Applying
Preparation
- Review the selection criteria and prepare your responses to the each in a separate document, this will allow you to develop, review and save them before completing your application. Copying and pasting content into the application form can be quicker.
- Tell us what you think is relevant to the job in terms of your knowledge, experience and skills. You need to give enough information for us to judge your suitability for the job.
- Ensure that you complete all the required fields; otherwise you won’t be able to send your application.
Submitting your application- Read through your application and check that all information is accurate before submitting it. It’s useful to retain a copy of your application.
- The information provided in the Recruitment Monitoring section of the application form is confidential and is not made available to the recruiting panel. This information is used for monitoring purposes to ensure that we’re acting fairly when we employ people.
- If you have a disability which prevents you from meeting any of the criteria, tell us about this in your application. Advise what we could do to help you meet the criteria. If you have a disability we will offer you an interview as long as you meet the essential criteria for the job.
- Applications for all jobs should be submitted through our online system. You should receive a copy when your application is received.
- If you want to apply for more than one position, please submit a separate application for each job.
- Some of our vacancies are advertised on an "internal only" basis. These are career development opportunities for existing staff. Applications for these roles are restricted to our current employees or agency workers on an active assignment with Southwark Council.
- Each job page describes the role and documents attached provide more details including a job description of the role and any special conditions associated with the position.
The vacancy information and person specification describes the knowledge, experience and skills required to undertake the job. The "criteria" listed are used to shortlist candidates for interview and to make appointments.
"Essential" criteria are those which you must have to undertake the job.
“Desirable" criteria are extra requirements which may be considered if we receive a large number of applicants who meet our "essential" criteria. - You must not try to influence any councillor, or officer of the council, in relation to your job application. We will disqualify any applicant who asks an elected councillor to support their application for a job with Southwark.
We will also ask you to indicate if you have any relationship with a councillor or officer of the council.
This is to ensure the recruitment process is fair and transparent.
- Any job offer is usually subject to:
- your acceptance of the terms and conditions contained within the contract of employment
- an agreed date to start work
- receipt of satisfactory references, medical clearance, where appropriate any disclosure clearance and evidence of qualifications
- checks to ensure your legal right to work in the UK; this may include verification of your identity documents with the Home Office - All successful candidates who are new to the Council and are made a formal offer of employment on or after 1 September 2019 will be subject to a 26 week probation period.
During the probationary period, employees are given the opportunity to demonstrate the expected standards of performance, conduct and attendance for the post to which they have been appointed, within a supportive environment.
Assessment
Occupational assessment is used to help measure a person's competence, or potential, to undertake characteristics of a job.
Safeguarding
To protect the welfare of our staff and the local community, we follow careful procedures when recruiting new staff.
Equality and diversity
Southwark Council recognises that the diversity of our population and our workforce is a strength.
FAQ
Your questions on job searches, job alerts, saving your application and completing your application form answered.