Our application and interview process
We want to make applying for a role with us as straightforward as possible and for you to have a positive candidate experience. You’ll find an overview of our application process explaining the stages below to help you understand the candidate journey. The process will be proportionate to the role you apply for, but full details will always be provided so you will be clear on what to expect.
We are always here to help so email recruitment@bcpcouncil.gov.uk if you have any queries or require any additional support.
How to apply for a role with us
You can search for the type of role you’re interested by either the job title or category.
When you first apply for a role, you will need to register and create a profile, where you can add your work, education history and qualifications. You can also upload a CV.
Once these details have been added to your profile, they will stay available if you come back to apply for a different job.
When looking at a vacancy make sure that you read all of the information in the advert as this will provide details about the main responsibilities and the skills and experience that is required. Please also review any documents at the bottom of the page, to make sure it's the right fit for you.
You can save your application at any stage and return to complete it before the closing date.
Anonymised shortlisting
In order to eliminate bias in the selection process, your personal details will not be visible to the hiring manager at the shortlisting stage.
Equality Monitoring
The Equal Opportunities Monitoring section of your application is only for monitoring purposes and won't be seen by hiring managers or interview panels. All information will be treated as confidential and will not be used when short-listing or deciding on whether an applicant is suitable for a role.
We ask these questions so we can look at the demographic of candidates we are attracting and recruiting to our roles, and whether this is reflective of the communities we serve. If you are successful and join us, the information will be added to your employment record and handled in line with data protection laws.
If you need assistance or an alternative application format due to accessibility issues, contact the us at recruitment@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.
Guaranteed interviews
We are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and accessible recruitment process where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
As part of this commitment, we offer a guaranteed interview to candidates from certain underrepresented groups, where they meet the minimum essential criteria for the role.
Who is eligible for a guaranteed interview?
You will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the minimum essential criteria for the role and you tell us on the application form that you are:
- Disability Confident (we are a Disability Confident Employer – Level 2)
- from the Armed Forces community (including veterans, reservists and spouses/partners)
- a care leaver or care experienced young person
Meeting the minimum essential criteria means demonstrating, through your application, that you have the essential skills, experience and qualifications needed to do the job, as set out in the job description or person specification.
How it works
When you complete your application:
- you will be asked to complete equality and diversity questions.
- if you indicate that you are eligible under one of the schemes above, this will be taken into account during shortlisting.
- if you meet the minimum essential criteria, you will be guaranteed an interview.
This helps ensure that candidates from these groups are given the opportunity to fully demonstrate their skills and potential.
Our commitment to you
Guaranteed interviews do not mean automatic appointment. All candidates are assessed fairly and consistently at interview, using role related criteria.
We are committed to:
- removing barriers to employment
- making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process
- supporting candidates to perform at their best
If you need any adjustments or support at any stage of the process, please let us know - we are always happy to help.
Contact the Recruitment Team: recruitment@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Internal applicants
If you already work for us, when you create an account, you need to mark yourself as a current employee in the personal dashboard. You will then be able to view our internal-only vacancies as well as our external vacancies.
After the application
Once you’ve set up your account and when you have submitted your application, you can log in to your candidate portal at any time to see the progress of your applications, a record of the email communications we have sent you and any tasks you need to complete as part of the process.
How to manage your profile in our recruitment system
You can also manage your candidate profile on the system including being able to:
- update the newest version of your CV
- update your personal details, for example if you change address
- set up job alerts so you get an email when roles you’re interested in are advertised
- change your GDPR preferences
- manage your interview bookings
- view your job offer and fill out any related information we have asked for
Shortlisting stage
The hiring manager will carefully review all the applications that have been received and will prepare a shortlist of the candidates who they are going to invite for an interview. They will consider all the qualifications, experience and skills the role needs in coming to their decision.
All candidates will receive an email letting them know if their application has been successful, including interview details, or if they have not been selected to go further. If you would like feedback on your application, you can request this from the hiring manager named in the advert.