Application FAQ stage
Look through the questions and answers below for more information about the application process.
Applying for the vacancy
- I have applied for DWP vacancies in the past and been unsuccessful/withdrew my application, can I apply for these vacancies? Yes, you can apply for these vacancies.
- Are these positions permanent? Yes, these vacancies are for permanent posts.
- Can you extend a vacancy end date? Vacancy end dates have been agreed and cannot be extended on an individual basis.
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There is a system error showing on my application
what should I do?
The error message is dependent on the reason and status of vacancy. Please contact the SSCL Customer Hub via:
- Can I change my email address during the application process? Yes. You can edit your personal details including email address. You can do this by accessing your application centre and selecting your name and then “Edit Personal Details” from the menu.
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I am partially sighted and cannot submit an
application form online what should I do?
Please contact the SSCL Customer Hub via:
- Can I put in more than one application against the same vacancy? No, duplicate applications for the same vacancy cannot be made and where this is the case the duplicate application will be closed. Please note that additional applications received for the same vacancy from the same applicant but with a different email address or addresses to the original application will also be rejected. You can apply for vacancies advertised for different locations as long as it’s a different vacancy. Wilful misrepresentation in a recruitment process from a DWP employee, for example, making more than one application to the same vacancy can lead to dismissal’.
- I am not sure I want to progress, can I withdraw my application? You can withdraw your application at any stage of the process. DWP would welcome any feedback from you about the recruitment process and the reason you want to withdraw.
- How long does the recruitment process take? There is no set time on the process. Accurate form filling and the supply of accurate information will ensure that the process runs smoothly.
- Can I track where I am in the recruitment process? You can track your application through the Application Centre by selecting “Review Status” under your application. This is set up for you when you submit your application.
Internal and Cross Government Campaigns FAQs
- Am I considered a Civil Servant? You are considered a Civil Servant if you are employed by a government department or accredited non-departmental public body and have been appointed through a fair and open campaign and have successfully completed probation.
- What is an open and fair contract? Fair means there must be no bias in the assessment of candidates. Selection processes must be objective, impartial and applied consistently. Open means that job opportunities must be advertised publicly. Potential candidates must be given reasonable access to information about the job and its requirements, and about the selection process. In open competitions anyone who wishes must be allowed to apply. To be eligible you must have secured your current employment through Fair and Open competition following Civil Service Commission principles or have had your appointment amended to Fair and Open.
- How do I know if I have passed probation? You should have been advised by your Line Manager when you had been completed 6 months service in the department that you have passed or were having probation extended. If you are unsure, please check with your current Line Manager.
- Can I apply if I have a formal warning for attendance? If you are in the review period following a formal attendance warning, then you are not eligible. Your review period information will be on your formal warning notification. If you are unsure, please check on SOP and with your Line Manager.
- Can I apply if I am in an improvement period following a formal performance action? If you are in an improvement period following a formal performance action, then you are not eligible. Your improvement period information should be on your formal performance warning letter. If you are unsure, please check on SOP and with your Line Manager.
- Can I apply if I have a live disciplinary warning for misconduct? If you have had disciplinary action taken against you and you have a live written warning at the time you make your application with additional restrictions, you are not eligible to apply for a post on promotion. If you are unsure whether a warning is still live you should check your warning letter. This will tell you how long your warning will remain in place and gives the dates that your warning is live from and to. You can also check SOP and with your Line Manager.
- If I am applying for a cross-Government campaign, what is my notice period? For most Civil Servants this is usually 4 weeks, but you should check your individual departmental policies to confirm.
- I am on a Fixed Term Appointment (FTA), can I apply? If you are on an FTA contract you have the same opportunity to secure permanent employment through an internal or cross-Government campaign, provided you have been recruited through fair and open competition and meet eligibility criteria.
- I am currently on a talent scheme in my current role or department. Can I continue with this? For DWP employees, you should check directly with the scheme provider if a change of role impacts on your ability to continue with the scheme. For wider Civil Servants, please check with your provider, however, it is unlikely the scheme will transfer across departments due to funding and continuity issues.
- I currently have a sponsored visa in my role with DWP/ other Government Department. Will this transfer? Following the changes on 22nd July 2025, current DWP sponsored employees need to check their eligibility for this campaign by emailing the Visa Sponsorship Team Visa.sponsorship@dwp.gov.uk prior to applying. DWP is not permitted to offer new sponsorships on roles that do not meet the skill level required for new sponsorships as set out by the Home Office.
Contact Us
If you have further questions about the role please contact the SSCL Customer Hub via: You can do this by contacting the SSCL Customer Hub via: