Our recruitment process

It’s important to us that our recruitment process is thorough and transparent, so that

• new recruits are able to meet the high performance standards we expect and share our commitments to safeguarding and diversity
• we are able to continue to provide the best services and a safe environment for vulnerable adults and young people
• all candidates are treated fairly and professionally, in line with our Recruitment & Selection Policy and Code of Conduct
   

Here’s what you can expect at each step (see the download at the bottom of the page for a flow diagram):

Applying for a post

Our online application process has been designed to ensure candidates applying for roles within Shaw Trust receive a positive experience. Our application process is quick, simple and will ask you for all of the information we need.

Once you have registered, you can quickly search and apply for Shaw Trust jobs online, and take advantage of many useful features.

Our online process will enable you to:

• Register your details on a candidate database
• Set up email alerts to hear directly from us when new opportunities arise
• Periodically choose whether you would like us to retain your information or delete it from our records
• Choose an interview slot in the recruiting manager’s schedule and book it yourself using the Interview Centre Facility
• Keep a track of how your application is progressing
• Update your details at any time
•  Receive update emails at key stages of the process

All candidates are required to register and complete an online application form. Use the Supporting Information section to show the recruiting manager how you meet the Person Specification, giving examples to demonstrate your skills or experience where appropriate. We do not accept CVs for advertised vacancies or speculatively.

If you require the application form in a different format please call 01225 716331 or email, quoting the vacancy reference number.

Short listing process

The recruiting manager scores each application against the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification and the highest scoring candidates are invited to interview. Disabled candidates are able to apply under the Two Ticks scheme, whereby you are guaranteed an interview if you meet all of the essential criteria.  You will be contacted by email with the outcome of the shortlisting process.

If you would like to apply under the Two Ticks scheme please indicate this in the relevant section of the Application Form.
 

My Interview
 

Remember to check your email regularly, as any invitations to interview will be sent to you by email and in most instances you will be given the opportunity to select the interview time that suits you. Now you need to make sure you are as prepared as possible for it - which means thinking about some of the questions you are likely to be asked in advance, and getting very clear in your mind why you are right for the job.

It would assist your application a great deal if you:

• Provide all the information asked for in a concise and factual manner
• Read the vacancy details carefully and let us know how your skills and experience match what we are looking for
• Use the online facility to check your progress and book interview slots when invited to do so
• Reschedule or cancel your interview if you are unable to attend
• Attend the interview in a positive frame of mind
• Demonstrate that you have read the information provided about our company and about the job you are applying for

Safeguarding and safer recruitment

Shaw Trust shares a commitment to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults and young people. In terms of our recruitment process, this means that we need to take specific steps to minimise risk by asking specific questions at interview and conducting thorough background checks.

All interviews will begin with a safeguarding section, covering your understanding and experience of safeguarding and probing any gaps in employment history. For candidates applying to work in a client facing role, there will be additional safeguarding questions at the beginning of the interview covering your motivation, attitudes and values relating to vulnerable adults and/or young people. This is known as a personal or Warner interview and is standard practice across organisations in this field.

Assessment process

Shaw Trust uses structured competency based interviews and you will be interviewed by a panel of two or more managers. During the interview you will be asked to provide specific examples to demonstrate your skills and you will also have the opportunity to find out more about the role – it’s very much a two way process.

As part of the selection process, you may be required to complete additional assessments. Read more about the types of assessments we use. If you have any special requirements because of a disability, please let us know in advance and we will make any reasonable adjustments to enable you to participate in the assessment process.

Eligibility to work in UK and identity checks

Appointment to all positions is subject to verification of eligibility to work in the UK, as per the Asylum, Immigration and Nationality Act 2006. You are required to bring specific original documents to interview as specified by the UK Borders Agency. These are outlined in the ID Required download below.

In addition, as a Government contractor we are required to make further identity checks as per the Cabinet Office’s screening standards for many of our roles – further details on the identity checks will be supplied with your interview invitation letter if applicable.

References

After a job offer has been made, Shaw Trust's pre-employment screening provider will approach your previous employers and places of education for references in line with our Referencing Guidelines below. We require references from all places of work and full-time study from the past three years. If you have been out of work, a professional reference will be used to cover gaps of six months or more. Any offer of employment will be conditional subject to receipt of satisfactory references and a start date will only be confirmed once all references have been received and deemed satisfactory.

Criminal Record Checks

For positions where you will be in contact with young people or vulnerable adults, any appointment is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure from Criminal Records Bureau (if based in England or Wales) or from Disclosure Scotland. Appointments to other roles where you will have access to Government property, systems or information will be subject to a Basic Disclosure Scotland check. Further information is available in our Criminal Records Bureau Screening Policy below.

Qualification Checks

Checks will be made on professional qualifications or memberships where they are specified as essential in the Person Specification. Please bring with you to interview any relevant certificates or membership card and a photocopy thereof. For clinical positions, it will be a contractual condition to maintain membership of a relevant professional body during your employment.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a PSL in place and do not accept speculative applications or calls from recruitment agencies.

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