References
References are usually requested prior to interview (providing permission has been given on the application form) but sometimes are requested after an interview only for the successful candidate(s).
The purpose of a reference is to gain factual information about a candidate to validate their employment record. North East Lincolnshire Council insist on a reference from your most recent senior / line manager. If you are worried that you may not receive a good reference, do not try to mislead your potential new employer by not quoting your most recent manager for a reference - it is likely they will query it. We cannot accept references from relatives.
You should always let people know if you have quoted them as a referee. It is good manners, creates a good impression and therefore encourages a favourable opinion. It will also give you an opportunity to ask what kind of reference you could expect, if you do have doubts.
Medical Clearance
All new entrants in the Council are required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire. This process is completely confidential and the information you put on the questionnaire will only be seen by the Occupational Health Section. In some cases you may be requested to meet with the Council's Occupational Health Adviser to provide further information.
CRB Check
Increased safeguards under the new Vetting & Barring Scheme (VBS).
The new scheme was created following the Bichard Inquiry into the Soham murders and will be delivered by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) and the CRB. Its tighter regulations are at the heart of the Government’s strategy for increasing protection of vulnerable members of our society.
From 12 October 2009:
It is now a criminal offence for individuals barred by the ISA to work or apply to work with children or vulnerable adults in a wide range of posts - including most NHS jobs, Prison Service, education and childcare. Employers also face criminal sanctions for knowingly employing a barred individual across a wider range of work.
Please note: ISA-registration for the Vetting and Barring Scheme does not start for new workers or those moving jobs until July 2010 and ISA-registration does not become mandatory for these workers until November 2010. All other staff will be phased into the scheme from 2011. Further information on how to apply for registration will be provided in due course.
If the post you are applying for is subject to a disclosure check do not be tempted to skimp on the truth. If you have any kind of police record, even minor, and some categories of 'spent' issues, must be declared. Where posts require disclosure checks they will always be pursued, therefore your police record will be discovered when the police return the details to us. If you have not declared any warnings or convictions already, you have given a very poor impression of the accuracy of your application, which will be difficult to justify.
If you have lived overseas in the past 5 years or were born overseas please be aware that you will need to undertake an overseas police check in the relevant country.
Qualification Checks
If the post you are applying for requires a qualification, you will be asked to produce evidence i.e. a certificate to say you are qualified for the job. Qualifications will normally be checked at interview so have any certificates ready to show the panel.
Some posts within Social Work require you to be registered with the General Social Care Council. Also, for Care posts (e.g. Care Worker, (Senior) Care Officer, Care Manager), an NVQ Level 2, 3 or 4 is required, depending on the level of post applied for. However, you can be offered the post subject to completing the relevant qualification within 18months (funded by NELC).