Your Job Application

You can apply for all our vacancies via NHS Jobs. We often advertise on other websites and in journals or publications. They will usually ask you to apply via NHS Jobs, or occasionally we may use a Search & Selection company to receive applications.

The NHS Jobs system enables you to make an on-line application. You can register and then login as many times as you like while you are working on your application (remember to save your work when you logout). The person specification for the vacancy shows the skills and experience that you will need to do the job, you can use the personal statement section to demonstrate your skills and experience that match the job, and you may wish to outline your reasons for applying. You can also attach a CV or supporting statement if you wish. When you choose Submit, your application will then be available to the Trust for shortlisting and you will be able to view your application, but will not be able to make any other changes on-line. If you realise that there is an error on your form, contact the Recruitment Team on 01784 884383/4381.

You should make sure you have submitted your application by the closing date, as we only accept late applications in exceptional circumstances. If you anticipate that you may need to make a late application, then please contact the Recruitment Team before the closing date to consider if it can be accepted.

Some of our vacancies receive high numbers of applications and we may close the vacancy early when we have reached a maximum number of applications eg 50 or 60 applications. If we are likely to do this then it will be stated on the advert, and you are advised to submit your application as early as possible.

You can recall your application details in NHS Jobs and use them to apply for another post for up to 6 months. This saves you from having to re-type your information such as education and qualifications each time you apply for a job, although it is advisable to ensure your application relates to the vacancy you are applying for, especially your personal statement.

We will use the email address on your application to communicate with you. You might find it useful to mark the NHS jobs email to accept emails from or as some email servers can send it to the Spam folder. If you don’t have an email address, make sure we have your phone number and we’ll communicate with you by phone.

Our duty under the Race Equality Scheme is to monitor our performance as an employer to ensure we are providing equal and fair access to recuritment, employment, promotion and training for all staff and applicants. In order to do this we need to monitor the age, gender, ethnicity, religion, marital status, and sexual preference, by using the information we receive from applicants and staff. For this purpose we will never present or publish information that can identify an individual, our reports show trends and groups. You can see our latest Equality and Diversity report here.

Two Ticks, Guaranteed Interview Scheme or Disability Confident? Two ticks and Guaranteed Interview Scheme are old government schemes to improve inequalities amongst disabled people. They were replaced by the Disability Confident Scheme but what is it and why is it important?

“The Disability Confident scheme helps employers recruit and retain great people, and to:

• challenge attitudes and increase understanding of disability,
• draw from the widest possible pool of talent,
• secure high-quality staff who are skilled, loyal and hardworking,
• improve employee morale and commitment by demonstrating fair treatment.

It also helps identify those employers who are committed to inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

The scheme has 3 levels designed to support employers on their Disability Confident journey, these are:

• Disability Confident Committed (Level 1)
• Disability Confident Employer (Level 2)
• Disability Confident Leader (Level 3)

All employers join the scheme at Disability Confident Committed (Level 1), and progress through the levels to achieve the one that’s right for their organisation.”

At ASPH we are at level 1 working towards level 2, but what does level 1 mean in practice?

It means we agree to these commitments:

• inclusive and accessible recruitment,
• communicating vacancies,
• offering an interview to disabled people,
• providing reasonable adjustments,
• supporting existing employees.

and work towards at least one of these activities:

• work experience,
• work trials,
• paid employment,
• apprenticeships,
• job shadowing,
• traineeships,
• internships,
• student placements,
• sector-based work academy placements.

So, if you consider yourself to be disabled tick yes on applications for guaranteed interview if you meet the minimum criteria. Don’t be afraid to ask for reasonable adjustments you need to attend interview if invited and to be able to work to the best of your ability if successfully hired.

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Please be aware that currently Access to Work has a significant backlog and it could take at least 6 months to be assessed.

A government scheme designed to help you get or stay in work if you have a disability, physical or mental health condition. Support received is dependent on your needs.

Through Access to Work you can apply for:

• a grant to help pay for practical support with your work*
• support with managing your mental health at work*
• money to pay for communication support at job interviews*
• Temporary or permanent transport to work*

* Please note that your employer has to contribute up to £1200 towards costs**. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Trust as part of a discussion on the feasibility/reasonableness of adjustments.

** This does not apply to interview costs, if you have been working for less than 6 weeks or for transport.

What is practical support?

It includes things such as:

• BSL interpreters, lip speakers or note takers;
• adaptations to your vehicle so you can get to work;
• taxi fares to work or a support worker if you cannot use public transport;
• a support worker or job coach to help you in your workplace.

What mental health support?

It could include things such as:

• a tailored plan to help you get or stay in work;
• one-to-one sessions with a mental health professional.

What support could I receive at job interview?

• you’re deaf or hard of hearing and need a BSL interpreter or lip speaker;
• you have a physical or mental health condition or learning difficulty and need communication support.

Am I eligible and how do I apply?

There are various eligibility criteria on the government website. You can apply online or via the telephone.

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

• Telephone: 0800 121 7479
• Textphone: 0800 121 7579
• Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 121 7479
• British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer

If I apply, then what?

You will be contacted by Access to Work to talk about your application.

The person who contacts you might ask:

• for more information about your work and condition;
• for permission to speak to your employer;
• to arrange for an assessor to call you or view your workplace by video call or in person - to find out what changes might help.

Following this, you’ll get a letter with a decision and explanation of that decision. If successful it will tell you how much your grant will be and what it should pay for.

So, if you feel like you would benefit from additional support to do your job role to the best of your ability, talk to your recruiting/line manager about applying for an Access to Work grant.

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