Website of the UK government

To look for a current public appointment vacancy, use the link below.

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Completing your application form

Below are some standard sections that you are likely to be asked to complete.

Personal details

This will include your name and contact details.

Personal qualities and experience

You will be asked to provide evidence that you possess the skills and qualities required for the post. This may be in the form of a pen picture; a brief career history; specific questions designed to reveal particular skills and qualities; or a combination of the above. Consider your answers carefully. Remember that experience can be gained in a variety of scenarios not just at work and make sure that you refer back to the person and role specifications provided in the advertisement or information pack.

You may also be asked to list your qualifications if these are relevant to the post.

Conflicts of interests

All candidates are asked to declare any financial or other interests or any personal connections that, if appointed, might be seen as constituting a conflict of interest - real or perceived - between public duties and private interests. This could include financial interests, directorships, share options as well as relevant non-financial private interests such as links with outside organisations.

Declaring a potential conflict of interest will not prevent you going forward to interview. It will, however, allow the interview panel to explore with you how best to address and manage any issues should you be successful in your application.

References

You may be asked to provide the names of referees - usually two. If you are, you will be told the type of reference required (professional or personal) and when those references will be taken up.

Public appointments monitoring form

Statistical data is collected on gender, ethnicity and disability for monitoring purposes only. This allows the government to track progress on opening up boards and improving diversity. This information may be used to answer parliamentary questions or other enquiries. It will not be used in any way that could identify you individually without your prior consent.

Political activity

You will also be asked for details of political activity. Whether you are politically active in any way will not be a factor in the consideration of your application. Information on political activity is required by the Commissioner for Public Appointments as part of her monitoring role.

Declaration

You will be asked to sign a declaration confirming that the information on the form is complete and correct to the best of your knowledge and agreeing to details of your appointment being made public in a press release should you be successful.

You may be asked to include a curriculum vitae (CV) with your application, either in place of some of the sections details above or in addition to completing the form.