How to apply
Your application is important to us and so the following advice has been designed to assist you with your application and to explain the process that we will use to select the most suitable applicant.
Applying for the job
Please consider carefully all the details in the recruitment pack and decide whether or not you think you meet at least the minimum criteria needed to do the job. If you wish to continue with your application, you may do so by applying online at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/jobs or by completing the job application form. CV’s submitted alone are not acceptable.
The decision to invite candidates for interview is based on the details in your application, so please make sure you complete all the sections as fully as possible.
The selection criteria
The person specification describes the skills, knowledge and experience we expect a candidate to have, which we will use to determine whether you are shortlisted. It is important that you show how you are able to satisfy each of the stated criteria.
Please make sure you show in your application, by explaining in detail, how you meet each of the criteria. It is not sufficient to merely repeat what is in the person specification. It is important that you do not leave out any relevant experience or skills / knowledge gained, whenever or however it was gained – for example study, voluntary / unpaid work could be included. Any reasons for gaps in employment should also be recorded on your application. In addition to explaining why you think you can do the post, you should give reasons for applying.
Declaration and signature
Please read your completed application form carefully and check for any errors or omissions. False declaration or omission in support of your application will disqualify you from appointment.
If you are appointed and false declarations or omissions are subsequently discovered, this is likely to lead to disciplinary action and may result in dismissal.
If you are submitting your application electronically, then you may use an electronic signature. However, if invited for an interview, you will be asked to sign a copy of your application in order to verify its content.
Acknowledgement of application
If you are shortlisted you will be contacted with details of the selection arrangements. However, if you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. We regret that we are unable to acknowledge unsuccessful applications.
References
Generally, references will be taken up after the interview unless the post involves working with children, young people or vulnerable adults when references will be taken up prior to interview. Referees will be contacted by email where an email address has been provided on the application form.
At least one referee must be your present or most recent employer. If you have never worked or not applying to work for Warwickshire County Council or worked for some time, think of someone who is able to say something helpful and relevant about you, e.g. club or charity organiser for whom you have worked voluntarily, or your Head teacher if you are a school leaver. All appointments will be subject to satisfactory references.
Medical assessment
Any offer of appointment will be subject to a satisfactory medical assessment, which may include a medical examination.
Evidence of permission to work in the UK
Under the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, it is a criminal offence to employ anyone who is not entitled to live or work in the United Kingdom. If you are selected for interview, we will ask you to provide documentation to prove your entitlement to work in the UK. Appointment to any post cannot be confirmed until this has been verified.
Work permit
If you require a work permit in order to take up employment, you must state this on the application form.
Criminal record checks
If you are applying for a post that involves contact with children or vulnerable adults, a criminal records
check will be required.
Driving licence
Some posts within the County Council require the post holder to be able to travel between locations. This may be essential for certain posts (see person specification), and for this reason, you are asked to state whether or not you hold a current driving licence.
Relationship to Councillor or employee
If you are related to a Councillor or an employee of the County Council, you are asked to declare this on your application. This is to ensure that you are neither disadvantaged nor favoured in your application. You must not canvass either a Councillor or Council employee to gain employment. This will disqualify your application.
Data protection
The County Council has adopted the guidance set out in the Employment Practices Data Protection Codes and has a policy to destroy unsuccessful applications within 6 months of the recruitment decision having been made.
Declaration of interest
Please give details of any other current employment you have and also give details of any interests that you, your partner or a close relative has which may create a conflict of interest that could affect your employment with the County Council. For example, you or a partner may have an association with a voluntary organisation that receives a grant from the County Council and the post involves monitoring or issuing grants.
Politically restricted posts
Elected members of a Local Authority cannot also be employees of that same Authority. The Local Government & Housing Act, 1989 extended this restriction further to prevent senior local government employees, and other employees who regularly deal with the press or media, from participating in any public political activity. If the post you are interested in carries this restriction, it will be stated in the post information pack and/or person specification.