Application Process
The OEP uses the Civil Service Success Profile framework which is made up of five elements: Behaviours, Strengths, Ability, Experience and Technical. It is strongly recommend you have a look at the Success Profiles to enable you to make the best application possible. When writing behaviours at application stage or presenting behaviours in interview, the OEP recommends you use the STAR format to present your answers (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a CV including job history and qualifications, a 750 word Personal Statement detailing how you meet the person specification and essential criteria and a 250 word statement on lead behaviour 'Seeing the Big Picture' .
The personal statement is a very important part of your application. Review the person specification on the job description and outline how you meet it providing specific and relevant examples. These could be from work, volunteering, training or education.
Further details are provided on the application form.
Sift
After the closing date, your application will be reviewed against your behaviour statement and the person specification and essential sift criteria outlined for the role.
If we receive a large number of applications an initial sift may be carried out on the lead behaviour 'seeing the big picture'.
The sift will be conducted and applicants will be notified of the outcome shortly after the closing date. Please note that feedback will not be given to applications at sift stage.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to an interview where you will be assessed on the elements outlined in the advert.
Prior to interview or at interview, you may be required to complete an additional exercise or deliver a presentation. If this is required details will be sent alongside your invite to interview.
Interviews will be held virtually.
Appointments
All appointments will be made in merit order.
Candidates will be required to show proof of qualifications at or following interview.
Identification
Candidates will need to show photo ID at interview to confirm identity. Human Resources will contact you to advise what ID you need to bring.
Following interview, ID will need to be checked for Right to Work and BPSS security clearance. This will be done by secure online platforms via the Government Recruitment Service.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. All appointments will be made in merit order.
Near Miss Appointments
On occasion candidates may attend interview for the advertised post but will narrowly miss the standard required at interview. The OEP may, where appropriate, consider such candidates for alternative, similar posts at a lower grade.
Salary
New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
Location
All OEP roles are based in Worcester and/ or Northern Ireland.
All GB employees will be contractually based at the Worcester office. The OEP supports a blended working model and will support a combination of office and home working which will be dependent on business need and individual circumstances. GB based employees are expected to attend the office in Worcester for 40-60% of the week. If GB based, travel and subsistence will not be paid for travel to the office.
Employees based in Northern Ireland will be contractually home based. There will be an expectation of travel to Worcester but this will be dependent on business need and individual circumstances. As a guideline, it’s envisaged that travel to Worcester would be between 4 and 6 times a year, fully funded by the OEP. However, travel will be a 2-way commitment, with other OEP staff members being expected to travel to NI at a similar frequency. Northern Ireland based staff currently have access to a touch down space in Belfast to enable collaborative working.
If the candidate is an internal candidate, they retain the right to their current contractual location unless TUPE restrictions apply. Home working contracts will not be issued for GB based staff.
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 the OEP at [email protected] as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
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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 you’re 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.
Criminal Record Check
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service or Access NI 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.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please note that the OEP is not a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker Licence Sponsor and is unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to the OEP from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.