Application Process
As part of the application process, candidates are asked to complete a CV and Personal Statement (no more than 1000 words) on how your relevant skills and experience meet the essential criteria. Completed applications must be submitted no later than the closing date of 23:55pm, Sunday 9th August 2026.
Informal conversations with hiring manager
Prior to the closing date informal conversations (not assessed) can be arranged with the vacancy holder, David Hallam, Director for Water Delivery. If you would like to arrange to speak with David please contact his Private Secretary, Scott Woodman via email [email protected].
Sift
A sift will be conducted against the key criteria above and will assess your experience. Applications will be assessed by the selection panel and shortlisted.
Staff Engagement Exercise (SEE)
These assessments will not result in a pass or fail decision. Rather, they are designed to support the panels decision-making and highlight areas for the panel to explore further at interview.
Full details of the assessment process will be provided to shortlisted
candidates at the earliest opportunity. For further information regarding the assessments please visit -
https://scs-assessments.co.uk/
Interviews
You will be asked to attend a panel interview in London at 2, Marsham street, to have a more in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the essential criteria for the role. As part of the interview, we will ask you to prepare a short presentation. This will be confirmed in the interview invitation.
Interviews will be held face to face in London at 2, Marsham Street.
Other Information
Please let us know what adjustments we can put in place to help you through the recruitment process if you are disabled. To discuss your requirements in more detail, please contact: [email protected] in the first instance.
Candidates who pass the interview criteria but are not offered a post may be kept on a reserve list for 12 months and may be offered similar roles across the department.
Defra Is committed to name blind sifting. That means that identifying characteristics such as your name, gender, age, or address are removed from your application until after shortlisting for interview has taken place.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
