How can I apply for a vacancy?
From the recruitment homepage you can search for a vacancy by selecting the role you wish to apply for from the vacancy list.
Once you are on the Homepage for the On Line Recruitment system you have two search options
First search option can be found after the “Keyword?” type in the key title administrative etc. and then press the search button or
The second search option is by completing 7 items around department, service; Job Category, Band/Grade/Salary, Contract Type, Hours of Work and Location then press the Search button under these
The system will find any matching vacancies available.
How can I keep up to date with new vacancies?
You can register on line to receive regular vacancy alerts from the Home Page of the On Line recruitment system.
How will I benefit from registering my details?
By registering your details, you will be able to maintain and update your details quickly.
You will also be able to:
- Search and apply for jobs online
- Receive new vacancies sent directly to your app or email address
- Add vacancies to your Jobs basket to apply for later
- Receive reminders about closing dates for applications you've not yet completed
- Save your application form at any stage and complete it later
- Store your last application online to save time filling in future application forms (as you will be able to cut and paste the details from one to the other)
- Follow your job applications progress online
- Keep track of your interview dates
How often are new vacancies published on the site?
Vacancies go live on the system on Monday each week. If you have registered to receive vacancy alerts, you will be notified as soon as a vacancy matching your requirements is placed.
I don’t have a computer at home or at work – is there anywhere else I can register and apply online?
Public computers are available in all Bradford Council Libraries - a number of these will provide free WiFi – details on which can be found here. You will need a Library membership which is free and easy to obtain to regular use the facilities. Just ask at any Library reception.
What will be my User IDs and password?
Your email address will be your User ID and you will be asked to supply a password (when you register on the system)
It is important that you do not lose or forget these as you, will need them to access your application form.
Internal applicants are not allowed to use their work email to apply for vacancies.
If at any time you decide to change to your password then click on the “change password at the bottom of the Home Page
I have forgotten my account password - what do I do?
On the Home Page where you log in, click on the link that says “Forgotten your password?” You will be asked to enter your email address. You will receive an email which provides your password details.
Will the system log me out automatically?
As you are completing your online application form, please bear in mind that our system has automatic time-outs built in. You will be logged out of the system after 60 minutes of inactivity (i.e. not clicking on links or 'save and exit' buttons on the sections of the application form) and you may lose information which has not been saved. Therefore, please save your information regularly by clicking 'Save'.
We also recommend that you compose your answers to longer questions, (i.e. those with free text areas) off-line in a word processing package and then copy and paste your answers into the form. This ensures that you can spell check your text and that you have a backup version of your answers.
Is there a limited time for filling in an application form online?
You can take as long as you like to complete your application form as long as you submit it by the closing time on the closing date.
You can start to complete the application form, save it and go back to finish it at your leisure. Please note the closing date for all vacancies within the Council is one minute before midnight, therefore you must submit your application form before 23.59.
What is a Job Profile and what is it used for?
The Job Profile outlines the key purpose and main responsibilities for the post (i.e. the duties you would be expected to undertake if you were in the role). - The section on Special Knowledge defines the key technical knowledge that the post holder requires to have in order to undertake the role. You must clearly demonstrate in your application form that you meet these criteria.
- The section on Experience defines what specific experience is needed to undertake the role and you must demonstrate that you have this in your application form.
- The section on Qualifications highlights the essential qualifications that you must hold in order to undertake the role. Again you must clearly demonstrate how you meet these criteria in your application form.
Core employee and where applicable management competencies highlight the key competency areas that you, as an employee in that role, are expected to hold.
What criteria will the interviewing panel use to shortlist my application?
Applicants will be shortlisted against the three key areas above (special knowledge, experience and qualifications) and therefore it is essential that you demonstrate your abilities against these three key areas in your application form.
The competencies outlined within the Job Profile are NOT used at shortlisting stage but will be used to assess you at the point of interview and therefore questions may be asked around these specific competency areas.
What specific things should I consider when completing my application?
You will be required to provide evidence/examples of how you meet the criteria outlined in the sections of the Job Profile marked special knowledge, experience and qualifications.
Use words like “I plan” or “I organised” to show what your specific role was and what you were responsible for. You can also include examples from outside work if you wish of how you meet the relevant criteria. For example, have you held a position of responsibility in a community association?
How can I tell which questions within the application form are mandatory?
Mandatory questions are displayed in bold and marked with an asterisk, also if the field is mandatory and you do not complete it the system will not permit you to progress until you have completed that field with the necessary information.
Does the Council accept Curriculum Vitae's (CV's)?
No, the Council will not accept a CV. You must register and complete the online application form for the post.
Do I need to complete all of the application form?
The Application Form is divided into several sections. You need to complete each section with the necessary information - don’t be afraid to repeat yourself from one section to another if you think it is necessary to cover all your skills and experiences.
Can I go back to an application form which I have not submitted?
Yes, if the time for submitting the application has not expired and you have not submitted the application form already for the job, then you can revisit your form as many times as you need to before submitting it. It is not necessary to complete the application form in one visit.
Do I need to complete a different application form for different posts I’m applying for?
If you are applying for more than one job, then you must complete a separate on line application form for each vacancy in line with the requirements outlined in the job profile for that post. The Recruitment and Selection Panel will be looking for different criteria for each job (as outlined in the job profile), so you need to address this in the information you include in the application form.
However, the account that you have set up will have retained your previous data and therefore you do not need to duplicate general information about yourself i.e. name and address etc.
Can I save the application at any time and does the system tell me how much of the application form I have completed so I can keep track?
Yes, the system will allow you to save your application at any stage and will also advise you how much of the application you have completed.
Will the system tell me when the closing date is so I do not miss the opportunity to submit the application form?
Yes, the system has an alert facility which will advise you how long the period is before the closing date so that you do not miss the deadline.
How long will it take to process my application for a vacancy?
After submitting your application you will receive an acknowledgement email. Your application will be considered following the closing date. If you are successful you will be invited for an interview, however the length of this process is dependent on the job you have applied for. Please note that if you do not receive a reply within 4 weeks of submitting your application then please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
How long will my details remain on record?
In compliance with the Data Protection Act, your details will remain on record for 12 months. Shortly before this period you will be sent an email advising you of this, and you will then be given the opportunity for your details to remain on file longer.
What happens if the post requires a Disclosure check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)?
If the post for which you are applying for has been designated by the Authority as requiring a disclosure check, you will be required to apply for and disclose a DBS check as a requirement of the post.
What is the Rehabilitation of Offenders/Protection of Children/Vulnerable Adults Act?
Certain positions within the Council, particularly posts within the Department of Children’s Services and Adult and Community Service are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, and in addition some are subject to provisions concerning the protection of children and vulnerable adults. In these circumstances, failure to disclose any previous convictions could result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Council. Any information given will be treated as confidential and will only be used in relation to the particular post applied for. You should note, however, that the information you have provided to us will be checked with the Police, since we have a legal duty to protect our client groups when making appointments in certain defined areas – this is known as a disclosure check.
What do I do about References?
You need to complete on the application form the details for the required number of referees, this is usually two. These referees need to be people who can confirm that you have previous experience of carrying out the duties of the post to which you have applied for from previous jobs or voluntary work.
You must ask them if they are willing to be a referee and whether they would be prepared to complete a reference form for you if required.
If you are currently in employment, one of the referees needs to be your present employer, or if you are a student, one of the referees should be your school/college tutor.
What happens if the post requires a Disclosure check with the Disclosure and Barring Service?
If the post for which you are applying for has been designated by the Authority as requiring a disclosure check, you will be required to apply for and disclose a DBS check as a requirement of the post.
What is the Rehabilitation of Offenders/Protection of Children/Vulnerable Adults act?
Certain positions within the Council, particularly posts within the Department of Children’s Services and Adult and Community Service are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, and in addition some are subject to provisions concerning the protection of children and vulnerable adults. In these circumstances, failure to disclose any previous convictions could result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Council. Any information given will be treated as confidential and will only be used in relation to the particular post applied for. You should note, however, that the information you have provided to us will be checked with the Police, since we have a legal duty to protect our client groups when making appointments in certain defined areas – this is known as a disclosure check.
What do I do about References?
You need to complete on the application form the details for the required number of referees, this is usually two. These referees need to be people who can confirm that you have previous experience of carrying out the duties of the post to which you have applied for from previous jobs or voluntary work.
You must ask them if they are willing to be a referee and whether they would be prepared to complete a reference form for you if required.
If you are currently in employment, one of the referees needs to be your present employer, or if you are a student, one of the referees should be your school/college tutor.
What about a post which is covered by the Warner Recruitment Process?
If this is the case the application form will state this.
In this case you will be required to list all the previous employment history as the recruiting panel will select a third referee from this list.
Therefore please ensure that contact details such as phone number and email address etc. are clear
Can I attached references with my application form?
Please do not attach any references with your on line application form. If you wish to withhold permission to contact referees, you should give clear instructions on the application form.
I consider myself to have a disability, how do I make you aware of this?
If you consider yourself to have a disability, you need to be clear about this on your form. The Council has a policy that any disabled applicant who demonstrates that they fulfil the top five special knowledge areas listed within the Job Profile plus the same experience and qualifications as shown in the job profile in line with any other applicant are invited in for interview.
What is the Council's Equal Rights and Diversity Statement?
This statement outlines the Council’s commitment to Equality and Diversity across the District and within the Council. It provides a focus and overview of the Council’s commitment of making our district a fairer and more equitable place and improving the quality of life for everyone in Bradford. Reducing inequality and delivering the Council’s equality objectives can only be delivered effectively if it is embedded across the organisation and within partnership working. The statement is fully supported by the Equality Action Plan and other Council strategies (which can be accessed from the Council’s website).
The Council aims to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations across all protected characteristics in all its activities including its decision-making, policy development, budget setting, procurement and commissioning, service delivery and employment functions. The Council recognises the diversity of the people and the communities of the District and is committed to:
Working with our partners and the district’s many communities to understand and meet the needs of individuals and communities, and improve their opportunities, wellbeing and ability to live together productively
Tackling areas of potential discrimination to ensure that services, employment and training and development opportunities are offered equitably and appropriately
Ensuring that all services provided by or on behalf of the Council are appropriate, inclusive, accessible and fair
Involving the wider community, service users, employees and partner organisations in consultation and the impact assessment of policies and financial decisions to ensure that views are taken account of
Ensuring that our employees are recognised as our greatest resource and our employment and recruitment policies reflect our commitment to equalities and best practice
Striving to achieve a workforce that reflects the diversity of the district
Ensuring that all contractors directly supplying goods and services or working on behalf of the Council comply with the relevant equality legislation and promote good practice
Building closer links with all communities across the district and using our influence within the local community to giving a lead to other employers, partners and other local agencies to promote equalities
The Council will ensure that its vision, values and priorities are informed and underpinned by these principles.
Equalities Monitoring?
The Council collects and monitors data of applicants in relation to: age; disability; gender; race and ethnicity; religion or belief; and sexual orientation. This data is collected during the application procedure.
Why monitor equalities data?
By doing this and through a greater understanding of the breakdown of each of its service areas, so the council is able to:
- Identify tackle and prevent inequality against its staff which can affect job satisfaction, productivity, and progression; also
- Develop its policies and processes to take account of the diverse needs of its staff, resulting in benefits to the Council, its employees, and other stakeholders.
Who has access to equalities data?
Only staff in Human Resources and Employee Administration have access to individual computerised equalities data. You can be assured that your personal details will remain strictly confidential.
What is done with equalities data?
Equalities data is monitored within the Council and this is published within our Workforce Development Plan. Of significance, in meeting the requirements of the new Equalities Bill, the Council is committed to monitoring personal data and making improvements.
How long are my details kept on the system?
Please note under the Council Human Resource Document Retention Policy, the Council retains the recruitment details for a post for 6 months after the original advert it is then deleted.
Details of the successful candidate are kept on file for 7 years after the person leaves in line with the Retention Policy.
What about information around equality and diversity how long is this retained?
This data is retained for a longer period as it is anonymous and therefore there is no link to the provider. We need to retain this data to ensure that any statistical returns around recruitment can be provided to central government bodies etc. Again this is anonymous data and therefore there is no risk to the individual.
Who should I contact if I have a query around Data Protection?
In the first instance please send a recruitment query to the HR Admin Team via the email link at the bottom of your home page.
Does the council have a relocation policy?
Please read the relocation policy.