Frequently Asked Questions

What will DWP do to keep me and others safe during the Covid -19 pandemic if we are working in an office environment?

All Jobcentre Plus offices have been fitted with screens and laid out to ensure they meet the legal requirements to be Covid Secure and appropriate social distancing guidelines can be met. Offices are cleaned more regularly and hand sanitiser stations are available throughout the offices. In some areas, start and finish times will be staggered to reduce the numbers of people arriving and leaving the office at the same time.

I have applied for DWP vacancies in the past and been unsuccessful/withdrew my application, can I apply for these vacancies?

Yes, you can apply for these vacancies.

Will the roles offer an Apprenticeship qualification?

Yes there are opportunities to complete an apprenticeship.

Are these positions permanent?

Yes CFCD recruitment is for permanent posts.

Can you extend a vacancy end date?

Vacancy end dates have been agreed and will not be extended on an individual basis.

I have submitted my application and the vacancy is closed, can I amend my application?

Once an application is submitted it cannot be amended.

There is a system error showing on my application what should I do?

The error message is dependant on the reason and status of vacancy. Contact the SSCL Contact Centre.

I have a disability and require a reasonable adjustment can this be accomodated?

There is a section within the application form to provide details of any reasonable adjustments required at any stage in the process. All requests will be considered. If you want to give us more information or wish to discuss, please get in touch with us.

I am partially sighted and cannot submit an application form online what should I do?

Contact the SSCL Contact Centre to discuss.

Can I put in more than one application against the same vacancy?

No, duplicate applications for the same vacancy cannot proceed but you can apply for CFCD vacancies advertised for different locations.

I have submitted my application but missed out information, can I add it onto my application now?

Not once your application has been submitted.

I am not sure I want to progress, can I withdraw my application?

You can withdraw your application at any stage of the process. DWP would welcome any feedback from you about the recruitment process and the reason you want to withdraw.

How long does the CFCD recruitment process take?

There is no set time on the process. Accurate form filling and supplying of correct information will allow the process to run smoother.

Can I track where I am in the recruitment process?

You can track your application through the Application Centre. This is set up for you when you submit your application.

I am currently working for DWP via an agency. Should I apply as an internal applicant?

Any individuals currently working for DWP via an agency should apply for a CFCD vacancy as an external applicant. This will ensure that the process is administered as required and the relevant Vetting checks are completed.

Is there a time limit for the online test?

For our timed test you will have 40 minutes to complete it. Depending on the advert grade you may be invited to a test that does not include a time limit.

I need an adjustment to help me take the test, how do I ask for this support?

You can do this by contacting the SSCL Contact Centre either by email or telephone to discuss any adjustments you may require.

I have been rejected at sift, can I get feedback?

In line with the standard Civil Service approach, feedback will only be provided at interview stage.

Can you advise what will be discussed at interview?

You will either be invited to provide a pre recorded interview or a live video interview and will be asked questions related to behaviours advertised in the advert.

How will I be invited to a pre-recorded video interview and how does it work?

If you successfully pass the online test and reach the required standard with your application form, you will receive an invitation by email to your pre-recorded interview. This will include a link to access the interview at any time in a 5-day period. You will also receive an alert in your Application Centre and via SMS if you enabled this communication option with us.

Is there a time limit for me to give my answers to the interview questions?

Yes, you will be asked the question and you will have a minute to think about your answer and then a further 3 minutes to record it.

Can I refer to notes during my interview

Yes you can look at any notes you have during the interview time and while recording your answers.

Is there a specific time slot for my interview?

There will be a deadline for you to undertake the interview and you will be alerted to this deadline in the email invitation. You can take your interview at a time that suits you from the time you receive the email with the link up to the deadline.

What do I do if I have technical issues during the pre-recorded interview?

There is help available 24/7 via the Help button on the system (Launchpad). If this does not resolve your issue and you require further help and assistance, please contact the SSCL Contact Centre (add in details).

Will the pre-recorded interview work with assistive technology?

Yes, the interview has been Accessibility tested and this worked well. If you use Assistive Technology and have difficulties during the interview, please contact the SSCL Contact Centre (add in details).

I need an adjustment to the pre-recorded interview, how do I request this?

You can do this by contacting the SSCL Contact Centre to discuss any adjustments you may require.

I currently work in DWP, can I take my pre-recorded interview on DWP equipment?

Yes, you can however you will need to ensure that you have an up to date version of the internet browser Microsoft Edge to do this. If you do not have an up to date version on your DWP equipment you will need to undertake the interview on an alternative device.

I have been rejected at interview, can I get feedback?

Feedback will automatically be provided following the interview.

I applied under Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) but did not get invited to interview, can you tell me why?

Disabled candidates who have applied under the Disability Confident Scheme will only progress to the interview if they pass the online test and have met the minimum requirements at the sift stage.

Why are DWP using pre-recorded interviews instead of live video interviews or face to face interviews?

Covid-19 has presented new challenges and restrictions to the traditional interview process where we would expect you to attend a face to face interview. Live video interviews bring their own technology challenges especially if internet access is limited or patchy in certain locations. DWP has used pre-recorded video interviews in previous campaigns with good results and candidates liked how flexible they are. We are using them again to speed up the process, remove the need for face to face contact and minimise technology issues during this time.

What pre-employment/vetting checks are required for the CFCD role?

BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) checks are required for CFCD roles. Checks for external applicants will incorporate the following components:

• Right to work/ID/address checks
• DBS Basic/Disclosure Scotland criminal conviction check
• Employment history check
• Overseas police checks (where required)
• Health check
• Internal fraud database check (for ex-Civil Servants)

My passport is out of date and I have no other form of identity document, what can I do?

You will need to source a valid photo ID document therefore you need to apply for a renewal or source another acceptable document.

I failed to meet the deadline to upload my documents can you extend the deadline?

Yes, you will be given another 2 days.

I've been rejected as the documents I uploaded were non compliant can I re upload them?

Yes but please ensure the non compliance issue has been addressed.

Where will I be based?

If you are offered a role this will be included in your employment offer.

I haven't been given my first preferred location?

Preferences on the application were not weighted and therefore you have been allocated to one of the locations you indicated was acceptable or if none of these options are available you have been offered a post within 60 minutes travelling time.

I wish to change my location preferences what do I do?

You can do this by contacting the SSCL Contact Centre.

Will the role entail travelling?

You may be required to travel to or work in other locations as part of your role e.g. other local DWP offices, partner's premises etc.

Will I be office based?

Roles are a mixture of hybrid and office based roles, please refer to the advert for more information.

I do all my banking online and my utility statements are all online, can I use online statements for my proof?

Only original documents are acceptable if you can go into your bank and get them to print off a statement then stamp it for you, that will suffice.

Can I use someone who is related to me by marriage as my countersignatory?

No - Please provide an alternative counter signatory.

I have to provide my current employers details but I have not yet told them I have applied, is it possible they cannot be contacted?

These are mandatory checks that need to be completed so your referees will be contacted.

How much information should I disclose?

Please disclose all information as non disclosure may adversely affect your application.

The onboarding form is asking me to provide work history but I have previously been a student, what do I do ?

Select the option related to academic study.

How long do I have to accept the provisional offer?

2 Days.

I have missed the deadline to accept my provisional offer as I was e.g. on holiday can this be reset?

Yes.

I have accepted my Provisional Offer, what do I need to do next?

Please complete the On-boarding Form via your Application Centre in order to progress your application.

Why has my application been returned to the onboarding form status?

This action has been taken as either there is missing information or further clarification is needed - please refer to the e-mail that has been sent.

Am I eligible to work in the UK?

You are eligible to work in the UK if any of the following apply:

• You are a British citizen
• You are an European Economic Area (EEA) citizen
• You are a Swiss national
• You have a current visa/work permit that allows you to work in the UK

Full detailed guidance on visa and permits can be found on the GOV.uk visas site

I am British. Why to I have to provide RTW documentation?

It is a legal requirement to show all employers evidence of your Right to Work.

I currently work for another Government department. Can I apply and will I be vetted again?

Applicants currently working for another government department are eligible to apply. If successful with their application checks will incorporate the following components:       

• Right to work/ID/address checks
• DBS Basic/Disclosure Scotland criminal conviction check

What pre-employment/vetting checks are required?

BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) checks are required for all roles within DWP as a minimum. Checks for external applicants will incorporate the following components:

• Right to work/ID/address checks
• DBS Basic/Disclosure Scotland criminal conviction check
• Employment history check
• Overseas police checks (where required)
• Health check
• Internal fraud database check (for ex-Civil Servants) Some roles will also require National Security Vetting which will have been made clear on the advert.

I have failed pre-employment/vetting checks. Can I appeal against the fail decision?

There is no route of Appeal however if you wish to make a complaint it can be done via e-mail, you should contact SSCL Contact Centre in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commission at:

http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/

info@csc.gsi.gov.uk

Civil Service Commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road SW1A 2HQ

I need to provide an overseas police check. How do I obtain this?

SSCL will provide you with an email which provides information of how an overseas police certificate can be obtained from any country.

What's my vetting/pre-employment status?

Log in to your Application centre to view your current status within the recruitment process. This is the same login platform you would have used to apply for the role in the beginning.

Do existing DWP employees require pre-employment/vetting checks?

Existing DWP employees will not require checks of any description and will bypass the pre-employment/vetting stage of the recruitment process.

I have been out of the country for more than 6 months but not in the same country, do I still need to obtain an overseas police check for each country?

You will only need to provide a Overseas PNC if you have been in one country for more than 6 months. If you have been in different countries for short durations you will need to provide an itinerary of dates and which countries you have been in. You may be asked to provide proof of this e.g. stamps in passport, airline tickets.

I am unable to obtain an overseas police check?

Please supply the reason so we can assess the circumstances we appreciate some countries will not issue at the moment due to COVID or it is difficult to obtain from some countries e.g. Syria.

Does the overseas PNC have to be in English

Yes you will need to get it translated by an English translator.

I have a Health appointment booked in with the health provider and need to change it

You need to liaise with them directly.

Can I change my contact for one of my employment referees?

Yes you can but it must be a work email address.

My countersignatory is related can I use them

No, you can not use a blood relative as a countersignatory.

I have only known my countersignatory for less than 12 months, can I still use them?

No, you must have know them for more than 12 months.

Can I use a retired countersignatory

Yes you can.

I do not have any of the ID/address documents on the list as I do all of it online?

You can still order a bank statement through your online banking, request a bill from your utility provider.

How long do vetting/criminal and health checks take?

This will depend on individual circumstances.

I do not have any Photographic ID

You will need to source photographic ID to be able to progress your application.

I have a DBS from a previous job can I use that for this role?

No - We are required to carry out a DBS basic check on all Applicants.

When will I receive my Contract?

A contract will be sent with your offer of employment.

Are the contracts standardised?

The Contract is unique to the role and yourself.

My salary/annual leave/start date is incorrect on my contract, what can I do?

Contact the SSCL Contact Centre who will investigate.

When will I be able to start?

Your start date will be communicated once all mandatory steps in the process have been successfully completed.

When will I be able to hand my notice in?

We would advise to refrain from handing your notice in until your pre-employment/vetting checks have been completed and you have an offer.

When will I get my employee Number?

At the end of the process when your HR Record is created.

What is the probationary period?

A probationary period of 6 months (with a possible extension of up to 3 months) will apply to this appointment. This will not apply to internal candidates who have already satisfactorily completed a probationary period.

How much notice period do I have to provide if I want to leave?

Where you have worked for us for less than four years' - Five weeks' notice is required.

Are these positions permanent?

Please refer to the advert for details about the nature of the contract. The majority of the roles in CFCD are permanent.

What will my salary be?

Your individual salary will be contained in your contract.

What annual leave will I have?

Depending on the grade, contracted hours and length of service, your holiday entitlement will be personal to you. The minimum number of days per annum for full time employees is 23 days rising with length of service.

I have accepted my Provisional Offer, what do I need to do next?

Please complete the Onboarding Form via the Application Centre in order to progress your application.

Will I have to work weekends?

You maybe required to work anytime between the following hours 7.45am - 8pm Monday to Friday and 8.45am - 5pm on Saturday.

Am I able to work from home?

As standard office working is required for all employees. Please refer to the advert for details for the role you have applied for.

Can I work part time?

Requests for Part time working will be considered as per the needs of the business.

How is my Salary affected by joining a Pension Scheme?

Deductions will be made on a monthly basis.

What Pension scheme will I be placed in?

The standard CS Pension scheme however if you have previous CS service employment you maybe eligible to enter a different scheme, we will determine this utilising a Pension Questionnaire that we will ask you to fill in.

Do I have to join a pension scheme?

As soon as you start your new job, you are eligible to join the Civil Service Pension arrangements. You will find information on your pension choices in the starter pack which our distributors will send to you opt out information is included in the pack.

When will I receive my first pay?

Salaries are paid monthly however depending on start date you may have to wait until the last working day of the following month.

When do I need to give you my Bank Account Details?

You will be prompted to provide bank details via the Application Centre once you have accepted your formal offer.