Recruitment process accessibility - Print version

Accessibility

At Coventry City Council we are committed to enabling access for people with disabilities or neurodiverse conditions, physical or situational disabilities, and socio-economic restrictions to apply for our jobs, understand our recruitment process, find out more about reasonable adjustments or get a feel for what working at Coventry City Council is like.

We want to give you confidence knowing we are an employer who speaks through actions, and we continuously work hard to promote inclusive practices, and remove bias and barriers that prevent interaction with us, or access for potential candidates and employees.

To help you find out more about our recruitment process and what it is like working at Coventry City Council, we have provided some information to help you:

Application and selection methods [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/school-jobs/accessibility/2]
Reasonable adjustment scenarios [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/school-jobs/accessibility/3]
Accessibility Questions and Answers [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/school-jobs/accessibility/4]
Location accessibility [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/council-vacancies/office-locations]
Contact us [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/school-jobs/accessibility/5]

If you can't find what you are looking for?

Fill out our Applicant Accessibility Support Enquiry Form [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/en/service/Applicant_Accessibility_Support_Enquiry], if you need assistance applying for one of our jobs or would like to talk to someone about your condition and/or reasonable adjustments or anything else. We will aim to respond within two working days to see how we can assist you.

In addition, our Advice for Job Seekers page [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/advice-job-seekers] provides guidance on:

how to apply for our jobs [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/advice-job-seekers/apply-jobs-coventry-city-council]
how to get shortlisted [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/advice-job-seekers/get-shortlisted]
interview tips [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/advice-job-seekers/top-tips-interviews]

Employment support is available from our Employment and Skills Job Shop [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/jobshop] who can offer job search and coaching support.

You can find out more about the definition of disability [https://www.gov.uk/definition-of-disability-under-equality-act-2010] and guidance [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/equality-act-guidance/disability-equality-act-2010-guidance-on-matters-to-be-taken-into-account-in-determining-questions-relating-to-the-definition-of-disability-html] available.

The following resources are available to find out more about neurodiversity:

Neurodiversity in the workplace: understanding is key [https://www.inclusiveemployers.co.uk/blog/neurodiversity-in-the-workplace-understanding-is-key/]
The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity [https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/]
National Autistic Society- What is autism? [https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism]
Dyspraxia Foundation - What is dyspraxia? [https://dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk/about]
British Dyslexia Association - About dyslexia [https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia]

Our Coventry Interpretation and Translation Unit (CITU) [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/community-living/coventry-interpretation-translations-unit-citu] provides an accessible, confidential, equitable, quality service to people whose first language is not English or who have a sensory impairment.

Coventry City Council believes in the importance of the principles of diversity and inclusion underpinning everything we do. We view diversity as a strength to be harnessed and aim to create an inclusive culture that respects and values difference. We aim to promote equality of opportunity, to enable all current and future employees to develop themselves and maximise their true and full potential.

We recognise that individuals still experience bias, discrimination, and inequality in our society and therefore as an employer, we will take a proactive approach to identifying and addressing this in the workplace and when promoting and recruiting for our employment opportunities.

Our Diversity and Inclusion page [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/diversity-inclusion] has further information available.

Application and selection methods

At Coventry City Council we use a variety of application and selection methods as part of our recruitment process to allow us to assess suitability for our roles in several different ways. This is because we realise that not one size fits all and candidates can shine in different assessment scenarios. We want to ensure that candidates get an opportunity to be their best selves to demonstrate their strengths and suitability for our roles.

We don’t always look for experience, we could be looking for someone who has an aptitude to learn, lives and resonates with our One Coventry Values [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/homepage/1781/our-values] or has transferrable skills.

The list below will provide you with an overview of the various methods and assessments we may use during a recruitment process.

Application methods

Online application form (may be presented in the following format):
- Personal details: You will be asked to create a profile and complete your details only and invited to a further assessment stage.
- Personal statement: You will be asked to create a profile and complete/submit an online application form on our recruitment portal there you will be asked to write a personal statement demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the role aligned to the person specification.
- Application questions: As part of the online application form you may be asked to answer specific application questions relevant to the role you are applying for.
Recruitment event: We may invite you to a recruitment event where you will hear further information about the role and have a face-to-face screening where you will be asked specific questions and/or undertake one or more assessment(s), on the day.
Telephone screening: You will be asked to enter your details into our online application form followed by a telephone screening where you will be asked specific questions relevant to the role.
Video/audio application: candidates can use a video recording/verbal recording to verbally demonstrate their suitability for the role
Assisted support for candidates who require support to navigate the online application system/recruitment process; our Job Shop [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/jobshop] provides employability support and coaching.
Assessment: you may be asked to complete one or more of the selection methods as an assessment of your suitability rather than a written description. This helps the hiring manager assess your ability in line with key criteria for the role.

Selection assessment methods

Candidates who are successfully shortlisted may be invited to attend an assessment and/or an interview.

Assessments are used to allow candidates to demonstrate other skills, strengths, and abilities where interviews are not the best or only method.

Assessment methods may include:

Group discussions: working together to solve or debate particular issues to demonstrate leadership, team player skills, etc
Role play – acting in a role in a work-related scenario exercises/telephone in a similar situational experience setting
Presentations – using PowerPoint or another presentation resource to demonstrate your ability to present, engage, and to clearly interpret information on a given topic
Work-related exercises – calculations, scenarios, multiple choice questionnaires where such skills are required to carry out similar tasks in the role
IT exercises – computer/software work-related exercises including Microsoft applications etc
Prioritisation exercises – in-tray work-related exercises to demonstrate your ability to understand the importance of tasks, time conscious, responsibility and delegation.
Analytical exercises – working with data/information to interpret/solve exercises
Practical skills assessment eg: driving assessment, health and safety, cooking, manual handling, assembling
Interview - Face-to-face and virtual interviews are offered to candidates where you will be asked several competency/value-based interview questions relevant to the role.

If you would like further information regarding accessibility including support and/or reasonable adjustments to assist you when applying for one of our roles, please submit your request using our Accessibility Applicant Support Enquiry Form [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/en/service/Applicant_Accessibility_Support_Enquiry].

If you have already applied for one of our roles and require assistance, please contact resourcing@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:resourcing@coventry.gov.uk].

We want all our applicants to have the best chance at showcasing what they can do, what skills they have and really sell themselves.

Further tips and guidance on our recruitment process can be found on our Advice for Job Seekers page. [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/advice-job-seekers]

Reasonable adjustments

We are committed to supporting candidates with a disability or who are neurodiverse to be able to apply for our jobs, or whilst in our employment, by making reasonable adjustments as appropriate.

Please complete our Applicant Accessibility Support Enquiry Form [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/en/service/Applicant_Accessibility_Support_Enquiry] if you have a disability or a neurodiverse condition and would like to find out more about reasonable adjustments for your recruitment process, or find out what it is like to work for us and understand what our culture or environment is like to work in. A member of our resourcing team or Inclusive network will contact you.

Take a look at our list of potential reasonable adjustments. This list is not exhaustive, you may require reasonable adjustments that are not listed.

When considering disability/neurodiverse issues and looking at reasonable adjustments we need to understand the limitations you face. We can then look to adapt and adjust the relevant recruitment stage, process and working environment so that you are not at a disadvantage and are supported.

We want to encourage open conversations between candidates, employees, and managers to remove bias and myths, to promote and champion an inclusive recruitment process and working environment, and together, consider what changes could be made.

Understanding the legislation. [https://www.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments-for-disabled-workers]

Access to Work [https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work] can offer assistance based on your needs, which may include a grant to help cover the costs of practical support in the workplace. In some cases, this can include support with travelling if you are unable to drive or use public transport due to a health condition or disability.

Examples of a reasonable adjustment might include (This list is not exhaustive):

Situation	Reasonable Adjustment
Recruitment	Alternative application methods include online, hard copy document, video, and audio options Alternative interview/assessment methods e.g. face to face / Microsoft Teams. The opportunity to select the interview/assessment time First interview / last interview slot Structured interview questions Providing written guidance/information/assessments/interview questions in advance Providing extra time The opportunity to bring notes into the interview with you The opportunity to bring a support worker/enabler assistant with you Quiet location for the assessment or interview
Environment / Locations [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/council-vacancies/office-locations]	Altering premises – such as: Automated doors Providing ramps Quiet spaces, Alternative formats of signage or directions around the building or ground floor / accessible areas.
Time	Agreement to allow regular breaks during working hours Working patterns that enable avoiding rush hour traffic periods
Accessing information	Altering recruitment / work requirements: Extra time provided Adjust size of lettering of documents / formats / colour
Physical adjustments	Amending duties/ timescales Providing assistive technology or ergonomic equipment.
Equipment	Modified or specialist equipment – such as: Supportive chairs Ergonomic chair New equipment, height-adjustable or standing desks Large screen, magnification software Access to a keyboard rather than a laptop Lighting adjustments
Verbal communication	Providing an interpreter (for people who are, for example, deaf or who have a speech impairment where applicable BSL for visually impaired candidates or employees Personal assistant support and job coach support [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/jobshop]. Request clear direction/expectations Clear and concise information
Training or mentoring	To support an employee to use new adjustments (such as speech-to-text software), or coping strategies (common with, for example, dyslexia or mental health conditions).
Working pattern	Flexible working adjusted hours or working patterns.
Technology support	Further information about our IT provision IT equipment - reasonable adjustments process Coventry City Council’s accessibility information [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/translate] can aid candidates when using our website.

Other reasonable adjustment sources:

Acas - What reasonable adjustments are [https://www.acas.org.uk/reasonable-adjustments]
Reasonable workplace adjustments neurodiverse people can suggest [https://www.careerswithdisabilities.com/reasonable-workplace-adjustments-neurodiverse-people-can-suggest/]
Employment autism - Reasonable adjustments for interviews and assessments [https://employmentautism.org.uk/reasonable-adjustments-for-interviews-and-assessments/]
ADHD UK - reasonable adjustments [https://adhduk.co.uk/reasonable-adjustments/]
British Dyslexia Association - Reasonable adjustments in the workplace [https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/advice/adults/in-the-workplace/reasonable-adjustments-in-the-workplace]

Questions and answers

Accessibility

How can I make the website accessible to me?

As a Disability Confident Employer [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/diversity-inclusion/diversity-inclusion-position-statements/7], we’re committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process, please see our accessibility information [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/accessibilitystatement].

How can I get in touch with you?

If you would like further information regarding support and/or reasonable adjustments to assist you in applying for our jobs, please submit your query using our Applicant Accessibility Support Enquiry Form [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/en/service/Applicant_Accessibility_Support_Enquiry].

Is your recruitment portal accessible?

Our current recruitment portal is supplied by Tribepad. Tribepad should be accessible to everyone, regardless of technology or ability, and continually work to increase the accessibility and usability of their products. Their platforms should not add to the stress of finding a job or applying.

You should be able to change colours, contrast levels, and font size, and change zoom levels without breaking the intended layout. Navigate the product using just a keyboard or speech recognition software, and read pages using a screen reader.

What if I can't access your recruitment portal to apply for a job?

If you require an alternative method or reasonable adjustments to assist you to be able to apply for one of our jobs, please use the Applicant Accessibility Support Enquiry Form, [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/en/service/Applicant_Accessibility_Support_Enquiry]and one of our colleagues will respond and assist you.

If you are experiencing technical issues, please contact the Resourcing Team at resourcing@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:resourcing@coventry.gov.uk].

Why does the Job Application ask if I am neurodivergent, have a disability, or have a health condition?

Coventry City Council is committed to hiring neurodivergent applicants and those with disabilities or health conditions. You will be considered under the “Disability confident scheme’ if you have been or will be affected by any of the conditions for more than 12 months. As you have declared a disability on your application form you will be guaranteed any interview if you meet the minimum interview criteria for the job.

What is the Guaranteed Interview Scheme?

If you declare you have a disability you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the minimum interview criteria for the role.

I have a disability, can the recruitment process be adapted for me?

Yes, if you require adaptations or reasonable adjustments to enable you to apply, please use the Applicant Accessibility Support Enquiry Form [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/en/service/Applicant_Accessibility_Support_Enquiry], and one of our colleagues will respond and assist you.

I have a neurodiverse condition, can the recruitment process be adapted for me?

English is not my first language, who can I contact to help me ?

What are reasonable adjustments?

Reasonable adjustments are changes or adaptations to allow you access to apply or partake in our recruitment process or whilst working in our employment.

If you require adaptations or reasonable adjustments to enable you to apply, please use the Applicant Accessibility Support Enquiry Form [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/en/service/Applicant_Accessibility_Support_Enquiry], and one of our colleagues will respond and assist you.

How do I request a reasonable adjustment?

If you require adaptations or reasonable adjustments to enable you to apply, please use the Applicant Accessibility Support Enquiry Form [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/en/service/Applicant_Accessibility_Support_Enquiry] and one of our colleagues will respond and assist you.

How can I find out about your diversity and inclusion commitment?

Coventry City Council is committed to its continuing duty as a public authority to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and any other conduct prohibited under the Equality Act 2010. Visit our Diversity and Inclusion [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/diversity-inclusion] page.

How do I hear more about your values?

Our ‘One Coventry Values [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/homepage/1781/our-values]’ have been co-created with the support and input of all employees across the Council so they are reflective of how we want to be represented both as colleagues and to the wider community.

How can I find out about the rewards and benefits of working for Coventry City Council?

As an employee you are entitled to a great rewards package, you can view these on our Rewards and Benefits [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/rewards-benefits] page.

What other opportunities do you have?

Coventry City Council has other employment opportunities. To find out more visit our Future Talent [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/futuretalent] page.

What are job alerts?

Job alerts are emails that are sent to your email address when a role comes up that’s right for you. To sign up for job alerts [https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKCOVENTRY/subscriber/new?topic_id=UKCOVENTRY_352], you’ll need to create an account and set your alerts by telling us what position you’d like. Then, when a job that suits you is available, we'll send you an alert to let you know.

How do I set up job alerts?

On your account, you can subscribe to job alerts [https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKCOVENTRY/subscriber/new?topic_id=UKCOVENTRY_352] by different preferences such as Country, Location, Distance, Job Category, and Contract Type. In the search jobs complete your preferences and these will be saved for future job roles.

Questions about my online application form

What if I have forgotten my password?

Please make sure you follow the 'Forgot your password?' link without completing any other fields. You will soon be asked to enter the email address you initially registered with. Once you have done this, your username and a new password will be emailed to you.

Should you experience any technical difficulties, please get in touch with the recruitment team at tribepadqueries@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:tribepadqueries@coventry.gov.uk] . Sending as much information as possible, such as screenshots, is helpful so we can try and fix the problem.

How can I change my password for my career website account?

On your dashboard open ‘settings’ on the top right of the page. There you can change your account settings and password.

Can I save the details of my application and return to it later?

Applications are broken into sections which you can complete in any order. You can use the option to “save and come back later” at any time. The closing date will be visible on the page, but the manager may close the vacancy early. To return to application select “Your applications” and then “Continue application”.

How do I know my application has been received?

You will receive an email confirming that your application has been received. The “All applications” page will show “In process”.

Is there a character count when applying for a job with the Coventry City Council?

There is no character limit in the “Personal Statement” text box or when you are answering application questions.

Why does the application ask if I have a criminal record?

You will be asked if you have unspent convictions. This information is needed so Coventry City Council is aware of any information that may come up in your pre-employment checks. We use this information to make sure rehabilitated ex-offenders receive a fair opportunity when applying for a job.

Will I have to have a criminal records check (DBS Disclosure)?

Not all roles require criminal records checks. It is required if you are: teaching, training, coaching, caring, transporting, advising/guiding on physical, emotional, or educational wellbeing and/or supervising children or vulnerable adults; carrying out work in a school, college, or childcare premise; providing personal or health care.

Why does the form ask Equality and Diversity questions?

This is to make sure employees from all ethnic backgrounds have equal access to career opportunities and receive fair treatment in the workplace.

Can I apply for more than one job?

Yes, you can. We encourage you to apply to roles that are appropriate to you. Think about your skills and goals and what roles suit these.

I would like to withdraw my application.

Please email resourcing@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:resourcing@coventry.gov.uk] and detail your name, the job you are applying for, and the reason why you want to withdraw.

I received an “unsuccessful” email before I completed my application. What happened?

Some of our job roles need a qualification/registration if you have answered no to the application question you will be screened out and sent an unsuccessful email.

Who reviews my application?

The hiring manager and the selection panel will review each application using the selection criteria relevant to the role. Read tips on how to get your application shortlisted [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/advice-job-seekers/get-shortlisted].

Will I receive feedback on my application form?

Unfortunately due to the volume of application forms received, hiring managers will not provide feedback on your application form. Guidance on how to get shortlisted [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/advice-job-seekers/get-shortlisted] will assist you on future application forms.

I have some questions about the interview process

What can I expect at the interview?

You’ve made it through the application process, which is the first hurdle completed. Your invite to interview email will outline what to expect as part of your interview process. Our list of applications and selection methods will give you a flavour of what you might expect.

Read our guidance for getting ready for your interview [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/advice-job-seekers/top-tips-interviews].

How do I book my interview?

You will be emailed an invitation to book an interview slot, click on the link, and then you can select a suitable interview time.

I cannot book my interview via the system. Why?

Please contact resourcing@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:resourcing@coventry.gov.uk]

I cannot attend my interview. How do I notify you about this? Can I reschedule it?

Please contact the hiring manager if there are any issues with your interview date, you can do this by replying to the “invite to interview” email you will receive.

How long does it take to hear about my application?

The recruiting managers should be in touch no longer than two weeks after the closing date. Some managers will shortlist before the closing date so you will hear earlier especially if they have confirmed the interview date in the advert.

Can I ask for feedback after my interview?

After you attend your interview, you will be contacted by the recruiting manager to let you know the outcome, you can request a time for the manager to give you feedback on your interview.

I have some questions about the referencing/safeguarding process

How many references do I need to provide?

For most roles, you are only required to provide 1 professional reference from your current or most recent employer. If you are applying for a safeguarding role ie working with children, vulnerable adults or have access / exposed to sensitive data and/or systems, you will be required to provide an additional reference. This can be either a previous employer or educational reference.

What are your safeguarding checks (DBS)?

The level and type of check will depend on the role and the amount/regularity of contact with children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All applicants need to provide the following: proof of their identity, address, and National Insurance Number (only for staff roles); fill a safeguarding form with a five-year address history; at least two satisfactory references that cover five years. If applicable Criminal Record Checks or Overseas Check will be performed.

Can I get sponsorship?

Coventry City Council does offer sponsorship for some of our roles depending on government guidelines. [https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas]

I’ve been offered a job and have some questions about what happens next

I have been offered the position. What happens next?

After being successful in your interview and before you can start, you must go through a series of pre-employment checks to ensure you are suitable for the role and safe to work at Coventry City Council.

What are pre employment checks?

The level and type of check will depend on the role. For all roles, you will need to provide proof you have the right to work in the UK, evidence of any required qualifications, medical clearance, and references (1 reference is required for all roles, and for safeguarding roles, our policy requires at least 2 references covering the last 3 years). If the role requires you to work with vulnerable adults or children, you will also be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS).

When can I start my new role ?

Once all the background checks are complete and satisfactory, you will be contacted by the recruiting manager to agree on a start date. Then you will be ready to join our team.

Contact us

At Coventry City Council, we’re working to build an inclusive environment where everyone feels able to be their whole self.

We want our recruitment process to be open, fair and transparent, removing barriers and bias where possible, instilling confidence in applicants, enabling you to apply for our jobs.

If you would like further information regarding support and/or reasonable adjustments to assist you in applying for our jobs, you can contact us by completing our Applicant Accessibility Enquiry Form [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/en/service/Applicant_Accessibility_Support_Enquiry].

Have a look at our Job Seekers Advice page [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/advice-job-seekers] for further information on our recruitment process and how we can support your accessibility [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/school-jobs/accessibility/5] needs.

To demonstrate our commitment to inclusion, we created position statements [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/diversity-inclusion/diversity-inclusion-position-statements] so all potential applicants understand our values and what we believe in. We’re proud to showcase we are a Disability Confident Employer [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/diversity-inclusion/diversity-inclusion-position-statements/7].

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