How do I apply for a job at the House of Commons?

The application form and information booklet are available via the dedicated site http://www.houseofcommons-careers.org.uk. Applying online allows you to complete your application form directly from the website.

Email: you can email your completed application form to us at houseofcommons@hays.com

Post: postal applications should be sent to:
Campaign Management
Hays Public Services
23 Lower Belgrave Street
Victoria, London
SW1W ONT

By hand: you can deliver your application by hand to any local Hays office, please make sure your envelope is clearly marked Campaign Management, Hays Public Services and we will send your application internally to the recruitment team.  All Hays office locations can be found at www.hays.com or by calling 0800 716026.

I require information in a different format, what should I do? I do not wish to apply online; can I request an application form and information booklet in hard copy format?

The application form and information booklet are available via the dedicated site http://www.houseofcommons-careers.org.uk   or Email houseofcommons@hays.com and our campaign team can send you a hard copy of the application pack in Microsoft Office: Word format.

You may also request an application pack in writing to:

Campaign Management
Hays Public Services
23 Lower Belgrave Street
Victoria, London
SW1W ONT

or please contact a member of the Hays campaign team on 020 7259 8744 (manned 8:30am - 6pm Monday to Friday). Wherever possible our campaign team will ensure that you will receive the application pack in your preferred format.

How do I complete my application form?

By clicking onto the position you want to apply for in the current vacancies section, you can find a comprehensive guide to filling out your application form.

Can I just send you my CV?

We ask all candidates to complete an application form for our roles so that we have the same information and focus on the required competencies. We therefore do not hold CVs on file and if you do send a CV it will not be considered as an application for employment in the House of Commons.

Once I have completed my application, how do I submit it?

The House of Commons offers a simple online application process available for all roles which allows you to complete your application form from any computer with Internet access. To apply for a role, just click "Apply Here" at the bottom of each opportunity and you will be automatically directed to complete your own online application.

Upon registration with this system you will receive an email with your unique ID and log in details. Keep these details safe as they allow you to log back in to update and amend your application as many times as you like, right up until midnight of the closing date for the role.

During your application you may wish to take your time and consider your answers in line with the specific requirements of the job. No problem - our system allows you to save your application at any stage and log back in to complete it at a time that suits you.

What can I expect after submitting my application?

All applications will be acknowledged by Hays. The House of Commons recruitment team will be contacting all short listed applicants by email and/or phone to arrange the next stage of the selection process. All other candidates not selected for interview will be advised by email or letter by our Campaign Management team at Hays.

If you do not proceed to the next stage of the selection process we are sorry that, due to the volume of applications, we cannot give specific feedback on your application at this stage.

How does the recruitment process work?

Shortlisting
After the closing date, the application forms are assessed to see how your skills, qualifications and experience relate to the vacancy. Those who best match the criteria will be selected for interview.

Outcome of your application
If you are selected for interview, our recruitment team will write to you. If you are unsuccessful, our Campaign Management team at Hays will let you know this within 3 weeks of the closing date.

Assessment
If you are shortlisted we may ask you to complete a task or a test either at or before the interview. If so, we will provide details to shortlisted candidates.

Interviews
The interview panel is normally made up of three, perhaps four people, who each ask the candidate questions. The questions are intended to expand on your application so that you can demonstrate how far you meet the essential requirements of the post. At interview you will have an opportunity to ask questions about the job, the terms and conditions of service etc.

The interview panel have to keep a record of their assessment of each candidate so that the reasons for their decisions are clear and consistent. You should therefore not be concerned about the panel taking notes during the course of the interview.

Outcome of your interview
If you are successful you will receive your conditional offer from us in writing. When we receive your written acceptance for the role, we will carry out the pre-employment checks. Once these have been all cleared we will arrange a start date for your first day.

Can I claim for any travelling expenses for interview?

Candidates may be entitled to some reimbursement for necessary travelling expenses for interview. Expenses may not exceed the cost of the return fare and candidates are expected to take advantage of any cheap fares which may be available. In order to claim these expenses, you should write to the Recruitment Team, HR Operations, Department of HR and Change, House of Commons, 3rd Floor, 7 Millbank, London, SW1P 3JA, after your interview with full details, enclosing tickets or receipts where available.

Expenses for overseas candidates can only be claimed between the place of arrival in the United Kingdom and the House of Commons. Candidates may not claim overnight expenses for nights spent in the UK because flight or sailing times do not match the interview date or because departures are delayed.

Will my application form be accepted if it is received after the closing date?

No.  All application forms must be received by no later than 11:59pm on the specified closing date.  Applications received after this time will not be accepted.

How many vacancies are there?

This will depend on the post that you have applied for and will vary throughout the year.  All of our posts irrespective of level - are equally important and vital to our success.

How will I know if I've been short listed?

After the closing date, the application forms are assessed to see how your skills, qualifications and experience relate to the vacancy. Those who best match the criteria - from the responses to the competency based questions - will be selected for the next stage of the process.

The House of Commons recruitment team will be contacting all short listed applicants by email and/or phone to arrange the next stage of the selection process. All candidates selected for interview will be notified by the House of Commons recruitment team in writing.

All other candidates not selected for interview will be advised by email or letter by our Campaign Management team at Hays.

If you do not proceed to the next stage of the selection process we are sorry that, due to the volume of applications, we cannot give specific feedback on your application at this stage.

Can I apply for more than one post?

Yes.  We encourage you to apply for any posts that you feel you are suitably matched for in terms of your skills and experience.  This way, if you are not successful for one post, you may be considered for another.

Do you have a register for people interested in employment with the House of Commons?

We do not currently hold a register, but we would encourage you to keep an eye on the House of Commons website (www.HouseofCommons-careers.org.uk) for other posts that may be advertised in the future.

Do I need any formal qualifications before I start?

This will be dependent on the role that you apply for and any requirements of qualifications will be provided in the Job Specification for the role.

When you begin working in the House of Commons you will be given a full induction and other comprehensive work-related training to ensure that you know how to do your job properly and safely.

Can I apply for a post on a job share basis?

Yes, most jobs within the House of Commons can be applied for on a job share basis.  If you wish to apply for a job on a share basis, please indicate this during the recruitment process.  An assessment will be made based on the operational needs of the service and the hours you have requested to work.  The House of Commons will consider positively and carefully all requests to work on a job share basis.

Can I request flexible working hours?

Yes, you can request that your application is considered on a flexible working basis and the House of Commons will carefully and positively consider your request. All requests made will be considered according to your needs and the needs of the organisation and where feasible, requests will be granted.

How do I know I will be treated fairly during the recruitment process?

The House of Commons will ensure that it does not discriminate against any individual during the recruitment process.  In addition, all managers have received recruitment and selection training, which covers equality and diversity issues.

In terms of the recruitment process, the interview panel is normally made up of three or four people.  They will each ask questions which enable you to expand on your application so that you can show how far you meet the essential requirements of the post.  You will also have an opportunity to ask us about the job, the terms and conditions of service etc.  Please do not be concerned by the panel taking notes during the interview: they have to keep a full record of their assessment of each candidate so that they can show that their decisions are clear, consistent, and based only on the evidence which you provide.

I have a disability; will reasonable adjustments be made as part of the interview process?

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities.  We want to ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity, and that our decisions are based only on your ability to do the job and not on any irrelevant factors. If you consider that you have a disability you are invited to tell us on the application form: this helps us to make any particular arrangements that you may require if you are selected for interview.  This may relate to issues of access, or may require you to have additional time during an interview or any testing used as part of the application process.  We will contact you to confirm the arrangements.  At each further stage of the process there will be an opportunity to discuss any specific questions that you may have.

All information will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the Data Protection Notice on the application form.

What documents do I need to bring to the interview?

You need to bring several documents to the interview for proof of identification purposes.

Ideally we prefer that you bring photo identification; either a passport or a driver's license however if you do not hold these documents we can accept a birth certificate.

You also need to bring proof of your address; ideally a utility or other bill.

If the job you have applied for requires any qualifications or certificates, you must also bring these to the interview.

You will receive a list of specified documents when you are sent your letter inviting you to interview.

Are there any checks I need to go through before becoming employed?

Are there any checks I need to go through before becoming employed?
Confirmation of your appointment will be subject to the satisfactory outcome of the normal pre-employment checks:

• Security clearance to Counter Terrorist Check level
• Health clearance
• References
• Proof of educational and professional qualifications

Security Clearance
If you are invited to attend for interview you will be required to complete a security form. The minimum period of residence in the UK for a non EU national, or a national from a country where there is no vetting liaison with the UK, is 12 months.  If you are unsure whether your country of origin has a vetting liaison with the UK, please make a note of this on the form and we will check this for you.  We will only inform you if there are likely to be any difficulties with obtaining security clearance.

In some instances it may also be necessary to provide character references to assist with completion of the security clearance procedure.  Should this be necessary you will be contacted by the Recruitment Team at the House of Commons.

References
We require references to cover the past three years; these should be from your current and previous employers and/or academic tutors.  Please provide accurate and up to date contact details and if possible let your referees know that we may contact them.

If you are currently employed by the House of Commons your referee must be your manager.

Please note that referees cannot be relatives or personal friends.

Educational and Professional Qualifications
If selected for interview, you will be required to provide original copies of all educational and professional qualification certificates for those qualifications listed as essential for this post.  Those listed as desirable for this post will only be required if attained.

Enhanced CRB Disclosure
If the post you are applying for requires you to work with Children or Vulnerable Adults as a significant part of your duties, you may be required to complete an Enhanced Criminal Record Bureau Disclosure before your appointment can be confirmed.

What happens if I am not given security clearance?

It is a condition of your employment with the House of Commons that you have security clearance. If you do not pass the security clearance process the House will be unable to proceed with your appointment.

If you are appointed, but it subsequently proves necessary for your security clearance to be withdrawn, this will render you liable to dismissal.

Applicants from overseas

You will be required to provide evidence of your existing right to work in the UK. The Recruitment Team will request the appropriate documents should you be invited for interview. If you have any queries about your eligibility to work please contact the Recruitment Team.

If you are a national of Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia or Slovenia you may be required to register with the Home Office if you are offered employment with the House of Commons.

If you are a national of Bulgaria or Romania you do not need to be registered with the Home Office but you may require a work permit to take up employment in the UK. You should indicate this on your application form.

What opportunities are there for career progression?

Employees at the House of Commons are actively supported in undertaking training or study that will improve their skills to the benefit of the House. We have highly structured learning and development opportunities for all staff and a management development programme for our managers. We cannot guarantee opportunities for career progression but there will be good quality jobs with variety and enrichment; good performance will be rewarded.

What is the starting pay?

The starting pay for each role is indicated in the Job Description and is usually at the minimum of the pay scale. As a public sector employer we must adhere to value for money principles, and with that in mind we do not award higher starting pay simply to match existing pay rates.

There are five pay bands that are identified by letters A to E and, with one exception, the bands are further sub divided as shown below:

• A1, A2, A3
• B1, B2
• C
• D1, D2
• E1, E2

The band for each job depends on the weight and responsibility it carries. Each band and sub-division has minimum and maximum rates of pay.

In considering an offer of employment from the House of Commons, you may wish to take into account the other elements of the total reward package, such as generous annual leave, quality occupational pension scheme, good learning and development opportunities, interest free season ticket or bicycle loan and the child care voucher scheme etc. Further information about the House of Common's benefits can be found on the benefits page.

If you have any questions about starting salary, these should be made in writing to the House of Commons Recruitment team only after a conditional offer of a post has been made.

Will I be on probation if offered a post in House of Commons?

Successful candidates will be on probation for nine months from the date of appointment.  If the probationary period is not satisfactory the appointment may be terminated.

Where will I work?

The House of Commons is based across the Parliamentary Estate of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster, London.  You will be given exact location details on being made an offer of employment.

View the map: Parliament Estate (PDF 536kb)

I have technical problems with the on-line application. Who do I contact?

Please email us at houseofcommons@hays.com or call on 020 7259 8744

What if I have more questions?

Please contact on the details below:

E: houseofcommons@hays.com

T: 020 7259 8744

How can I send feedback on the Recruitment process?

The House of Commons Recruitment Team aims to provide a good quality service to all our applicants, ensuring the recruitment process is fair and efficient. If y§§ou have any feedback, comments or suggestions to make concerning the way in which the recruitment process has been handled, we would like to hear from you.

Please contact us on recruitment@parliament.uk