Please be advised that the tests are NOT timed.
Upon submitting your short application form, you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Styles Test and a Verbal Reasoning Test.
Please complete the online tests as soon as possible, within 24-48 hours is recommended, to allow time to complete your full application.
If you successfully pass the test, 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 noon on 27th July 2026. If you fail to complete the online test and full application form before the deadline, your application will be withdrawn.
Guidance for the tests will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS jobs website
Application information
You will be asked to complete an anonymised Personal Statement, of no more than 500 words, demonstrating how you meet the essential skills and criteria of the job advert.
You will also be asked to provide a 250 word statement on the behaviour detailed within the job advert.
Application Guidance
Please access the following link for guidance on how to apply and how to complete a Personal Statement How to Apply
Please access the following link for guidance and further information on the Civil Service Tests, including practice tests: Civil Service online tests - GOV.UK
Sift Information
The sift will take place week commencing 27th July 2026 when you will be assessed on your Personal Statement and the 250 word behaviour statement.
In the event of a high volume of applications, an initial sift will be conducted on the 250 word 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 week commencing 10th August 2026 when you will be assessed against the behaviours detailed within the job advert.
The lead behaviour, Working Together, will be used in the event of a tie-break.
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this role and require sponsorship your application will be rejected, and any provisional offers of employment will be withdrawn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
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.
