How to apply and frequently asked questions

To ensure everyone gets a fair chance, we ask everyone to complete an application form so we can review all applications based on the same criteria aligned with the job description and person specification. It helps us reduce bias and allows for a fair scoring process. We cannot accept a CV instead of a completed application form because we follow a safer recruitment policy and require additional information from applicants.

Our application process consists of several sections. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you complete each part:

1. Personal Details: Provide your basic information, such as your name, contact details, and address.

2. Qualifications: List your educational background and any relevant qualifications.

3. Training: Detail any training courses or certifications you have completed.

4. Employment History: Outline your previous jobs, including job titles, responsibilities, and dates of employment.

5. Questions Based on Person Specification: This is your chance to shine! Here’s how to effectively respond to these questions:

• Refer to the Job Description and Person Specification: Make sure to address each requirement with reference to your relevant skills and experience.
• Provide Specific Examples: Give concrete examples of how you have demonstrated the skills and qualities needed for the role. Think about situations where you have successfully used these skills in the past.
• Highlight Key Achievements: Focus on your most significant accomplishments and how they are relevant to the position you are applying for.
• Be Clear and Concise: Write clearly and stick to the point, ensuring your answers are easy to read and understand.

6. Declarations: Complete any required declarations honestly and accurately.

By following these instructions, you will be able to create a strong and effective application that highlights why you are a great fit for Family Action. We look forward to learning more about you and potentially welcoming you to our team!

Need Reasonable Adjustments? If at any stage of the application process or during the recruitment process with us, you need reasonable adjustments, please contact our recruitment team via [email protected]. We are committed to providing the support you need.

If successful at the application stage

We will contact you by email to arrange an interview time, please check your inbox on a regular basis and remember to check your junk email folder too – all information will be provided in the interview invite.

• Carefully go over the Job Description and Person Specification and your application; consider how your experience and skills relate to the role.
• You may be asked a combination of situational or behavioural questions – we want to learn more about you and our hiring managers only want the best from you.
• You may want to consider looking at the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to help prepare for the interview to ensure your answers are focused and concise.
• You may be required to complete a skills-based test as part of the interview, which will be used to assess relevant skills – this might include tasks such as preparing a presentation or completing a task relevant to the role.

Your interview will be conducted by a panel, which will usually include the line manager for the role. At the start of the interview, you will be introduced to everyone. The interview panel will ask a series of set questions relating to the job description criteria, where you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and experience, and show how your personal values align with the values of Family Action.

Please remember that the interview is also your opportunity to ask any questions about the role or Family Action – it is a two way conversation and we welcome your questions during the interview.

Offers of appointment are generally made verbally by the hiring manager (usually via a phone call) following the interview.

Job offers are conditional and subject to completing all pre-employment checks.  Family Action’s Safer Recruitment Policy requires the following pre-employment checks for ALL new starters before starting a role:

• References covering the last 36 months and all employment within that time with a minimum of 2 references including your current or most recent employer, plus character references to cover any employment gaps.
• A health check by an independent occupational health provider to ensure any reasonable adjustments are put into place to support you with any disabilities, physical or mental health conditions and ensure you are not substantially disadvantaged at work.
• Evidence of right to work in the UK.

Depending on the requirements of your Family Action role, you may be required to provide the following during your pre-employment checks:

• A DBS check
• Evidence of required qualifications and professional body registration.

During the pre-employment the checks, you will be supported by a dedicated Recruitment Administrator and if you have any difficulty providing any documentation, we will endeavour to support you as best as we can to take up the role.

There are sensitive pathways for providing information for pre-employment checks, including the DBS sensitive applications route which offers a confidential checking process for transgender applicants who do not wish to reveal details of their previous identity.

Pre-employment checks take on average 4-6 weeks to complete and vary from person to person, and a conditional offer may be withdrawn where any of these pre-employment checks cannot be completed.  When all pre-employment checks have been completed, your line manager will reach out to you to agree your start date.

For any recruitment related questions, please contact our recruitment team – [email protected]

For any role specific questions, please email the hiring manager’s email address provided on the job advert or email our recruitment team.

For any reasonable adjustments – if at any stage of the application process, or during the recruitment process with us, you need reasonable adjustments, please contact our recruitment team.

At this moment in time, we’re not able to accept CVs or speculative applications.

We cannot accept a CV instead of a completed application form because we follow a safer recruitment policy and require additional information from applicants.

Unfortunately, we work to a tight schedule and due to service demands, we are unable to accept applications past the closing date.

However, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to consider a late application – please contact our recruitment team to ask – [email protected]

After the closing date, all applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager and the shortlisting panel.

We are currently unable to contact you if you have been unsuccessful at the application stage.

If you are invited to interview, you will receive an email with an update on the status of your application – please keep an eye on your inbox or your junk folder for an email from Family Action.

Unfortunately, we do not offer relocation expenses or visa sponsorship at this time.

Ordinarily Family Action appoints new starters at the starting point of the salary scale (with subsequent annual pay progression), unless you have experience that would justify appointment further up the salary scale or there are any other exceptional reasons.

If you are successful, please discuss your salary expectations with the hiring manager.