Application Process
If you have applied for HMPO or wider Home Office postions in the past you will notice some changes to the usual recruitment process to make it easier and quicker for candidates.
Assessment and provisional offers are fast tracked as part of these campaigns, we would recommend you completing your online test (BBA) as soon as possible to ensure you can complete the recruitment process sooner and secure your new role (if successful)
Expand each of the sections below to understand a little more about each element of the process: -
Application form
You will complete an online application form. The progress of your application will be highlighted to you as you complete the relevant sections.
Where a vacancy covers multiple locations, you will be able to select your preferred location in order of preference.
Once you have submitted the application you will receive a confirmation email and an invite to undertake a Behavioural Based Assessment.
Behavioural Based Assessment
The test will consist of a series of Game Based Assessments that look at your natural tendencies in a variety of situations. This assessment can be completed on a smartphone, tablet, or a laptop/desktop computer, and you will need to set aside 45 minutes to complete the assessment. Following completion of the assessment if you are successful you will be progressed to video sift.
If you apply for multiple vacancies you will only need to take the assessment once as the result will be shared across all applications.
Video Sift
The video sift should take approximately 30 minutes to complete, you will be asked a series of questions where you will then get the opportunity to video record your answer.
You will recieve an email with a link to a website where you will be asked a series of questions, the system will then video record your responses.
You will have 7 days to complete your video sift.
Reserve List
Where we are not in a position to offer posts immediately, we will place candidates (who meet the standard), on a merit/reserve list for up to 12 months. A reserve list may be created for other similar roles for a period of 12 months. Selection will be in Merit Order to fill the same role or similar roles with closely matching essential criteria and Success Profile elements without further assessment.
Provisional Offer
Provisional offers of employment at this stage will be made via email. Please keep an eye on your Application Centre and inbox for updates. Please note, offers need to be accepted within 4 calendar days, details of what happens next will be on the correspondence. If you do not accept the provisional offer within 4 calendar days, your offer may be withdrawn.
Please refer to FAQ or chat bot if you have any queries relating to your offer. Contact information is also available on the advert.
Vetting Guidance
When an offer of employment is made to you there are some additional requirements that must be completed satisfactorily before you can start. The additional requirements are known as pre-employment or vetting checks and you must satisfy the requirement to prove your identity, where you live and your right to work in the UK and the Civil Service initially. When you successfully pass this first stage, further checks are undertaken to confirm criminal records, health and employment history.
We will ask you to provide an ID document, proof of address and right to work in the UK. in order to meet this requirement. A list of acceptable ID documents will be attached to the advert. To ensure you have all the correct documenation please use our ID document checker.
Please ensure that you provide the documentation requested within 48 hours of receiving the request since we are unable to proceed without them and your offer might be withdrawn. If you anticipate any problems in supplying this documentation please do not hesitate to the Recruitment Team on 0345 528 0427 or email HO-Recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com.
Interview Schemes
As a Disability Confident Leader, we seek to offer interviews for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria, as published in the relevant job advert. We offer a similar scheme for Veterans, in line with the initiative, A Great Place to Work for Veterans, and also for civil servants at risk of redundancy. If you wish to apply for consideration under these schemes, please complete the appropriate section on the online application form so that we can make any necessary arrangements.
Proof of ID and Address Documentation
You must also ensure that you have 3 appropriate items of identification with you for your assessment. The options will change depending on the first document you selected.
0/3
You haven't confirmed every item.
All documents must be in your current name. One of the documents must verify your current address, one must include a photograph and one must include your date of birth.
Please note EEA Passports can only be used as proof of ID and are no longer accepted as a proof of Right to Work unless endorsed to show the holder is allowed to stay in the UK and carry out the work in question.
Testing Environment
To ensure that you are well prepared for your online assessment, make sure you take the following steps.
Check the boxes below to make sure you're ready for your online assessment.
0/6
You haven't confirmed every item.
I will be using a laptop or desktop computer.
You can only complete the assessment using a laptop computer with a camera. You cannot complete the assessment via a mobile phone or tablet. It is also not possible to complete the test using a Chromebook.
If you do not have access to an appropriate laptop please call SSCL on 0345 241 5358
I have tested my internet speed.
To complete the assessment you will need to have a good and reliable connection to the Internet. We suggest that you test your Internet speed and connection prior to the assessment.
You will need a minimum download speed of 10Mbps and a minimum upload speed of 5Mbps
We advise candidates to contact us before the Online Assessment Centre if you do not have sufficient bandwidth.
I have a quiet area to complete the test in.
Make sure you have access to a quiet and distraction free area to undertake the assessment. You will want to be comfortable and not disturbed.
I have checked that I can be clearly seen on my camera
During the assessment we want to be able to see your full upper body, not just your face. Check that your full upper body is shown in the video box and make sure you complete the assessment in a well-lit area with plenty of light. This means assessors will be able to see you well enough to complete the assessment.
I have installed Zoom and tested my camera and audio.
Make sure you download Zoom and test that
your video camera works. Find
more information about testing your video
camera here.
It
is also very important that you ensure your audio is working correctly.
Find
more information on testing your audio.