Application
For guidance on how to structure your application please see About the application process , Civil Service Careers
Complete the online application form on Civil Service Jobs which requires the following information:
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The CV section is an opportunity for you to detail your career history. It should outline the jobs you have done, the length of time you were employed within each role and a brief description of your role, responsibilities and duties which demonstrate relevance to the role you are applying for against the essential criteria. You must type, or copy and paste into the text box called Employment History within the online application. You cannot attach a copy of your CV.
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A Personal Statement (1000 words max): The personal statement lets you explain why you're a good fit for the job in more detail. Use it to show how you meet the essential criteria and experience listed in our advert.
In the event of a large number of applications, a lead sift may take place. The following point will be used as the lead criteria when shortlisting if this happens, and if you do not meet the minimum standard the rest of your application will not be assessed.
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Experience working in a HR Service Desk, Operations or Shared Services teams delivering high-volume onboarding, contractual changes, absence, leaver and pay administration, using SAP or similar HR systems and Microsoft Office.
All shortlisted candidates will be advised of the outcome shortly afterwards.
Interview
If you are shortlisted, you will:
- Be asked to attend an interview to have a more in-depth discussion about your experience and suitability for the role.
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Interviews will be a blend of behaviour, and experience questions.
Candidates who pass the shortlist stage will receive full assessment details with their interview invitations.
Other Information
Shortlist Date: 10 11 September 2026
Interview Date: 24 25 September 2026
Interviews will be held in person at The Planning Inspectorate, Bristol, further details will be sent with the invite to interview.
The Planning Inspectorate does not fund travel and subsistence for candidates to attend interviews.
Reserve list
A reserve list may be held for a period of 9 months from which further appointments can be made.
Future Matches
Candidates who demonstrate strong potential and future readiness but score just below the required level at interview may be considered for alternative positions. These roles may be at a lower grade but align with their skills and offer opportunities for growth.
Merit list order
We appoint in merit list order, starting with any permanent appointments followed by any fixed term appointments.
We encourage all candidates to make themselves familiar with the role and what we will be assessing you against which is detailed in the Person Specification.
ID and Documents
If specific qualifications/memberships are essential for the role and you are successful, you will be asked to provide accurate scanned or photographed images of the qualifications/memberships that you listed on your application prior to your start date.
We must check that any successful candidates are allowed to work for the Civil Service before we employ them. If successful, you will be asked to do a right to work check using identity document validation technology (IDVT) through the services of an Identity Service Provider (IDSP), Civil Service Jobs. If we are unable to confirm your right to work and through the IDVT we will need to do a manual right to work check using original documents with you in person.
Visa Sponsorship
The Planning Inspectorate cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates, we do not hold a Visa sponsorship licence.
Disability Confident Interview scheme/Reasonable Adjustments
The Civil Service values diversity and offers equal opportunities. We have a Disability Confident Interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the job's minimum criteria. We will also provide reasonable adjustments to all where possible. For more information please see Reasonable Adjustments , Civil Service Careers.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
