Application Process

Filling out your application

All applications should be made online via NHS Jobs or TRAC to ensure a fair and consistent process.

 

CVs are not accepted for any posts, but some medical posts may allow the applicant to upload a CV as well as completing the application form. It is, therefore, vital that you complete the application form fully, as this is the only document used for shortlisting.

 

Guidance for online applications

• Read the advert thoroughly: ensure you fully read through the advert and pay particular attention to the job description and person specification. The job description shows you the main duties and responsibilities for the role and the person specification shows you the essential and desirable qualifications, skills and knowledge required for the job.
• Further information: if you have any additional questions about the role or you would like an informal discussion you can contact the named person on the vacancy.
• Prove that you meet the essential criteria: the person specification shows the essential criteria required for the role. In your supporting information, you need to show how you meet these criteria and state how your skills match both the job description and person specification. It is a good idea to use examples from current/previous roles on how you meet the criteria. If you do not show how you meet the criteria, we are unlikely to shortlist you for interview.
• Tailor your application: ensure you take time to change the supporting information so it is specific to the job role you are applying for. The supporting evidence is your chance to sell yourself and your skills so make the most of this opportunity.
• Up-to-date information: take time to check your application form especially personal information such as name, address and, particularly, email address and telephone numbers are correct, as this is how we will contact you. Ensure referees are your most recent manager/education and that you provide business email addresses for them.
• Final Check: once you have completed your application, read through it again to ensure there that there are no omissions or spelling mistakes. At any time when completing your application, you are able to save it before submitting. Please note that once you application has been submitted you are unable to make any changes to the supporting information.  
• Check the closing date: some posts do not have a closing date and close after we have received a certain number of applications.  After the closing date we are not able to accept any more applications.

 

TRAC supporting statement

The supporting statement is an opportunity for you to showcase how your qualifications, knowledge, skill, and experiences align with the requirements and criteria outlined in the job description and person. AI responses may not cover the breadth of information required, and you may miss an opportunity to showcase yourself as a result.

 

As a reminder, recruiting managers score applications based on the criteria listed in the person specification. Managers will be looking for evidence of how you meet these criteria. To increase your chances of securing an interview, provide examples of how you have applied your skills and knowledge in real-life situations. Share work-related successes and challenges you’ve navigated that align with the criteria.  These could be from various aspects of your life, including work, education, and personal experiences.

 

BCHC values authenticity. If you would like your application to stand out, using a generic AI-generated response isn’t going to separate you from other applications, even if it promises to personalise the response. A good approach to consider is structuring your statement with clear headings or bullet points in your supporting information. This approach will help both you and the hiring manager navigate through your application more effectively.  Interviews at BCHC are designed to probe deeper into your skills and experiences, so this will give us a clear indication of whether the application matches the real person at interview, or if it’s something AI has fabricated.

 

We wish you every success in your application to become part of Team BCHC.

If you choose to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist in writing your application, it’s essential to personalise this information, particularly your supporting statement.

 

While AI can help streamline the writing process, these tools cannot fully grasp the context or requirements of the job you’re applying for, nor can they accurately reflect your skills, knowledge, and experience. It is crucial that you personalise your supporting statement by articulating these in your unique voice.

Relying solely on AI to write your application or supporting statement is not advocated by Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, as it could negatively impact your chances of success in the application process.  As an example, AI responses may:

• Lack relevance and fail to address the key criteria outlined in the job description and person specification.
• Come across as generic and fail to distinguish you from other applicants.
• Be ambiguous or open to misinterpretation. Without careful review and editing, the supporting statement could convey messages that are unclear or misconstrued by hiring managers.
• Include qualifications, skills, knowledge, or experience that you do not possess, potentially leading to misrepresentation.

 

TRAC supporting statement

The supporting statement is an opportunity for you to showcase how your qualifications, knowledge, skill, and experiences align with the requirements and criteria outlined in the job description and person. AI responses may not cover the breadth of information required, and you may miss an opportunity to showcase yourself as a result.

 

As a reminder, recruiting managers score applications based on the criteria listed in the person specification. Managers will be looking for evidence of how you meet these criteria. To increase your chances of securing an interview, provide examples of how you have applied your skills and knowledge in real-life situations. Share work-related successes and challenges you’ve navigated that align with the criteria. These could be from various aspects of your life, including work, education, and personal experiences.

 

BCHC values authenticity. If you would like your application to stand out, using a generic AI-generated response isn’t going to separate you from other applications, even if it promises to personalise the response. A good approach to consider is structuring your statement with clear headings or bullet points in your supporting information. This approach will help both you and the hiring manager navigate through your application more effectively. Interviews at BCHC are designed to probe deeper into your skills and experiences, so this will give us a clear indication of whether the application matches the real person at interview, or if it’s something AI has fabricated.

 

We wish you every success in your application to become part of Team BCHC.

Once the closing date or the cap on applications for a job has been reached, the job will close.  After the post has closed we are unable to accept any further applications.

• Shortlisting: the recruiting manager for the post will complete the shortlisting using the criteria from the job description and person specification and draw up a list of candidates they wish to invite for interview.
• Successful candidates: if you are shortlisted for a post you will be contacted via TRAC and invited to book in for an interview. The invitation will include details about the interview and all identification that you are required to bring with you on the day. Please ensure you read this carefully.
• Unsuccessful candidates: if you are not shortlisted for interview, we will inform you by email through TRAC.
• Interview: it is important that you take time to prepare for the interview and ensure you do your research. Read the Interview tips guidance. The interview will normally consist of a panel interview of 2 or more panel members and often there may be a test or presentation. Testing and presentation details will be included with your invite to interview.
• Outcome of interview: at the interview, the manager should tell you when you will informed of the interview outcome. The manager will telephone all candidates to let them know if they have been successful or unsuccessful. If you are unsuccessful, you will also receive an email via TRAC. If you are successful, you will receive a conditional offer pack that will be posted to the address on your application form.

 

Interview Tips

On paper your application has ticked all the right boxes. The interview is your opportunity to tell us face-to-face about your skills and experience and why you are a suitable for the role.

• Interview questions:  questions are usually based around the job description and person specification. Ensure that you familiarise yourself with these before interview.
• Think of examples: show how you meet the person specification by using examples from your current or previous experiences. These examples should be brief and to the point.
• Research: do research about the Trust, the job role and the department you will be working in.
• Appearance: first impressions count, so ensure you look smart.
• Arrive on time: ensure you know where your interview is. The Trust is spread across the city, so allow plenty of time to get to your interview. In some locations parking is limited; check this before the day.
• Mobile phones: before your interview, turn off your mobile, so there are no distractions.
• Interview: try to relax as much as possible. Smiling will help to make you appear approachable. Throughout the interview, make eye contact with everyone in the room. Body language can give the interview panel a lot of information. Folding your arms gives a negative impression, so avoid doing this.
• Listen and concentrate: listen carefully to the questions. You can always take a notebook with you to write down the questions. This may help you to concentrate on the key points when you give your answer and ensure you sell yourself, your skills and experience. If you don’t understand a question or want it repeated, just ask.
• Ask questions: think of a couple of questions to ask at the end of the interview. An interview is a two way process, so asking questions not only shows you are interested in the job, but the right questions can help you decided if the job is what you are looking for.

Congratulations on being offered at job at BCHC. There just a few more steps we need to complete before you can be part of our team.

• Conditional offer: if you are successful at interview, we will post a conditional offer letter and pack with all the documentation you are required to complete for the pre-employment checks.
• Pre employment checks: if you choose to accept the conditional offer, you are required to complete and return the acceptance form, along with the other pre-employment check documentation.
• Occupational health: you are required to complete the online occupational health form. If you have proof of up-to-date immunisations, you can also attach these to the online form. Occupational health will then screen your form and you may be required to attend an occupational health clinic for an immunisation review and, if required, they may ask you to take a blood test.
• Criminal records check: the post may require a disclosure and barring check (DBS). There is an online form for you to complete.
• References: we are required to gain references from your most recent manager or place of education. If you are coming from one NHS Trust to another, we only require 1 reference; similarly, if you are from an external organisation or place of education and the reference covers a 3 year history, we will only require 1 reference. For all other candidates we will require references to cover a 3 year history with any gaps identified, for example, if you have been unemployed and claiming benefits we would require proof of the dates. References often take a while to be returned so it is always useful if you speak to your referees to let them know a reference will be sent over imminently.
• Unconditional offer: once we have received all clearances and your references have been approved by the manager, we will then be able to send you an unconditional offer letter with a start date. We will contact you to agree a start date. Please do not hand in your notice until all of your pre-employment checks are complete and you have a start date. If you are new to BCHC, your unconditional offer letter will also contain a date for the Trust induction; this is often your first day of employment.
• Contract: you will receive a copy of your terms of employment within 8 weeks of your start date. If you have previous NHS service, we need to verify this before we send your contract. To help us verify your service, it is useful if you can provide us with previous contracts or pension statements.

BCHC is committed to supporting and helping staff reach a healthy work-life balance.  The Trust aims to provide a range of flexible working practices that will help staff achieve this.

• Childcare Vouchers
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season tickets
• Health Service Discounts 
• Pensions
• Holidays
• Gym discount at Aston University
• Birmingham Hospital Saturday Fund (BHSF)
• Flexible working

 

Annual Leave

Length of Service	Annual leave (calculated on 7.5 hours working day)	General public holidays (calculated on 7.5 hours working day)
On appointment to NHS	27 days (202.5 hours)	8 days (60 hours)
After 5 years NHS service	29 days (217.5 hours)	8 days (60 hours)
After 10 years NHS service	33 days (247.5 hours)	8 days (60 hours)