Applying to Join Us

We appreciate the time it takes to apply for jobs , that's why where we can, we will only ask you to complete a short application form allowing you to upload your CV and a supporting Statement instead. Below is some useful guidance on submitting your CV.

• Always ensure your CV is up to date with your most recent experience.

• Education/Qualifications: Specify where and when each qualification was obtained (e.g., the name of the school, university, etc.), the title of the qualification, the grade achieved and any subject content. 

• Employment history:  Start with your current or most recent job and work backwards. Include details of past employers, the positions held, employment dates, reasons for leaving, and a brief description of your key responsibilities and achievements. Explain any gaps in employment.

• If the vacancy requires a specific qualification, driving licence, or membership as an essential criteria in the person specification document, be sure to include this on your CV. 

• Check your contact details on your CV are up to date so we can reach you!

• You will need to submit a supporting statement with your CV. The next section provides further guidance on this. 

  
  

The supporting statement plays an important part in the selection process. This is your opportunity to clearly demonstrate how you meet the criteria for the role. 

• You can include any current or previous paid, unpaid, or voluntary work, or work at home, qualifications, interests, and training that meet the criteria specified with your Supporting Statement. 

• Please read both the job description and person specification documents before completing this section.

• Present information in a clear well organised way; addressing each criteria on the person specification in order, with headings or insert breaks between criteria. Some applicants use a table format to address and respond to each listed criteria.

• You should address all criteria. If there are 10, include all 10!

• Make sure to include relevant examples supported by evidence.

• Our application forms give you the flexibility to save your work and return later if you need more time. 

• If you are applying for more than one vacancy, avoid copying the same information for roles that include different criteria on the person specification!

Shortlisting: Applicants who meet the requirements of the role will be shortlisted for selection. Hirers will use the information you have provided with your application or CV and supporting statement and score this information against the job description and person specification for the role. Guidance on completing your supporting statement is included in this section and with our FAQs.

Assessment & Selection:  Selection processes vary according to the role and service, but would typically include a face-to-face interview. Other types of selection could include a telephone or video interview, online interview,  an assessment day or a mixture of some of these selection methods as you progress through each stage of the hiring process.

Keeping you informed: Once the shortlisting process is complete, you will be updated on the progress of your application whatever the outcome. All interview invite information, including supporting documents and guidance will be sent in advance.

We think the hiring journey is a two way street,  that's why you should have the opportunity to consider what type of organisation you may be joining and whether it would suit you so here's a list of the essential expectations we have of our applicants.

• This is what makes us TICK: Trust, Integrity, Collaborating and the drive to keep innovating. You can find out more about working together at St Helens and the vision and values that are important to us on this site.

• That you are willing to provide the necessary information we ask for during the hiring process including at application stage. Fully demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the role gives you the best chance of progressing!

• To take the time to familiarise yourself with the role you are applying for and understand how you will make a difference.

• To understand that any offer of employment is conditional subject to satisfactory relevant pre-employment checks and to comply with and respond in a timely way during he processing of pre-employment checks.

• If successful you will provide all required information to enable our teams to complete your on-boarding and get you started in your new role!

• Demonstrate your commitment to our Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Policy.

Talent Networks are communities of job seekers or potential future hires who are interested in working with us now or in the future. Joining our Talent pools offers you great flexibility and allows us to stay in touch about future roles.

There are a number of ways you can join one of our Talent Pools that make up our Talent Network.

• If you apply for a vacancy and are unsuccessful for that specific post at any stage in the process, we may ask you if you would like to join our talent network to be considered for alternative or future roles across the council. 

• If you are not looking for a new role right now, or there are no current vacancies that interest you, you can send us your CV to be considered for future suitable roles.

• If you have seen us on social media, been referred or visited us at a recent event for example a recruitment fair and would like to let us know your interested in joining us by submitting an Expression of Interest Form. 

  
  

The council always aims to foster a more inclusive recruitment experience and provide a fair, inclusive and transparent procedure for the recruitment and selection of all employees. This is reflected in the measures, processes and practices that are put in place to attract, assess and appoint candidates to vacant job roles. 

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives. 

In line with our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and our Armed Forces and Reservists Employment Policy St Helens Borough Council offer a guaranteed interview for all ex-forces and reservist personnel who meet the essential criteria of job posts. 

You can tell us on your application form if you or a family member are, or have been a member of the Armed Forces. You can also read more information on The Armed Forces and Reservist Employment Policy here [add link]

The Futures Team provide Employment, Education and Training Support for St Helens Care Leavers.

If you are a St Helens care leaver applying for a job at St Helens Council , we will guarantee an interview if you are able to demonstrate you meet the criteria in the person specification for the role. 

If you wish too, you can tell us on your application form if you are a St Helens Care Leaver. As part of your application you will need to provide a letter to confirm that you are a St Helens care leaver.  You can do this by contacting your PA or contacting our Education and Employment Advisor by emailing Futuresteam@sthelens.gov.uk

If you find completing online applications a challenge you can click on the Accessibility Toolbar button at the top of this page which provides technical compatibility for assistive technology as well as a range of other features such as adjust the font size, screen contrast, read the page aloud, and translation of content into another language.

If you need to apply using a paper application form, please contact our People Operations Team at recruitment@sthelens.gov.uk or contact the relevant hiring manager on the telephone number listed with the advert.

If you have a learning disability and you would like support to apply for any of our vacancies the Supported Employment Team can assist with application support , feedback,  interview preparation and can also come along and support you with your interview. 

If you were to be successful , the team can offer job coach support to settle you into your new role.

There are a number of ways you can contact the team if you would like support. You can email Supportedemployment@sthelens.gov.uk or call the team at the main office Telephone- 01744 675858. 

You can also reach out to either Karen Ashcroft on 01744 675846 or Frances Henderson on 01744 675854 for more information.