Only a third of council job applicants make to interview stage

“We will update our job description and person specification (JDPS) to outline the Connect for Success principles, so role holders and candidates are clear about what is being looked for. We will also ask questions as part of the application and interview process which allow candidates to demonstrate how they embody these principles in their approach to work.

“Managers will select the most relevant principles for the role and ask behavioural-based interview questions to ascertain how the candidate demonstrates these by describing specific past experiences that demonstrate the key behaviours and encourage reflection.

“Managers will determine with their panel members, prior to starting the shortlisting process, what the weighting will be based on their priorities for the role.

“As part of the interview process, managers will be able to assess responses to behavioural based interview questions designed to measure a candidate’s ability to embody the Connect for Success principles, measuring their potential to thrive within our organisation.”

Ms Flanagan added: “We will design our processes to be inclusive and accessible by supporting reasonable adjustments, using job descriptions and job adverts which are jargon free, adjusting interview practices to meet applicant’s needs, such as interview questions in advance and provide feedback and transparency throughout the process.

“By being transparent about the support, we offer as an employer, candidates will be more likely to get the adjustments they need to engage in the process and workforce more effectively and we won’t miss out on the potential and valuable contribution they can make.

“The evidence from engagement, workforce planning, and recruitment data has informed the review of the recruitment policy.

“Challenges such as attracting quality candidates, lengthy processes, and high volumes of unsuitable applications highlight that our current approach needs to be updated to meet the needs of our organisation.”