FAQs
1. Can I apply if I am not currently a civil servant?
Yes. This role is open to suitably qualified people in the external market and to existing civil servants and those in accredited Non-Departmental Bodies.
2. Is this role suitable for part-time working?
This role is available for full-time or flexible working arrangements (including job share partnerships) but you should discuss your needs with the hiring manager if you are invited to interview.
3. Will the role involve travel?
From time to time, occasional overseas travel should be expected as part of broader leadership responsibilities.
4. Where will the role be based?
If successful you will be based in London. Unfortunately, relocation costs will not be reimbursed.
5. Can I claim back any expenses incurred during the recruitment process?
No. Unfortunately we will not be able to reimburse you, except in exceptional circumstances and only when agreed in advance.
6. What nationality do I need to hold in order to apply?
To be eligible for employment to this role you must be a national from the following countries:
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The United Kingdom
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The Republic of Ireland
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The Commonwealth*
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A European Economic Area (EEA) Member State
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Switzerland
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Turkey
Certain family members of EEA, Switzerland and Turkish nationals are also eligible to apply regardless of their nationality.
(*Commonwealth citizens not yet in the UK, who have no right of abode in the UK and who do not have leave to enter the UK are ineligible to apply.)
For further information on whether you are eligible to apply, please visit Gov.UK.
7. Reserved for UK Nationals
Certain posts, notably those concerned with security and intelligence, might be reserved for British citizens, but this will not normally prevent access to a wide range of developmental opportunities within the Civil Service.
This is not a reserved post.
8. Is security clearance required?
Yes. If successful you must hold, or be willing to obtain, security clearance to SC level.
More information about the vetting process can be found at the following link here.
9. What reasonable adjustments can be made if I have a disability?
We are committed to making reasonable adjustments in order to support disabled job applicants and ensure that you are not disadvantaged in the recruitment and assessment process. Reasonable adjustments could include; allowing extra time during selection tests; ensuring that information is provided in an accessible format or; by providing training.
If you feel that you may need a reasonable adjustment to be made, or you would like to discuss your requirements in more detail, please contact us in the first instance.
If you wish to receive a hard copy of the information, or in an alternative format e.g. Audio, Braille or large font then please contact DIT@allenlane.co.uk.
If you cannot apply online, please post your application to:
Allen Lane Recruitment
33 King Street
SW1Y 6RJ
Please quote the relevant job role on the envelope.
10. Will this role be overseen by the Civil Service Commission?
Yes. As this role is one of the more senior posts within the Civil Service, a Commissioner will oversee the recruitment process and chair the selection panel.
More detailed information can be found on the Civil Service Commission website.
11. What do I do if I want to make a complaint?
The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles, which can be found here.
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact Charlotte Walton (at charlotte.walton@trade.gov.uk) in the first instance.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission (here).
12. What should I do if I think that I have a conflict of interest?
Candidates must note the requirement to declare any interests that might cause questions to be raised about their approach to the business of the Department.
If you believe that you may have a conflict of interest please contact DIT@allenlane.co.uk before submitting your application.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Disabled Persons
Disabled applicants who meet the minimum selection criteria in the job specification are guaranteed an interview. Selection will be on merit. If you wish to claim a guaranteed interview under the Disability Commitment, you should complete the relevant section of the online application. It is not necessary to state the nature of your disability.
Equal Opportunities
We value equality and diversity in employment. We are committed to being an organisation in which fairness and equality of opportunity is central to the approach in business and working relationships and where the organisational culture reflects and supports these values. You have the right to a working environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation regardless of race, ethnic or national origin, age, religion, sex, gender identity, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, working hours, trade union membership or trade union activity.