to a full sift.
If you do progress to a full sift, you will be provided with one combined overall assessment score for both your employment history and Personal Statement.
For Hints and Tips on completing your application visit Applying for jobs at DWP Digital.
Important Information
-
You will be asked to complete your employment history. Any information that you would customarily share on a CV should therefore be entered onto the application form.
-
Personal details that could be used to identify you including your name, contact details and address must be removed for your application to be considered.
-
If your employment history, personal statement or technical statement contain any personal details your application will be withdrawn.
Stage 2: Interview
If youre successful at the sift stage, youll be invited to a video interview via Microsoft Teams. During the interview, youll be assessed against the experience criteria listed under both the essential criteria and technical skill.
You will be asked to create a 5 minute presentation on the topic below, using a maximum of 5 slides on PowerPoint:
-
Explain how you would design, deliver and evaluate a communications campaign to encourage colleagues to complete mandatory Security Training by the required deadline. You may use a recognised communications framework or methodology to support your approach.
Interviews will take place from early October 2026. Sift and Interview dates to be confirmed.
To help you prepare and settle into the interview you will be sent the interview questions in advance of the interview, at least 5 days prior to your interview. These questions should be treated as confidential and should not be shared. The interview panel may ask you other questions which will not be shared in advance, including follow-up questions, and those about your experience and abilities. Candidates may be asked further probing questions if their response is deemed to require further information to determine suitability for the role.
Candidates are strongly encouraged to secure their interview slot promptly to ensure fairness in preparation time with the questions provided in advance.
Further Information:
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.
All successful candidates and those placed on reserve will be posted in merit list order by location.
For these vacancies, we strongly recommend that applicants consult with an immigration specialist or qualified advisor to assess their eligibility for Visa Sponsorship before deciding to apply. Please note that while we consider sponsorship requests in accordance with current DWP guidance and Home Office policy, sponsorship cannot be guaranteed.
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:
-
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).
-
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:
- Presenting the work, ideas and experience of others as your own
- Copying content or answers from an online or published source that is not your own
Disclosure and Barring Service and Internal Fraud Database Checks
To process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service or 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 reasonable adjustments, terms and conditions and how we recruit visit the How we recruit page.
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.
