Test Information
Please be advised that the tests are NOT timed.
Upon submitting your short application form, you will be invited to complete Verbal Reasoning Test and a Numerical Test.
Please complete the online tests as soon as possible, within 24-48 hours is recommended, to allow time to complete your full application before the closing date. If you successfully pass the tests, you will then be invited to complete the final stage of your application.
You must complete the online tests and your full application form by Midday, 13th July 2026. If you fail to complete all of the details before the deadline, your application will be withdrawn.
Guidance for the test will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website.
There will be maintenance for online tests on [Sunday 28th June 2026]. This means you will be unable to access the online tests between [4PM] and [Midnight]. Your progress will be saved, and you will be able to continue once the tests are available again.
Application Information
After successfully completing the tests, you will be invited to complete your full application form including:
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An anonymised CV which should include your career history, experience and qualifications. Please be advised that the CV is for information purposes only and will not be scored.
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You will also be asked to complete an anonymised Personal Statement, of no more than 750 words which demonstrates how you meet the Essential Skills and Criteria of the job advert.
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A statement of up to 250 words that demonstrates the behaviour Working Together.
Please note that your examples do not need to be work-related - you can tailor your answer to projects, education or life examples you feel best reflect your experience.
Application Guidance
Please access the following link for guidance and further information on the Civil Service Tests, including practice tests: Civil Service online tests - GOV.UK
Please access the following link for guidance on how to apply and how to complete a Personal Statement https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/how-to-apply/
Please access the following link for further information and guidance on Behaviours, roles at this level are assessed against Administrative Assistant (AA) and Administrative Officer (AO): Success Profiles: Civil Service behaviours - GOV.UK
Sift information
The Sift will take place w/c the 13th of July where you will be assessed against your Personal Statement and the Lead Behaviour 'Working Together'.
IMPORTANT: Please note an initial sift will be conducted on your Lead Behaviour 'Working Together'. If you meet the benchmark for the Lead Behaviour element, you will be progressed to a full sift in which the Personal Statement will also be scored. If you do not meet the standard for the Lead Behaviour, you will not receive a score for your Personal Statement.
Interview information
Interviews will take place from w/c 27th of July 2026 where you will be assessed on the Behaviours detailed in the job advert alongside Strength-based questions.
Please note: the interviews will be held in person in our Bootle HQ office (Redgrave Court, Merton Rd, Bootle L20 7HS).
Please Note: The lead behaviour will also be used in the event of a tie-breaker.
Interview and sift dates may be subject to change depending on panel availability.
Sponsorship
This role is not open to application from those who will require sponsorship under the points-based system. Should you apply for this role and require sponsorship your application will be rejected, and any provisional offers of employment will be withdrawn.
Further Information
Due to the nature of security checks undertaken, applicants must have 3 years continuous residency in the UK up to the date of the application and, Home Office approval for indefinite leave to remain within the UK.
Please note that a Reserve List will be held for the period of up to 12 months. There is no guarantee you will be offered a role from our reserve lists, so if you see a vacancy on Civil Service Jobs that you are interested in, we recommend you apply.
HSE reserve the right to conduct additional checks, including Google and social media checks, when recruiting candidates into a role within HSE. These checks will be carried out in line with the Civil Service Commission Principles and, if used all candidates will be subject to these additional checks.
From 23rd June 2025, if you are successful at interview, as part of your pre-employment checks, HSEs Recruitment Team are required to check your details against the Internal Fraud Hub (IFH), using your personal details name, NINO, and date of birth. If you are included on the database, you will be refused employment. If you believe that there has been an error in the inclusion of your data and wish to make an appeal, please contact the CO email box [email protected].
Details of the types of internal fraud/dishonesty covered by this process are defined by the Cabinet Office and can be found here Internal Fraud Register privacy notice - GOV.UK
It is the candidates responsibility to ensure they are aware of the terms and conditions they will adopt should they be successful in their application. For a summary of HSE terms and conditions as part of Civil Service Reform, please see the attached HSE Terms and Conditions document.
Progression through pay ranges is subject to annual pay awards as permitted within annual Civil Service pay remit guidance and negotiations with Trade Unions.
HSE is proud to be a part of the Disability Confidence Scheme (DCS). As a Disability Confident employer, we positively welcome applications from disabled people. We are committed to making workplace adjustments to ensure anyone can participate in the recruitment and selection process.
If, during the application or interview process, you require any assistance due to a disability or a medical condition, please contact us at the email address below to discuss how we can support you. For example, if you have a disability, and you need an application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please contact: [email protected]
If successful in securing your role, HSE can provide suitable workplace adjustments to support you throughout your career with HSE.
Any move to HSE 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 here.
Please note, if you are a current civil servant and you are currently undergoing any of the following formal actions your application will not be progressed any further; Formal discipline action, any formal action regarding attendance, poor performance or any restriction of duties as a result of disciplinary action.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
