There are a number of ways you can apply for a job with the council. The quickest and easiest way is to apply online. You can search and access details of all our current vacancies. Just click on the application form next to the advert.
Please ensure you complete and return your application before 5:00 pm on the closing date, as applications received after this deadline will not be accepted.
Alternatively you can contact our recruitment service on 0113 2243357 (24 hour answerphone) and request a pack to be sent out in the post. Please ensure that you quote the post reference number and allow two full working days for the pack to arrive.
The information below aims to help you to complete the form and answer some questions you may have about the application process.
Completing the application form
Please read the application form, job description and employee specification carefully, so you understand what the position involves.
Please read the 'recruitment service guidance notes' carefully. The advice is designed to help you complete the application form as thoroughly as possible.
You will only be shortlisted if you meet the essential requirements of the employee specification. The decision to shortlist you for interview will be solely based on the information you provide in the application form.
Please make sure that you address all areas of the employee specification and gear your application to the specific job you are applying for.
Check that the information you provide is accurate. If you conceal or misrepresent relevant information at any stage during the recruitment process you will be disqualified.
Disabled applicants
We encourage everyone to apply for jobs at the council and will consider all applications, regardless of your circumstances.
If you have a disability which could prevent you from carrying out any aspects of a post, we still encourage you to apply as it may be possible to change the duties of the post. Please tell us about any duties that you think you may not be able to do because of your disability on the 'for disabled candidates' section at the end of your application form. For posts with a car use allowance, alternative arrangements can be made for you if your disability means that you cannot drive.
We can provide information in large print, Braille, or on tape. If you have difficulty in completing the application form you may submit a curriculum vitae ( CV), but this should contain the same information as we ask for on the application form.
Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria of a vacant post are guaranteed an interview. Please let us know if we need to make any arrangements for you to come to an interview in the 'for disabled candidates' section.
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Pre employment checks
If you are successful at your job interview, we will need two satisfactory references before we can offer you the position. At least one of these should be from your present or last employer.
For jobs which involve direct access to vulnerable adults and children, your offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.
Asylum and immigration check
Before your appointment we will carry out a check to make sure you have the right to work in the UK. This is a legal requirement under the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996.
We only employ people who need a work permit for posts recognised by the Home Office as shortage occupations, e.g. social workers, highly qualified technicians or specialists with rare skills.
Interview process
If you are successful at the shortlisting stage you will be given at least 5 working days notice of a job interview. Unfortunately due to the number of applications we receive we are not able to let you know you if you haven’t been shortlisted for interview.
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Relatives of elected councillors or senior council officers
If you apply for a job with the council you must tell us if you have any relationship with a councillor or senior officer of the council. If you don’t tell us, you may be disqualified from appointment. Councillors and senior officers must also tell us about any relationship they may have with someone applying to work for the council.
- ’Senior officer‘ is defined as any council officer whose salary is graded at SO2 or above.
- ’Relationship‘ refers to any relationship, however remote.
Canvassing
You must not try to influence any councillor or officer of the council in relation to your job application, or you will be disqualified. This means you must not seek the support of a councillor or officer, or attempt to ask them to influence the decision on who to appoint.
Criminal convictions
When you apply for a job with us, the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 means that you must tell us about any criminal convictions you may have which are not ‘spent’. If you don’t tell us you may be dismissed from your job if you are appointed
Prison sentences of more than 2 ½ years can never become ‘spent’. It is the sentence imposed by the court that counts (even if it is a suspended sentence) and not the time actually spent in prison.
For some jobs you must declare all criminal convictions or cautions, regardless of whether or not these are spent. The job information will tell you if the job comes into this category.
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