Further information about success profiles with guidance on how to complete your application form is available here - About the application process , Civil Service Careers
Application Process
As part of the application process, you will be assessed on your experience and will be asked to complete:
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A CV. This should include your job history, qualifications, skills and experience.
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A 750-word personal statement: "Referring to the 'Job Description' and 'Person specification' sections of the job advert, please demonstrate how you are suitable for the role by providing relevant examples."
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form. Success Profiles: Experience - GOV.UK
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You will also be asked to give examples of behaviours, which is one element of success profiles - Behaviours , Civil Service Careers When giving examples of behaviours, please use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) format see A brief guide to competencies - GOV.UK
For further guidance and information on how to complete your application CV application, Personal Statement, and Behaviours, you are encouraged to visit the Civil Service Careers website About the application process , Civil Service Careers
Sift
Scoring for all criteria for the application is from 1 to 7 A score of 4 and above will progress to interview unless there is a large number of applications, if so an initial sift will be conducted using the CV and Personal Statement. The panel may agree a benchmark score higher than 4 with a rationale for the decision. Any candidates applying under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme who scores 4 or above on all of the criteria will be offered an interview.
Interview
If successful at the application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on experience, behaviours and strengths.
For experience, we will ask you to tell us in your own words about your relevant experience against the requirements set out in the job advert. You are asked to keep this to 10 minutes.
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the interview process:
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Leadership
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Making Effective Decisions
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Changing and Improving
When giving examples of behaviours, please use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) format see A brief guide to competencies - GOV.UK
A range of Strengths relevant to this role will be tested at interview. More information on Strengths : Success Profiles: Strengths - GOV.UK
Sift and Interview dates
The sift will be conducted week commencing 24 August 2026.
Interviews are currently scheduled to take place in person at the VMD the week commencing 14 September 2026.
Please note, this timeline is indicative at this stage and could be subject to change.
You cannot claim back any expenses incurred during the recruitment process.
Contract
This role isnt suited to a home-working contract.
Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
If you are new to the civil service, or coming back into the civil service, you will start on the advertised starting salary. You must be in post by 1st April to qualify for that years pay rise.
The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
Working Pattern
Full-time or Part time (80%FTE).
Location and travel
This role will be contractually based at the VMD in Weybridge, KT15 3LS. This is a fixed location; the VMD does not use hubs located elsewhere in the UK.
You will be expected to spend at least 60% of your working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Organisation workplace includes the VMD office as well as time spent at other locations for meetings, conferences, and field-based activities. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations.
Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.
The successful candidate will be required to carry out all their duties from a UK location and cannot do so from an overseas location unless they have permission to do so.
Residency Requirements and security vetting
All posts require the successful candidate to hold Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance. Job offers are based on merit. Security vetting will only take place after the receipt of a job offer. Candidates will need to meet the residency requirements of residing in the UK for 3 years prior to the CTC application being submitted.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Near Miss
Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Defra which may be at a lower grade, but have a potential skills match.
Passport
You must have a valid passport as international work forms part of this role. Therefore, the successful candidate should be prepared to travel overseas if necessary.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to VMD 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; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact Government Recruitment Service via [email protected] as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the Assistance required section in the Additional requirements page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if youre deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing [email protected] stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Vetting
Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
