Application form

All applicants for voluntary or paid positions should complete a standard application or expression of interest form.

For informal processes, this could be a short expression of interest form that captures key information such as why a person would like to be involved, what skills they would bring and their willingness to undertake any necessary checks and training.

For a more formal process, this would be a longer application form that asks for more information, such as qualifications, work experience, and evidence that the person meets the role description and person specification.

Using a standard from is better than accepting CV's as it allows you to gather all the information you need to make a good recruitment decision. It also ensures a fairer process as the information asked for is the same for everyone.

Your safer recruitment process should be accessible to all. If a written form is a barrier for someone, and writing is not a requirement of the role, you should provide alternative ways for them to express their interest e.g. formats compatible with assistive technology, verbal/signed expressions of interest that someone else writes down, forms in translation etc.

All expressions of interest forms should include:

• Name, address and contact number(s).
• Information in support of the application (based on the role profile and person specification).
• A declaration that the information they give is true and accurate.
• Agreement to a criminal record check or membership of a PVG scheme should they be appointed (where appropriate).
• A place for the signature and the date the form was completed.
• Contact details of named references in line with role requirements.
• Information about any other checks you will undertake as part of the process.

More formal applications should also include:

• Qualifications
• Employment history
• Work and other relevant experience
• A longer supportive statement detailing how the person meets the requirements of the role description and person specification