Security Clearance
For ONS the requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for 3 consecutive years immediately prior to applying and the department will consider eligibility by exception on a case-by-case basis. You will be asked to provide information regarding your UK residency during your application, and failure to provide this will result in your application being rejected.
At the point of SC application, you will need to provide or give access to the following evidence:
-
Departmental or company records (personnel files, staff reports, sick leave reports and security records)
-
UK criminal records covering both spent and unspent criminal records
-
Your credit and financial history with a credit reference agency
-
Security Services records
Please note: We will reach out to you once the advert has closed to confirm eligibility for this role, this will be via an e-mail. Please check you e-mails.
Visa Sponsorship
ONS are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants are expected to hold a valid right to work in the UK when employment commences. If you are applying on a time-limited visa, this will need to be valid for at least 18 months at point of application.
To work at the ONS, candidates must meet both UK right to work and security clearance requirements (where applicable).
If you are unsure whether you meet the appropriate right to work or security clearance eligibility criteria, please refer to the guidance on Gov.uk or contact the recruitment email provided in the advert before applying. Failure to meet these requirements will result in your application being rejected and employment offers being withdrawn.
Application Process
Number of Stages: 2
Stage 1: Application
Stage 2: Interview
Stage 1 Application
The assessment process at the application stage will be based on your work history, CV, skills, experience, and personal statement. It is important that your application is tailored to highlight the skills, knowledge, and experience relevant to the role.
Your personal statement should be no longer than 750 words. You should use this space to provide evidence for each criterion listed under Essential Criteria within the person specification. As the criteria are scored, we would recommend that you give clear examples for each including the impact, or outcome, of your actions.
We recognise that applicants may have gained experience in different ways. Examples can be drawn from school, college, university, part-time or full-time employment, volunteering, hobbies, clubs, personal projects, caring responsibilities, or other relevant experiences. We are interested in the skills you have demonstrated and how you have applied them, rather than where you gained them.
When providing examples, please focus on your personal contribution and the outcome achieved. We recommend using the STAR (Situation - Task - Action - Result) format to answer these questions.
Please note that Success Profiles Behaviour examples are not required at this stage of the application process.
When a high volume of applications are received, the sift pass mark may be adjusted. Candidates will be invited to interview based on their merit order, with those achieving the highest scores being prioritised. Applicants who score below the adjusted pass mark but still pass will be placed on hold and may be invited to interview at a later date.
We often have similar roles available at different grades. If a candidate is suitable for a similar role or a lower grade than they have applied for, we may offer the candidate that role without the need to go through a further selection process providing the role has the same behaviours, and essential skills.
Stage 2 Interview
If invited to interview, you will be assessed using techniques aligned with the Civil Service Success Profiles framework, covering all behaviours listed in the job advert and any required technical skills.
Interviews will be in person in our Newport and Titchfield offices:
-
Titchfield: Segensworth Road, Titchfield, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 5RR
-
Newport: Office For National Statistics, Government Buildings, Cardiff Road, Newport, NP10 8XG
Please note that travel expenses will not be reimbursed. You will also be required to bring valid photo identification to your interview.
A reserve list may be held for a period up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made.
Important Dates
-
Eligibility checks from 19/08/2026 - 26/08/2026. Please be aware we will be sending all candidates an e-mail to complete an eligibility form.
-
Sift will be conducted from 27/08/2026
-
Interviews will be conducted from 22/09/2026
For the full terms and conditions of the post, please see attachment.
Please note that all campaigns may be subject to withdrawal at any stage if the internal resource position changes.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
