Our recruitment process

Once you’ve found a role that interests you on our search and apply page – you can go through to our short, simple online application process.

Your initial application is a key part of our recruitment process as it introduces you to us. Therefore, take some time to make sure your CV is current and fully reflects your experience and achievements, particularly those relevant to what we are looking for.

You may also want to prepare a supporting statement, in which you can indicate why you are interested in joining Cafcass, as well as demonstrate how you meet the key areas of the person specification.

To complete your application you will need to create and verify an account. If you have a Facebook, LinkedIn or Google Plus account you can use this to quicken the process further or simply use your email address. As part of your application you can also set up email alerts so that you can automatically be informed of other opportunities with Cafcass that might interest you.

After we receive your application, following the closing date, we complete an initial review to ensure you meet the minimum criteria for the role before passing it to the recruiting panel for shortlisting. We will then be in touch to let you know if and how we’re progressing your application.

We use a variety of assessment methods including telephone interviews, online assessment exercises and panel interviews. We will provide further information on which methods we’re using and timescales when we get in touch.

If you are successful in your application, assessment and interview, we will send you an offer which will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks. Our pre-employment checks consist of the following:

 

References, qualifications and professional memberships

On your application, you will need to provide two referees that will cover a minimum three-year employment period, one of which must be your current or most recent line manager. If you have just left full-time education, one of your referees could be your course tutor. Please ensure that you gain your referees permission before you put their details on your application form. We will not contact your referees without your permission.

If you are shortlisted and invited to a panel interview, you will need to provide original documents to show any qualifications, professional memberships and registrations that we require for the role you have applied for.

 

Medical clearance

If you are offered a role with us, you will be required to complete a medical questionnaire and we may ask you to attend a medical assessment to ensure you are fit to carry out the duties of the post.

 

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Disclosure

As you will be working closely with children and young people in a position of trust, most of our roles require a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Disclosure before your employment can start with us. If you are invited to a panel interview, we will give you full details of the DBS process. We comply fully with the DBS Code of Practice and will not discriminate unfairly against anyone on the basis of conviction or other information revealed.

Once your pre-employment checks are completed, we will make arrangements for you to start and to welcome you to Cafcass.

Our DBS policy and procedure is available to read here.

If you are looking for a social work role but we aren’t currently advertising a role that interests you, you instead can apply to our talent pool and we will contact you if a suitable vacancy occurs.

Go to our vacancy page and search ‘Talent Pool’.

Do:

• Read any supporting documents such as job description and person specification.
• Be aware of and ensure you meet any minimum eligibility criteria (e.g. qualifications and professional registration) before applying.
• Make sure that you complete all relevant sections of the application.
• Take some time to update and tailor your CV to the role.
• Note the closing date for applications as you will not be able to apply after this date.
• Tell us about your skills and experience and why you are interested in joining Cafcass.
• Be honest – make sure that the information you provide is accurate.
• Tell us about any requirements or reasonable adjustments that you need to fully participate in the selection process.

 

Don’t:

• Leave gaps in your employment history. If you have had any gaps in your employment, please include a short explanation.
• Leave out any relevant experience, even if this has been gained in voluntary or unpaid work – it may be important to the role you are applying for.
• Worry if your qualifications have been gained abroad. Include them in your application and we’ll check out whether they are relevant.

If you are not successful but would like constructive feedback on your performance during the recruitment and selection process, please ask. We also welcome your opinion and feedback on our recruitment process, including written materials and online guidance.