What to expect from a Senior Civil Service job application process - independent Civil Service Commissioners demystify the recruitment process at our recent online event.
We were delighted that over 400 people attended our Meet the Commissioners online event in March where three Civil Service Commissioners talked about how they oversee Senior Civil Service (SCS) recruitment to ensure it is carried out fairly, openly and on the basis of merit.
“We facilitate the process, but also oversee the fairness of the process, including in relation to ministerial involvement.”
- Martin Spencer
First Civil Service Commissioner Baroness Gisela Stuart joined Atul Devani, Link Commissioner for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and Martin Spencer, Link Commissioner for the Department for Business and Trade. Between them, Atul and Martin bring a wide range of experience in business, technology and entrepreneurship.
The panel explained the remit of the Civil Service Commission, as set out in the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 and interpreted by the Commission’s Recruitment Principles. For Senior Civil Service roles at SCS Pay Band 2 (typically referred to as Directors) and above (Directors General and Permanent Secretary), a Commissioner will personally oversee the recruitment process. At other grades departments make appointments in line with the Recruitment Principles and the Commission carries out audits of their recruitment practice.
"We aim to bring out the best in all candidates."
- Atul Devani
The Commissioners explained the Senior Civil Service recruitment process from start to finish - from deciding the essential criteria and putting together the application pack, to agreeing the different types of assessments that candidates will be asked to take part in to ensure the criteria is thoroughly and accurately tested.
The panel also offered views on how candidates can optimise their CVs and explained what to expect from a Staff Engagement Exercise, which are often used as part of the appointment process to the most senior roles. Finally, they touched on what candidates should expect from the interview stage and how they can ensure their best performance, particularly when they are new to the public sector.
“No organisation has all the skills it needs at any one time. The Civil Service often needs to look to external applicants for skills it urgently needs.”
- Baroness Gisela Stuart
Atul explained that guidance from the Commission helps ensure processes are accessible for candidates from outside of the Civil Service and that Commissioners see it as a priority to ensure that external competitions demonstrate openness to all candidates, whether from inside or outside the Civil Service.
“Questions are designed so external candidates can answer questions and utilise their own experience.”
- Atul Devani
Atul and Martin talked about the importance of candidates shaping all stages of their application, such as when writing personal statements, with explicit reference to the advertised essential criteria. They explained that these are key when a panel is considering merit order. They also provided advice on applications for roles that represent a career shift for the candidate.
“When you are applying for roles, think laterally about how your experience can be applied. Don’t apply for the job you currently have. Rather, project yourself onto the role you will transition into. I'm always impressed by candidates who understand the environment in which the role is operating and think about what they can bring to the role."
- Martin Spencer
Gisela ended the discussion by outlining the Commission’s plans for enhancing the fairness and openness of Civil Service recruitment in the next financial year. This will include new bespoke internal training sessions and further events like this one.
We’d like to thank all those who attended the event. Keep an eye on our website for future Civil Service Commission online and in person events.
