How to apply

We’re excited that you’re thinking about a career with COPFS. We regularly post new vacancies online. The following points will help you get the most out of the application process.

Go to our current vacancies webpage to see our list of our open positions. You can browse through or search for a specific job.

Click on the link for the post you’re interested in. This page will then show you more information about that job.

The job listing gives you the job title and includes information about:

• pay and benefits
• hours, leave, and contract type
• duties of the role
• location and department
• the organisation
• when the vacancy closes

On this page you will also find the application pack and details about how to apply. (The links will be in the listing.) This application pack contains more information and tells you what we need, should you decide to apply.

You may want to find out more about the role before you apply.

Look at the application pack for the name and contact details of the advert holder. There will be an email address in the listing and a phone number in the application pack file.

We will be happy to talk with you.

To apply for one of our job vacancies, you will need to create a profile on our web recruitment system and complete a digital application form.

It is important that you read the application pack before completing your application form.  

Some of our job vacancies may request you to complete an application through Microsoft Forms or to download a Microsoft Word application. The application pack will advise where this may be required.

If you require an alternative format application form, please contact recruitment@copfs.gov.uk and we will be happy to help you.

To apply for a vacancy on our web recruitment platform, click on the link for the relevant vacancy you wish to apply for.

This will take you to a new page which will provide some snapshot information about the job including the closing date, salary and benefits. From this page you can also download the application pack for further information about the job and details on the assessment process.

Click ‘Apply Online’ and you will be asked a series of screening questions to confirm your eligibility. If you are eligible, you will be asked to create an account and then follow the remaining steps to complete your application and submit your form.

For vacancies requiring a submission via Microsoft Forms, the link to the Microsoft Forms application will be in the job information. Click the link and the form will open. You can now fill in the information on the form. 

You can copy and paste information into the form from a Word document. This might help you when writing your competency answers or personal statement.  

It is important to remember that if you exit the Microsoft Form and try to re-open the link, your information and answers will not be saved.  

If you wish to edit you answers before submitting your application, you can use the ‘back’ button at the bottom of the form - this will not remove the information already entered. Please do not use your browser's ‘back’ button – this will remove your information. 

Immersive Reader is available on the form by clicking the 3 dots in the top right-hand corner of the form. 

Please make sure you have completed all sections. When you have reached the end of the form, click ‘submit’ to send us your completed application. 

For vacancies requiring a Microsoft Word application submission, the link to the Word document application form will be in the job information. Click the link and the Word form will open in a new window. Click the ‘download’ button. You can now fill in the information on the form using Word. 

There are notes on the form to help you through each section.  

Please make sure you have completed all sections.

Email or post your finished application to COPFS HR Resource team at the address given in the form. 

Should your application be successful you will receive an e-mail from our Recruitment System requesting you to select a suitable time and date for your interview.

Your interview will either be a digital interview carried out over video call using Microsoft Teams or in person at a local COPFS office, this will be noted in the job advertisement and application pack. For guidance on how to access your digital interview call, please see the next section.

Your interview will be competency based and you will be asked to provide specific examples of your experience in relation to the as outlined in your application pack.

If you have any special requirements for your interview (e.g. visual aids) please let us know.

For details on the assessment process, we recommend you read our How your application is assessed web page.

You will be sent an invitation via email at least one working day prior to your interview that will verify the date and time of your interview slot.  This email will also contain the link to follow which will take you through the steps to

Please allow yourself enough time ahead of your interview to test the link and ensure your internet connection is stable.  If you have not received the link or are experiencing any technical problems by the evening prior to your interview date, please contact the HR Resource Team directly as soon as possible.

When following the link, you may download the app or use the web application (if you will be using a mobile or tablet, you will have to download the app on the device).  Continue to follow the instructions on the screen. This will take you to the stage where you can check your camera and audio is working before selecting to join the call.  You will be placed in a "waiting room" until the board members are ready for you.  Once they are ready, they will accept you into the call and the interview will begin.

The board members will end the call once the interview is concluded, and this will be shown on your screen.  If you have any issues joining the call, please contact the HR Resource Team directly as soon as possible.

We can tell you automatically about new vacancies that open up at COPFS. Fill in a speculative CV questionnaire to learn more and register with us.