Children's Services recruitment process

We are passionate about providing a quality service to vulnerable children and families, so it won’t surprise you that we want to recruit people who share our commitment and desire to do the best we can for them. Our recruitment processes, as well as being fair to all, are designed to develop your skills, knowledge and expertise.

Completing your application

Once you’ve found a role that interests you on our vacancies 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, please take some time to complete this and ensure that it is current and fully reflects your experience and achievements, particularly those relevant to what we're looking for.

We'll ask you to prepare and upload a supporting statement, in which you can demonstrate how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the key areas of the person specification.

Our assessment process

After we've received your application and the closing date has passed, the recruiting panel will shortlist for interviews. The first check they complete will be if you meet the minimum criteria set out in the person specification, for example for a Social Work post you need to be qualified and registered with SW England as a minimum requirement or a student social worker who is soon to be qualified and registered.

If you're shortlisted, we'll be in touch to let you know if you've progressed to an interview. If you're unsuccessful at the shortlisting stage and would like feedback, we would be more than happy to provide it, so please email the panel chair. Their email address will be within your invite to interview.

If you're shortlisted, you'll be invited to attend a young people's panel within the same week of your interview.  You'll receive a Zoom link to join a panel of young people for 20 minutes, and then another invitation to attend a panel interview which usually consists of 3 individuals. You will need to provide original documents to show any qualifications, professional memberships and registrations required for the role you have applied for.

Initial offer and employment checks

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

References, qualifications, professional memberships and DBS

Upon 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 or practice educator within your placement. Please ensure that you gain your referee's permission before you put their details on your application form. We will not contact your referees without your permission.

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. You will receive a link via email to complete an online DBS application and an email outlining the next steps from our Recruitment Team.

Once your pre-employment checks are completed, we'll make arrangements initially via email for you to start and to welcome you to Lancashire County Council.

Useful hints and tips

Do:

  • Read any supporting documents such as the job description and person specification very carefully and refer closely to these when completing your supporting statement and ensure that this is uploaded to each application
  • 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
  • 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 Lancashire County Council
  • Be honest – ensure 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 there are gaps for whatever reason, then please provide an 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
  • Submit an application if you do not meet the minimum essential criteria