We’ll assess both what candidates are good at and also what they enjoy to help us measure candidates’ behaviours, strengths and their potential. The assessment process comprises of a written application, and for shortlisted candidates, an interview.
1. Written application
You’ll need to complete a CV and Personal Statement when you apply. Your CV should set out your career history with key responsibilities and achievements. Your Personal Statement (max 1000 words) should explain how your personal skills and qualities make you a suitable candidate for this role. Your CV and personal statement will both be assessed against the essential criteria set out in the advert.
Please note – If there are a high number of applications received, an initial sift may be undertaken based on the first 4 essential criteria listed above. Candidates who pass the initial sift may progress to a full sift or may go straight to interview.
2. Interview
A ‘blended’ interview lasting around 45 minutes to 1 hour will test a mix of behaviours, technical skills and strengths:
a. We’ll assess candidates against the following Civil Service Behaviours at EO level:
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Working Together
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Communicating and Influencing
b. For this professional communications role, you’ll also be tested against the following Government Communications Service (GCS) technical skills at AIO level
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Insight
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Ideas
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Implementation
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Impact
c. You'll also be assessed against 2 Civil Service Strengths relevant to the role. These aren’t defined by grade.
Sift and Interview Dates:
Our anticipated timetable - which may be subject to change - is as follows:
Shortlisting will take place week commencing: 12 June 2023.
Interviews will commence week commencing 10 July 2023.
Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams. Further details will be provided if you are successful and shortlisted.
To apply for this post please follow the instructions in this candidate pack or the job advert on Civil Service Jobs.
Please submit your application no later than Monday 12 June 2023.
If you’re an existing civil servant and want to know more about transferring to another department, refer to your current department’s guidance on transfers within the civil service.
Candidates should not resign from their current job until all appropriate checks have been successfully completed.
If you have questions about the role, DWP or the application process, please contact [email protected]
The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. Please ensure that all examples provided in your application are taken directly from your own experience and that you describe the examples in your own words. Applications will be screened and if evidence of plagiarism or copying examples/answers from other sources is found, your application will be withdrawn. Internal DWP candidates may also face disciplinary action.
Further Information
Find out more about Working for DWP
A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made.
Any move to DWP 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 at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
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.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
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 applicant’s 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.
Reasonable Adjustment
At DWP we value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including those that are underrepresented in our workforce.
We consider visible and non-visible disabilities, neurodiversity or learning differences, chronic medical conditions, or mental ill health. Examples include dyslexia, epilepsy, autism, chronic fatigue, or schizophrenia.
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 “Reasonable Adjustments” 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.
Before applying for this vacancy, current employees of DWP should check whether a successful application would result in changes to their terms & conditions of employment, e.g. mobility, pay, allowances. Civil Servants that would transfer into DWP from other government organisations, following successful application, will assume DWP's terms & conditions of employment current on the day they are posted, unless DWP has stated otherwise in writing.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.