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The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the UK Government department for housing, communities and local government in England. It was established in May 2006 and is the successor to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, established in 2001 This is an exciting opportunity to gain excellent skills and experience supporting the Planning Inspectorate whilst gaining a qualification and receiving a competitive salary. We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals with a commitment to learn and develop. You will have a positive approach, be detail-focused and enjoy the challenge of working at pace with a good level of personal responsibility and focusing on the top priorities. You will work in the Operations Group which plays a critical role at the heart of The Planning Inspectorate. We work closely with a wide range people, including Inspectors, Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) and customers who are putting forward appeals. What we do has a real impact on the economy and the lives of individuals throughout England. Things you need to know Security Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks. Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience. Application Complete the online application form on Civil Service Jobs which requires the following information: • A CV: The CV section is an opportunity for you to detail your key responsibilities and achievements which demonstrate relevance to the role you are applying for. o Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years. o You must type, or ‘copy and paste’ into the text box called ‘Employment History’ within the online application. You cannot attach a copy of your CV. • A Personal Statement (1000 words max): The personal statement allows you to outline your suitability for the role in more depth, explaining why you are looking for an apprenticeship in Business Administration. It is also an opportunity for you to explain how you consider your personal skills and qualities are suitable for the role, with particular reference to the rest of the Essential Criteria and Behaviours listed within the candidate pack on the Person Specification page. We will assess your application on the evidence you have provided against the Essential Criteria and Success Profile elements detailed in the Person Specification in the candidate pack. In the event of a large number of applications, a lead sift may take place using the lead criteria detailed in the Candidate Pack. If you do not meet the minimum standard the rest of your application will not be assessed. • Commitment and enthusiasm to undertake a Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship. All shortlisted candidates will be advised of the outcome shortly afterwards. If you are shortlisted, you will: • Be asked to attend an interview to have a more in-depth discussion about your experience and suitability for the role • Interviews will be a blend of behavior and strength questions Candidates who are successful at shortlist stage will be sent full assessment requirements with their interview invitations. Shortlist Date: 7th March 2022 Interview Date: w/c 14th March 2022 Interviews are currently being completed remotely using Microsoft Teams. We would like to reassure candidates that the virtual interview will not be recorded (or retained) within the Planning Inspectorate, other than usual interview protocol and in line with the Civil Service jobs Privacy notice. We encourage all candidates to make themselves familiar with the role and what we will be assessing you against which is detailed in the Person Specification. The Planning Inspectorate is committed to finding the right person for the job. We recruit using Success Profiles and consider the criteria you will need to demonstrate to be successful for the role, by doing this we are pushing up performance, diversifying our workforce and creating an inclusive culture. ID and Documents We must check that any successful candidates are allowed to work for the Civil Service before we employ them. If successful, you will be asked to provide documents that show your Right to Work under Civil Service Nationality Rules and we must check the documents are valid with you present (either in person or over a video call). Disability Confident Interview scheme The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. We run a Disability Confident Interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job. To be considered for an interview under the scheme you must: • have a disability defined by the Equality Act 2010 • provide evidence in your application that you meet the minimum criteria in the job description • meet all of the qualifications, skills or experience defined as essential While we will endeavor to provide you with all the appropriate information, you are the expert on your specific requirements so if you require any adjustments, you should consider the information provided about the assessment process in the candidate pack and then: • Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. The earlier and more clearly you tell us what you need and why you need it, the more likely we are to be able to accommodate you in a timely fashion. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Nationality requirements This job is broadly open to the following groups: • UK nationals • nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK • nationals of the Republic of Ireland • nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) • relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service • relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service • certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals Further information on nationality requirements Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behavior expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. Apply and further information This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Contact point for applicants Job contact : Name : Stuart Luker Email : pins.recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk Recruitment team : Email : pins.recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk Further information If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact in the first instance: The Vacancy Manager via the Recruitment Team (PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk). If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you should then contact, Head of HR, via the Recruitment Team (PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk). If you are still not satisfied with the response you receive from the Planning Inspectorate, you can contact the Office of the Civil Service Commission. https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/civilservicerecruitmentcomplaints/