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Anchor1The process and timelines

Stage 1 – The application pack

Included in the application pack that you have received or downloaded from the website are the following:

• Job description: The job description contains details about the duties that you will be expected to undertake in the role.
• Person specification: The person specification identifies the criteria which are required to carry out the post you are applying for. In addition it tells you whether those criteria are essential or desirable and at what stage each criteria will be assessed by the selection panel. E.g. “App” on application at the shortlisting stage, “Int” at interview stage, “Test” a test may be set as part of the selection process. The assessment could occur in a mixture of the methods e.g. "App/Int" means that at BOTH the application form at shortlisting and at the interview stage the criteria will be assessed. The person specification is used when carrying out the shortlisting for the post.
•  Application form: Provides us with all the information required about your skills, qualifications, career history and reasons for applying. Note: Personal information collected through the application form is not disclosed to the short-listing panel.
• Closing date: The advert will detail a closing date which is usually two weeks from the date of publication. It is important that this date is adhered to as applications which are received after this date will not be put forward for consideration.

Stage 2 – Shortlisting and invitation to interview

• Timings – Shortlisting usually takes place within a day or two of the closing date. Shortlisting is carried out by the line manager of the vacant position and the additional panel members they will have chosen to interview with, this occasionally includes an external assessor from another NHS or partner organisation. The results of short-listing are usually known within a week of the closing date, however this can vary depending on the availability of all of the panel members.
•  Shortlisting – The application form will be assessed against the relevant criteria stated in the Person Specification. If you do not meet all of the essential criteria you cannot be shortlisted for interview. Where there are a lot of applicants who meet all of the essential criteria the desirable criteria will also be considered in deciding who will be invited to interview.
• Applicants will be advised if they are unsuccessful for short listing via NHS Jobs where applicable.
• Invitation to interview - If you are short-listed a member of the Staff Services Recruitment Team will contact you normally at least one week prior to the interview date.
• Where you have applied on-line via NHS Jobs, you will be contacted with the details of your interview, via the NHS Jobs website and the email address you used to submit your application.
• Candidates can also confirm or decline the interview on line via NHS Jobs.
•  Applicants with no on line access who applied on a paper application form will be contacted by post. 
• In instances where timescales are tight candidates may receive a telephone call informing you of interview plans prior to being sent a letter to give you as much notice as possible. You will be informed of any additional requirements at this time e.g. Typing test, presentation subject. Accompanying the invite to interview letter will be an occupational health questionnaire* and security pass form. Please complete these and bring them with you to interview along with the evidence of your professional registration/qualifications. These should be handed to the chairperson of the panel at your interview. Paperwork for unsuccessful candidates will be destroyed. The questionnaire is confidential and is only viewed by qualified Occupational Health staff and not seen by the panel.
• Special requirements - If you have been invited for interview and have special requirements because, for example, of a disability, please contact the Staff Services Team beforehand to discuss.
• Confirmation of Attendance - You should confirm your attendance within two working days by telephone or on line via NHS Jobs.

Stage 3 – The interview process

• The interview – It is usual practice to have an interview panel of at least two people, however for senior appointments this may increase to three or four. Panels are structured to have no more individuals present than absolutely necessary, however due to the complex nature of some the roles we appoint to it may sometimes be necessary to have a larger panel than normal and may include an external assessor. The panel may choose one individual to ask questions or may each direct questions in turn, the format is usually explained to candidates by the panel at the outset who will do their utmost to put you at ease.
• After the interview – The panel will make their decision only once all the candidates have been interviewed and two references have been reviewed by the interview panel. It is advisable to give an email address for your referees on your application form where possible, as this enable us to apply for references on line which speeds up the process considerably. If this is not possible, references are called for either in writing or a verbal reference may be called for. Once references are collected the chair of the panel will contact the preferred candidate by telephone to verbally offer them the position. At this time a discussion may take place about a preferred start date. However start dates can be subject to change, depending on availability of induction dates and ensuring enough time is allowed for Staff Services to process all the necessary paperwork/checks, therefore you should await the written confirmation of the offer and confirmed start date before resigning or agreeing your notice with an existing employer.
• Feedback to unsuccessful candidates – Those candidates who were not successful at interview will usually be contacted by the chair of the panel by telephone. Where this is not the case a letter will be sent. In either case it is our policy to feedback to all candidates should they so wish. This can be very useful for future interviews or bolstering to the confidence to hear that you were indeed a very close contender.

Stage 4 – Offer of employment

• Offer of employment and contract of employment - Any offer of employment will be made subject to satisfactory clearance of employment checks. Your offer will be accompanied by your contract of employment, you should sign both copies and return one to Staff Services, retaining the second copy for your own records. Returning the contract acts as confirmation of your acceptance of the post.
• Offer pack - will accompany these documents which will detail you induction dates, where to report to and the further items of paperwork for you to complete to ensure we have you properly set up and able to commence work on day one.

Weston Area Health NHS Trust wish you every success with your application and thanks you for the interest you have shown in the organisation.

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