Recruitment process

Pre-employment checks

If you are successful at interview you will be required to undertake pre-employment security checks.

You will be sent a security questionnaire which must be accessed within 24 hours and completed within 72 hours.

Please note, these checks can take up to 10 weeks (or possibly longer if you have lived abroad or travelled extensively).

You will only be offered a start date after the checks have been completed. If the outcome of these checks is not satisfactory, your recommendation for employment will be withdrawn.

Errors can lead to significant delays in gaining security clearance and will delay the agreed start date. Therefore, please make sure you read the instructions carefully and give all the information required.

The Government Recruitment Service (GRS) lead on all pre-employment checks. Candidates will receive automated updates from GRS on these checks via the email address they used to apply.

HMICFRS will also assign a case worker who will be in regular contact with you throughout your pre-employment checks. Once you have accepted the online offer from GRS, you will receive a success letter and a Conflict of Interest letter from your case worker.

It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure all requested documents are returned. Any delay in submitting documents may delay the candidate’s start date.

Civil Service Verbal Test

Some applicants may be asked to complete the Civil Service Verbal Test (CSVT) as part of the recruitment process. This test assesses how well you can identify relevant information and draw logical conclusions from written information. When this is required, it will be mentioned in the job advertisement.