Application process
We will ask shortlisted candidates for their preference. This will be considered, along with business needs. A single merit list will be created from this competition and offers will be made in merit order.
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete:
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a CV detailing your career history, and skills/experience;
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a Personal Statement (maximum 500 words); and
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a 250 word behaviour statement, for the Success Profiles Behaviour Managing a Quality Service.
Your CV should consist of your career history and skills/experience, including any key achievements in each role. Your CV will be used to provide further context on your personal statement and will not be scored.
The Personal Statement should demonstrate how you meet the skills and experience set out in the essential criteria. This will be assessed as part of the initial selection process.
In the event of a large number of applications we will conduct an initial sift on the 250 word behaviour statement, Managing a Quality Service.
Candidates who pass the initial sift will progress to a full sift, or progress straight to assessment/interview.
Selection process
At the interview stage for this role, we will assess you based on the Civil Service Success Profiles. You will be required to provide evidence of the following three behaviours in your interview for the role:
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Managing a Quality Service
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Changing and Improving
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Communicating and Influencing
As part of the interview, candidates will be asked to complete a task. This will be to prepare a response to a list of questions, using the material provided, and demonstrating evidence of the behaviours above. Shortlisted candidates will be provided with the task and given 20 minutes prior to the interview to read the material. The questions and your answers will form the first part of the interview.
We will also test you on a range of strengths. These are designed to test your ability to respond to situations that you may face in your day to day role.
At the interview, you will be scored on your task, behaviours and strengths and appointments will be made in merit order.
Expected timeline (subject to change)
Expected sift date w/c 24 August 2026
Expected interview date/s w/c 31 August 2026
Interview location - Your interview will either be conducted face to face or by video. You will be notified of the location if you are selected for interview.
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 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.
Acceptable use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Writing your application and preparing for interview
You can use AI tools to:
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prepare for interviews, including mock questions you might be asked
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research public information about the Civil Service and organisation you are applying to
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find out information about trends in an industry or profession that you can relate to personal experiences
Further Information
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Any move to Cabinet Office 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.
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.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Please note that this role requires CTC clearance, which would normally need 3 years UK residency in the past 3/5/10 years. This is not an absolute requirement, but supplementary checks may be needed where individuals have not lived in the UK for that period. This may mean your security clearance (and therefore your appointment) will take longer or, in some cases, not be possible.
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
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.
Please note terms and conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Feedback
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
