How we hire
Our teams work with a diverse client group, and we believe that diversity in our teams offers different perspectives and creativity, making us a stronger organisation. We recognise that knowledge, skills, and experiences beyond formal education or employment are extremely valuable, and we consider all-round experience, encouraging people to apply even if their background doesn't precisely match the job description.
We are committed to embedding good EDEI practices in our recruitment process, ensuring everyone is valued and respected, with a positive experience for all. As an inclusive organisation,we welcome applications from all backgrounds, especially underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, LGBTQI+, men, women, and those who have lived experience. Read our Equality, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy here.
Should you need additional support with your application or require adjustments during the recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to ask. Please contact our Recruitment team via email at recruitment@connectionsupport.org.uk or call 07738 104079 if you have any questions.
Our Application Process
Applying For a role
Introduction Call
Interview
Job Offer
Applying For A Role
We offer different ways to apply:
• Application form – available on our website, or if easier we can email one to you.
• CV – you can send us your CV via a job board, or via email.
• An email outlining your experience if you don’t have a CV.
We are more than happy to support additional ways of applying, so please let us know if you would like any adjustments.
You may also be asked for additional information, such as why you are interested in the role, or a specific question about the role. If applying via form or email, we'll send any extra questions; if applying through a job board, they’ll be part of the application process.
Please note that if you don't respond to any additional questions during the application process, your application may not be shortlisted.
If your application meets the role criteria, you'll receive a thank-you email and we'll contact you within a week of the closing date if selected for the next stage.
Introduction Calls
We may offer candidates an introduction call as part of the application process. These are informal calls, often via Microsoft Teams (or phone if needed), that allow you to meet the managers and ask any questions about the role. We normally offer these calls before the closing date, and you may decide after the call that the role isn't for you.
Please note that not all roles will include an introduction call, but you can request a call with the recruiting manager or recruitment team at any time.
We will notify you of the outcome of your Introduction call. If you'd like feedback at any point during the recruitment process, please do contact us.
Interviews
Interviews are often held face to face at the nearest office to the job location. We have offices in Oxford, Banbury, Milton Keynes, High Wycombe and Aylesbury. We can also offer Microsoft Teams interviews as part of our reasonable adjustment support, so please discuss this with us if this is what you need. Interviews usually last 45 minutes to an hour but may be longer for senior positions.
We’ll send you the interview questions a few days in advance, which may include:
• Capability – Questions around your experience and how it relates to the role.
• Values – Questions tied to our four values: compassionate, collaborative, empowering, and personalised. For example, "Tell us about a time when you helped and supported someone to enable them to be able to do something for themselves?" This aligns with our empowering value. • Scenarios – Situational questions on how you'd handle specific situations.
Additional interview tasks may include completing a scenario, data transfer, or document-related tasks. Not all interviews include these, but if they do, they'll be role specific and and we'll provide details on what this will entail when we send you your interview invite.
Our interview invite will give you all the information you need including:
• Date, time and address
• Parking details.
• The names and contact details of the manager(s) you will be meeting.
• Interview questions or a date they will be sent.
• Rehabilitation of offender’s declaration (if applicable).
Following The Interview
If successful, the manager of the service will call you to make an offer, and where possible discuss a start date with you. You will then receive an offer letter confirming your appointment and we will request information to start employment checks.
If you are not successful you will receive an email from us notifying you. If you would like feedback on your interview, please do not hesitate to ask.
