How to apply
Please click on the 'Apply now' button.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete:
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An evidence-based Personal Statement and CV reflecting the essential Experience and Technical requirements as listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. Your Personal Statement should be no longer than 1,250 words. It should avoid generalised assertions, instead including specific examples of achievements, explaining the degree of challenge, what you did, how you did it and the outcomes.
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Your CV should be no more than the equivalent of two sides of A4.
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A separate 250-word Statement reflecting the desirable criteria. Desirable criteria will only be assessed in the event of a tie-breaker scenario at sift or interview.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the Lead Criteria:
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Evidence of influencing technical and non-technical stakeholders, including explaining quality risks and release-readiness evidence in plain language, and
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Test strategy and risk-based assurance: evidence of defining and applying risk-based test strategies for digital or technology services, including deciding appropriate test depth, coverage, sequencing and release-readiness evidence.
Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift of all the above requirements or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
If a large number of applications meet the minimum standard an interview wait list may be created for this position. This means that if you have met the minimum requirements at sift you may be placed at a Hold status for up to 12 months and if we are able to invite you to an interview we will be in touch.
Interview Details
If you have successfully passed sift at the application stage, you will be invited to an interview which will take place via Microsoft Teams, and which is likely to take place from the week commencing 24 August 2026.
It will be a Technical and Experience based interview, and it will also include a Test on the lead Technical Criteria:
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Test strategy and risk-based assurance: evidence of defining and applying risk-based test strategies for digital or technology services, including deciding appropriate test depth, coverage, sequencing and release-readiness evidence.
The following Technical Essential criteria will also be assessed at interview -
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Defect management: evidence of using test evidence, defect trends, quality metrics and reporting to inform delivery decisions, escalate risks and improve testing practice.
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Modern testing practice: evidence of using programming, scripting or low code automation to support testing and CI/CD quality gates.
The following Essential Experience criteria will be assessed at Interview
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Evidence of influencing technical and non-technical stakeholders, including explaining quality risks and release-readiness evidence in plain language.
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Leadership and capability building: evidence of managing, mentoring or coaching testers, analysts or colleagues and improving team practice.
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Delivery and stakeholder management: evidence of successfully coordinating testing across several delivery teams, managing risks and communicating findings.
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Experience translating business requirements, acceptance criteria and user needs into proportionate test coverage.
A reserve list will be created for this position; this means that if you have passed the interview, but we cannot immediately offer you this position, you will be placed on a reserve list for 12 months and may be considered for similar positions during that time.
Reasonable Adjustments
As a Disability Confident Leader, Acas is committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process. If you have a disability and feel that any part of the recruitment process puts you at a disadvantage, we will work with you to make Reasonable Adjustments that support your needs. If you require any changes to help you apply:
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Please contact the Acas Recruitment Team via [email protected] as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
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Please complete the Assistance Required section on the Additional Requirements page of your application form to let us know about any adjustments or support you may need during the recruitment process. For example, this might include accessibility arrangements for entering a building or interview room, communication support, modifications to assessment methods, etc.
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You can find out more about the Disability Confident Scheme and Reasonable Adjustments by clicking these links.
Want to learn more about Civil Service recruitment? You can find out more on Civil Service Careers, including information on Success Profiles, writing a Personal Statement, acceptable use of Artificial Intelligence, and what to expect at Interview.
For applicants requiring an eVisa to work in the UK
Please be advised that Acas does not hold a UKVI Sponsorship Licence so cannot consider sponsoring a visa applicant or issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.