Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner

SUFFOLK POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER

APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE/SECRETARIAL SUPPORT

APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT

CONFIDENTIAL WHEN COMPLETED

February 2013

APPLICANT GUIDANCE

1. It is important that you complete the application form fully and provide clear evidence of your relevant knowledge, skills and experience against those listed in the person specification. A Curriculum Vitae may be submitted to support your application, but does not replace your full completion of the application form. Include relevant experience and achievements from any sphere of your life; from managing a home to voluntary work, hobbies and interests, as well as from current or previous employment.

2. Written skills are relevant for this post and your application form will be used to assess such skills. Relevant skills may include grammar, spelling, your ability to express yourself clearly and concisely and your ability to organise information. Shortlisted applicants may be asked to undertake a written exercise on the day of the interview.

3. Where an applicant has difficulty completing the form because of a disability or learning difficulty, we will accept applications in other formats, for example, on computer disc or on audio tape. Should you require this application form in another format (e.g. Braille, large print or floppy disc), please contact the HR Service Desk at Police Headquarters on (01473) 613767.

4. It is the applicant’s responsibility to return their completed application and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form by the closing date (20 February 2013). Late applications will not be considered.

5. The shortlisting of candidates is carefully undertaken by assessing the information that you provide on the application form against the requirements of the person specification.

6. We then use structured interviews, along with tests as appropriate, in order to obtain the best possible information upon which to base our selection decision. We will ensure that all candidates are treated fairly and have equal opportunity.

7. If you have not heard from us within 21 days of the closing date, regretfully you have not been successful on this occasion and no further communication will be sent.

8. Regrettably due to the large number of application forms received, we are unable to offer feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

9. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by telephone as soon as possible after shortlisting and details of interview arrangements confirmed.

10. All shortlisted candidates, successful or otherwise, will be informed in writing of the result of the selection process in which they have taken part.

11. If you have been successful at interview we will write to your present and last employer for a reference and implement security and medical checks. If for any reason you would like us to delay requesting the references, please inform us at interview.

12. You should be aware that vetting checks can take up to 3-4 weeks and we will not contact you during this time unless we have a query regarding any information you have provided.

13. All offer letters are conditional upon medical and general references and vetting procedures or other aspects as advised regarding your appointment to the Constabulary.

DISABILITY / HEALTH

14. We welcome applications from people with disabilities and we will make every effort to make reasonable adjustments if required.

15. If you have indicated that you have a disability and provide evidence that you meet all the essential criteria on the person specification (with any reasonable adjustments), you will be offered an interview as part of our commitment to the employment of people with disabilities.

16. Please tell us about any adjustments that would help you apply for this post or carry out the job, if successful. For example, where the job entails visiting different parts of the county, tell us if you are unable to drive because of a disability. Please also tell us if you would have difficulty lifting heavy objects where the job could require this, as we may be able to make alternative arrangements. We may also be able to provide assistance such as sign language interpreters, time off for treatment, rest breaks during the day, special equipment, workplace adaptations, etc.

If, after reading this, you have any remaining questions or concerns, please contact the HR Service Desk on (01473) 613767.

Finally, please remember to complete all parts of the application form and return it with the

Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN THIS POST

APPLICATION FORM FOR EMPLOYMENT

Please contact the HR Service Desk on (01473 613767) if you require a different format because of a disability.

BLOCK letters should be used for names and addresses. The details shown may be verified.

PERSONAL DETAILS

Position applied for: / Job Ref: / Location:
Family Name: / Title:
Forenames:
Present Address:
Postcode: / Daytime Contact Number:
Evening Contact Number:
Mobile Phone Number (optional):
National Insurance Number:
Email address:
All correspondence will be by email unless you specify otherwise.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

You will be asked to provide evidence of qualifications obtained.

Qualifications gained at Secondary/High School, stating where and when, with grades obtained.
Date / School / Exam / Level / Subject / Grade
Further/Higher Educational Qualifications stating where and when, with grades/levels and dates obtained.
Date / College/University / Qualification / Subject / Full or P/T / Level/Grade
Other qualifications including membership of professional bodies.
Relevant training and personal development. (Please state who provided training, duration, dates).
Please continue on a separate sheet if necessary

PRESENT EMPLOYMENT Please include any unpaid appointments.

Dates
Started /

Employer and

Nature of Business / Position Held / Duties and Responsibilities
Present salary (if applicable)

PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT

Please list below all paid employment and include all other appointments, whether paid or unpaid. These should be listed in date order, starting with the most recent.

Dates

From/To / Employer and
Nature of Business / Position Held / Reason for Leaving

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Please give details for any voluntary service or recreational interests:

HOW YOU MEET THE SELECTION CRITERIA

It is important that you provide evidence in this section of how you meet the criteria set out in the person specification. Tell us about things you were responsible for and what you have achieved. Include examples from paid or unpaid work or other activities that are relevant here.

Please include headings linked to the criteria on the person specification. Failure to evidence how you meet the criteria will result in your application being rejected.

Please continue on a separate sheet if necessary.

REFERENCES

If you are successful, prior to appointment we will take up employment references, covering the last 5 years. Any offer will be subject to these being satisfactory. Please provide the following information giving details of your current and previous employers for this period.

If you have been in full time education during the last 5 years, please nominate two referees. One of these should be your course tutor(s) and the other, not a relative or serving officer, who has known you for at least five years, who would be prepared to recommend your application and is able to comment on your suitability for this position.

In order that we can take up references covering the last 5 years please provide additional reference details on a separate sheet if necessary.

PRESENT EMPLOYER REFERENCE

(Course Tutor(s))
Name of Employer:
Address:
Post Code:
Name and Position of Referee:
Tel No:
Fax No:
Email:
Relationship to you: /

PREVIOUS EMPLOYER REFERENCE

(Character Reference)
Name of Employer:
Address:
Post Code:
Name and Position of Referee:
Tel No:
Fax No:
Email:
Relationship to you:
Please continue on a separate sheet if necessary.
May we contact them if you are successful at interview prior to a formal written offer being made? (If ‘NO’ we will contact you for permission before requesting references.) YES/NO

OTHER INFORMATION

Are you associated with the Police and Crime Commissioner, any staff in the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, or any serving member of Suffolk Constabulary, whether Police Officer, Special Constable or Police Staff? If so, please give their name(s) and details of the association as appropriate.
Entitlement to work in the United Kingdom
All prospective employees will be asked to supply evidence of eligibility to work in the United Kingdom (to comply with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996). We will ask to see an appropriate official document (e.g. your Birth Certificate or Passport). Do not send these now. Further information will be sent to you if you are selected for interview.
Do you require a permit to work in the UK?
YES/NO
If you already have a work permit, please state its ‘expiry date:
Driving Licence
Do you have a current driving licence? YES/NO
Give details of any penalties on your licence if driving is essential to the job:

DECLARATION

I declare that all the statements I have made in this application are true to the best of my knowledge and belief and that no relevant information has been withheld.
I understand that:
o  I must inform the recruitment office without delay of any change in my circumstances.
o  Criminal Conviction checks will be made against myself and my family members and I have informed them of this. I understand that the results of these enquiries will not be disclosed to me.
o  Financial checks may be undertaken to verify my financial status and that all such information will be treated in confidence. I consent to these checks being made.
o  Formal disclosure of my Service Character Assessment (Armed Forces) will be sought and I consent to this. / o  Any offer of appointment will be subject to satisfactory references and vetting, medical clearance and continued good conduct.
o  The Police and Crime Commissioner retains the right to reject any application without giving reasons.
o  The information I have provided may be held on manual filing and computer systems as part of the recruitment process.
o  I am not and have never been a member of the BNP or similar organisation whose aims; objectives or pronouncements may contradict the duty to promote race equality.
Signature ……………………………… Date …………

CHECKLIST

1. Read through your completed application form carefully
o  Ensure it is clearly presented and that you have answered all the questions, marking them not applicable (N/A) where appropriate.
o  Failure to provide accurate and complete information may result in your application being delayed or rejected. / o  If, after reading through the recruitment material, you have any remaining questions, please feel free to contact the HR Dept.
o  Remember to take a photocopy of your completed application form.
2. Before returning your application form please check the following:
Have you signed the declaration on this page?
Have you completed and enclosed the Equal Opportunities Form? /

Please note if you return your form electronically and are shortlisted, you will be asked to sign the declaration at interview.

Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form

The Police and Crime Commissioner is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and to the creation of an entirely non discriminatory working environment. We aim to ensure real equality irrespective of gender, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, creed/religion, ethnic or national origin.

It is therefore necessary that you complete this form which will enable us to monitor our Equal Opportunities Policy. The details you supply will be kept in strictest confidence and analysis of this information will not be in any format that identifies you as the applicant, nor will it be used for selection purposes for the vacancy.

Job Reference Number:

Post Applied for:

Department: Location:

Family Name: Forename:

Please tick appropriate boxes below:

1. Gender: Male Female

2.  Marital Status:

Single Married/Civil Partner Co-habiting

Widowed Separated Not stated

Divorced/Partnership Dissolved

3. Date of Birth …………………………………………………….. (dd/mm/yyyy)

4. What is your ethnic group?

Please choose from selection (a) to (e), then tick the appropriate box to indicate your cultural background.

a) White
[W1] British
[W2] Irish
[W9] Any other white background / d) Mixed
[M1] White and Black Caribbean
[M2] White and Black African
[M3] White and Asian
[M9] Any other mixed background
b) Black or Black British
[B1] Caribbean
[B2] African
[B9] Any other black background / e) Asian or Asian British
[A1] Indian
[A2] Pakistani
[A3] Bangladeshi
[A9] Any other Asian background
c) Chinese or other Ethnic Group
[01] Chinese
[09] Any Other / Not stated

5. Sexual Orientation

Bisexual

Gay/Lesbian

Heterosexual

Not stated

Prefer not to say

6. Religious Belief/Faith

Agnostic
Atheist
Baptist
Buddhist
Christian
Christian - Apostolic
Christian – Dutch Reformed
Christian – Evangelical
Christian – Lutheran
Christian – Mormon
Christian – Orthodox (Greek)
Christian – Orthodox (Russian)
Christian – Pentecostal
Christian – Presbyterian
Christian – Quaker
Christian – Spiritualist
Christian – United Reformed / Church of England
Church of Ireland
Church of Scotland
Hindu
Jehovah’s Witness
Judaism
Methodist
Muslim
Pagan
Roman Catholic
Sikh
None
Not Disclosed
Prefer not to say

7. Do you consider yourself to have a disability? Yes No

If Yes, please give details (it may help you to read the information below first)

Definition of the term ‘Disability’

The Disability Discrimination Act defines disability as a physical or mental impairment with long term, substantial effects on a person’s ability to perform day to day activities.

Examples of Disabilities

We thought it might help you to answer the question if we provided a list of some medical conditions or impairments that could cause someone to describe him/herself as `having a disability’. It is not meant to be an exclusive list and is given for guidance only.

Hearing, speech or visual impairments. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, this is not normally considered a disability.

Co-ordination, dexterity, or mobility. Examples could include polio, spinal cord injury, severe back problems, repetitive strain injury.

Mental Health. Examples could include schizophrenia, severe depression, severe phobias.

Learning Difficulties. Examples could include Down’s Syndrome or dyslexia.

Other physical or medical conditions. For examples, diabetes, epilepsy, arthritis, cardiovascular conditions, haemophilia, asthma, cancer, facial disfigurement, sickle cell.

8. How did you find out about this vacancy?

Publication:

Job Centre:

Other:

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