Applying for a job can be overwhelming and the process may seem complex. This information and advice will help and guide you through the application process and our recruitment policies.
Finding and applying for jobs at DWP Digital
We list all our jobs on this website, but in order to apply for a role, you need a Civil Service Jobs account. You can create an account easily with any email address.
Once you have a Civil Service Jobs account, you can set up saved job searches and notifications using location, grade and type of role. You will also be able to apply for roles and save your applications so you can return to them later.
Tips on applying for jobs at DWP Digital
We’ve got a checklist of tips and advice to help you make your DWP Digital application and interview the best they can be.
It covers everything from writing your CV and personal statement to preparing for interviews and presentations. It also includes information on what happens after the interview.
We’ve also got an article all about interviews, to give you an idea of what to expect on the day.
Recruitment information
Diversity and Inclusion
At DWP Digital we value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including those that are underrepresented in our workforce. We promote equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment and a working environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation.
DWP Digital is a Disability Confident Employer, and we want to encourage disabled people to apply for jobs and give them an opportunity to show their skills, talent and abilities throughout the recruitment process. The Department is committed to interviewing all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum standard for the essential criteria as advertised. DWP Digital aim to support you through this process by making the necessary adjustments, wherever possible.
Our aim is to:
- provide a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process.
- be flexible when assessing people, so disabled job applicants have the best opportunity to demonstrate that they can do the job
- make reasonable adjustments through the recruitment and selection process.
To be considered for an interview under the scheme you must:
- have a physical or mental impairment or a long-term health condition which has a substantial and long term (over 12 months) adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day to day activities.
- demonstrate in your application and testing stages that you meet the minimum job criteria as set out in the advert or personal specification for the post.
We consider visible and non-visible disabilities, neurodiversity or learning differences, chronic medical conditions, or mental ill health. Examples include dyslexia, epilepsy, autism, chronic fatigue, or schizophrenia.
These examples are only illustrative – please refer to the definition of disability under the Equality Act if you have questions about whether you are covered by the Act: Definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Disability Confident Scheme
Through the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) we’re able to offer candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the job description a guaranteed interview.
We aim to encourage more people with disabilities to apply for roles with the Department for Work and Pensions, and to give those candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and experience to do the role. We aim to employ disabled people, and to ensure they have the opportunities to fulfil their potential.
Reasonable adjustments
We want to support you if you need an adjustment in the recruitment process, even if you do not feel you qualify for the Disability Confident Scheme.
We consider visible and non-visible disabilities, neurodiversity or learning differences, chronic medical conditions or mental ill health. Examples include dyslexia, epilepsy, autism, chronic fatigue, diabetes, or schizophrenia.
Some of the adjustments we can offer include:
- application or interview help
- a time of day that works for you
- extra time
- sign language interpretation
- advice about assistive technology
We have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes to ensure you are not put at a substantial disadvantage.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact Government Recruitment Service via DWPrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ 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. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview or, if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Pre-employment checks
If successful, and transferring from another government department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences.
This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a five-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
In order to process applications without delay, we will send a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstance some candidates will want to send their completed forms themselves.
If you want to do this, please advise Government Recruitment Service by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk, stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Starting salary for civil servants
Existing civil servants who secure a new role on lateral transfer should maintain their current salary.
Existing civil servants who gain promotion may move to the bottom of the next grade pay scale or 10% increase in salary whichever would be the greater.
Only in very few circumstances (where there have been exceptional skills demonstrated which are in limited supply for example) may existing civil servants be able to negotiate their starting salary if the role has been advertised externally, prior to accepting the post.
Before applying for this vacancy, current employees of DWP should check whether a successful application would result in changes to their terms and conditions of employment, such as mobility, pay, or allowances.
Civil Servants that would transfer into DWP from other government organisations, following successful application, will assume DWP’s terms and conditions of employment current on the day they are posted, unless DWP has stated otherwise in writing.
Childcare vouchers
Any move to DWP from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.
How to make a complaint
Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you want to make a complaint, you should first contact DWP by email: HR.BUSINESSASSURANCE@DWP.GOV.UK.
If you’re not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission.