Application guide
Before you apply
Please read all information provided about the role you are thinking about applying for to discern that it is right for you – this will include the job description and person specification, and the aims and values of Church Mission Society.
The person specification is split into essential and desirable sections. You will need to meet all of the essential criteria and it would be beneficial if your skills and experience also meet some of those listed in the desirable category.
As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from everyone. In particular, we welcome applications from women and/or from individuals from minority groups as they are currently underrepresented at certain levels within our organisation. This will be stated in the applicable advertisements. All appointments are made on merit of skill, experience and potential as laid down in the job description and person specification.
Completing the application
Please send your updated CV, a completed CMS application form, and any supporting documents you would like to include to jobs@churchmissionsociety.org. You will receive an automatic acknowledgement when your application is received.
Your CV and application form are the main documents for the selection panel to assess your experience, skills and knowledge in terms of the person specification, so it is important to ensure that you clearly demonstrate how you meet these criteria. Please be sure to refer specifically to how you meet the essential and desirable criteria listed.
The job description will specify whether the role is required to be filled by someone who is “in sympathy with” or “committed to” the aims and values of Church Mission Society. Please note that some carefully assessed roles have an occupational requirement to be a committed and practising Christian; this is clearly stated in the advertisement and the person specification part of the job description. If you have any questions about this, please feel free to get in touch at any time. Please note that all roles are subject to a probationary period, references, (including a misconduct reference check) safeguarding and basic DBS checks and some posts may be subject to an enhanced DBS check depending on the degree of involvement with children and/or adults at risk.
The closing date for applications is shown on the job details. Please ensure your application reaches us by midnight (UK time) on the closing date unless otherwise stated in the ad. We’d also recommend to keep the advertised interview date free, as if you are short-listed, that is when you will be invited to join the interview panel for a formal discussion.
You will also be asked to complete the Equality and Diversity Monitoring form and send it separately as it is not shared with the panel. CMS is committed to recruiting, retaining and developing a workforce that reflects at all grades the diverse communities that we serve. It is vital that we monitor and analyse diversity information so that we can ensure that our HR processes are fair and transparent. Any information provided on this form will be treated as strictly confidential and will be used for statistical purposes only. It will not be seen by the interview panel prior to finalising the recruitment. No information will be published or used in any way which allows any individual to be identified.
After you have applied
You will receive an automatic acknowledgement when your application is received but do contact us if you have any further questions. We aim to shortlist within two weeks of the closing date and will be in touch with all candidates by email to inform you whether or not you have been shortlisted by the selection panel.
If you are shortlisted and invited to an interview we may ask you to provide further details, send you supplementary information, and/or ask you to complete a task.
Attending an interview
Normally, to ensure consistency, the shortlisting panel will be made up of those who will be interviewing and you will be sent the names and titles of the interview panel if you are invited for an interview. Appointing the successful candidate will be dependent upon how closely you match the criteria required in the person specification during the interview. It is done on a points based system following the categories listed in the job description.
During the interview you will be asked ‘competency questions’. We recommend that you describe a concrete situation in the following way: what happened, what was your role and who else was involved, were you happy with the outcome, what could have been done differently, any learning for the future. We do not recommend giving general answers without details to these questions, otherwise the panel may not be able to assess your skills and behaviours in that area.
You will most likely be asked to undertake a test and/or presentation as part of the interview. If any preparation is required, all information will be given to you prior to the interview.
All details you need, such as directions, additional instructions, and Church Mission Society’s aims and values and ethos statement, will be sent as part of your invitation to interview.
You will be required to bring your valid passport with you at interview stage as proof of your identity and eligibility to work in the UK. If you do not have a passport (or it is expired), please contact us prior to your interview and we will send you a list of documents that can be considered instead of a valid passport.
We suggest the dress code for interviews to be smart.
Reasonable adjustment
We are happy to provide reasonable adjustments for the application and selection process. If you require support, please contact us and let us know your needs. We will be in touch with you to discuss and make adjustment as much as possible.
Reference checks
Once we make a job offer to you, we will ask you to provide three references. Usually two of these should know you in a professional capacity, one being your current or most recent employer. The third one could be a character reference. Please ensure you have permission from your referees before providing us with their details.
Immigration advice
We can only consider your application if you have the right to work in the UK and/or have a visa, unless it is otherwise stated in the advertisement. Please note Church Mission Society is not able to help with any visa applications or sponsorships unless it is clearly stated in the advertisement.
Detailed information on immigration is available by visiting the Home Office: UK Visas and Immigration.
