Full details of the selection process can be found in the attached job description.
Application and shortlisting
You will be asked to provide personal details (not seen by the Panel) and to confirm your eligibility to apply for the role.
You will then be asked to complete an application which will be used to assess you against the following essential criteria.
Essential criteria
Experience
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Lead criteria: Experience of the regulatory landscape through working in a local authority setting.
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Be effective at working with and through external stakeholders and delivery partners, with evidence of building and influencing collaborative working relationships both internally and externally, including excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent organisational skills including the ability to prioritise effectively and work to tight deadlines.
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Lead Criteria An initial sift will take place on the Lead Criteria.
In the event that we receive a large number of applications, the minimum pass mark for the Lead Criteria may be raised at shortlisting stage. Candidates who apply under the DCS, GPTW or RIS schemes and meet the minimum requirements will be unaffected by the pass mark raise.
Interview
If successful at shortlisting stage, you will be invited to a final interview in which we will assess you against the following Experience requirements of the role and Civil Service Behaviours:
Behaviours
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Communicating and Influencing
Experience
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Experience of the regulatory landscape through working in a local authority setting.
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Be effective at working with and through external stakeholders and delivery partners, with evidence of building and influencing collaborative working relationships both internally and externally, including excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organisational skills including the ability to prioritise effectively and work to tight deadlines.
Expected Timeline
Advert closes: 15 September 2026
Sift: Expected to take place From 16 September 2026
Final panel interview: Expected to take place either week commencing 28 September or 05 October 2026
Please note that indicated dates may be subject to change.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to the Food Standards Agency 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 https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Reserve List
A reserve list will be held for a period of up to 12 months from which further appointment may be made.
Candidates that do not pass the interview but have demonstrated an acceptable standard may be considered for similar roles at a lower grade.
Visa Sponsorship
Please note that the FSA does not offer visa sponsorship and cannot provide advice on visa applications
Making a complaint
The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commissions Recruitment Principles.
If you feel your application has not been treated fairly in accordance with the principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should email the FSAs Director of People at [email protected]. If you are not satisfied with the response, you can contact the Civil Service Commission.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
