Applying FAQ's

How do I request an application form?

There are several ways to request an application form:

• By completing the on-line application
• By phone to: 020 3535 0509
• By email to: apply@avenuesgroup.org.uk

 

If I don't apply on line what information will I receive with my application form?

• You will receive a letter detailing the application process, the closing date if responding to an advert and the benefits and rewards when working with Avenues.   
• A role profile which details what experience, skills and knowledge are required for the role you are applying for.
• An Information for Applicants Leaflet which explains what Avenues does and where we work.

 

When do I need to return my form by?

If applying to an advert you need to return your form by the closing date.  If you are submitting a general application please return this as soon as possible.

 

Can I submit a CV?

CVs submitted without an application form will not be accepted, however you may wish to attach a copy to your application form as supplementary information.

 

How will I know if I have been selected for interview?

All application forms are read to see how each person's skills and experience relate to the post applied for.  If you meet those requirements you will be invited for interview by letter or phone.  Unfortunately due to the volume of applications we receive we are unable to let you know if you have not been selected for an interview.

 

Where will the interview be held?

Most interviews take place in one of our offices which are in:

• Sidcup
• Underriver, near Tonbridge
• Margate
• Greenwich
• Medway
• Wallington
• Southwark

However, some interviews take place in our services with the agreement of the people living there.  On occasion we may hire an interview room in an external venue such as a hotel or leisure centre.

 

What do I need to bring to the interview?

In order to speed up the recruitment process, if you are applying for a post in our support services the interview letter will enclose a Pre-Employment Health Questionnaire and a Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure Application Form.  You will need to bring these completed forms with you to the interview together with original documents to support your application for an Enhanced Disclosure.  If you are not successful at the interview all documents will be shredded.

You will also need to bring original copies of any relevant qualification certificates.

 

Who will I be interviewed by?

This will depend on the post you are applying for, however the interview panel will always consist of 2 people one of whom will be a senior member of staff.

 

Will I have to undertake any tests?

The interview process for management posts will involve skills and ability tests and you will be advised of this when you are invited for interview.

 

How will I know if I have been successful?

As soon as possible after all the interviews have been completed a member of the interview panel will contact you to advise you of the outcome.

 

If I am offered the post what happens next?

You will receive a letter confirming the offer which will include the post, location, salary and hours.  You will also be advised that the offer of employment is subject to evidence that you are eligible to work in the UK, satisfactory written references, health clearance, Enhanced Disclosure and completion of a 6 month probation period.  Avenues is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and it is a requirement that we have sight of your original passport and birth certificate.  If you are unable to provide us with these you will need to provide written confirmation of the reason for this.

 

Who will you write to for a reference?

It is a requirement of the CQC that we request references for all the places you have worked covering the last 3 years.  If you are currently studying or working under the terms of a student visa we will also write to your college tutor.

  

Will I have to attend a medical?

Following your acceptance of the offer of employment, your completed Pre-Employment Health Questionnaire will be sent to our Occupational Health Advisors to assess your suitability to undertake the role offered.  Depending on your medical history, they may recommend an Independent Medical Assessment or GP report.  We will let you know if this is the case and ask you to complete a form which gives your consent for them to proceed.  If your consent is not given, we will have no other option than to consider withdrawing the offer of employment.

  

How long does the process take?

This is very much dependent on how quickly you return the paperwork sent with your offer letter and the length of time it takes to receive your references and Enhanced Disclosure.  We chase your referees regularly and have found that it speeds up the process if you chase them as well.  Delays are often caused when the Disclosure Form and/or sufficient supporting documents are not brought to the interview and it therefore helps if you can check you have everything requested when you come to the interview.

  

If I am offered a role supporting people can I visit the service that I will be working in?

If you are offered a post in a residential service and the people who live there would like to meet you before you start, the Manager will contact you to arrange a visit.  This will also help you familiarise yourself with the journey to your new place of work.

  

I am currently working, when should I hand in my notice?

We recommend that you do not hand in your notice to your current employer until you have received confirmation from the HR department that all required pre-employment checks have been undertaken. 

 

Who will arrange my start date?

Once satisfactory references, Enhanced Disclosure, health clearance and eligibility to work in the UK have been received, your manager will contact you to arrange a mutually convenient start date.  The HR department will then send your contract of employment and benefits pack.

 

When will I get paid?

The Avenues Group pay date is the 24^th of the month, however for your first month you will be paid by cheque at the end of that month.

  

Who do I contact if I have any compliments or complaints?

If you wish to make any comments or complaints about your experience of the recruitment process please contact Sue Prince, Group HR Manager at the following address: River House, 1 Maidstone Road, Sidcup, Kent DA14 5TA.