I haven’t applied to any roles yet, but have some questions before I start

How do I apply?

If you want to apply for a staff position hover over “Open Roles” at the top, then click “Open Roles”. It will take you to the next page, which will show you the latest roles. You then select one among them. In the next page there will the job description and all the relevant documents attached. To move next, you click into “Apply now”.

Can I work remotely from another country?

Now that the restrictions across the UK/Channel Islands have eased we require all our people to be UK residents, based in the UK and able to complete their roles from the UK/Channel Islands.

However, in very exceptional circumstances, requests may be submitted to work from an overseas location for a short period of time to deal with a serious personal emergency. All decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Where any such request is declined, this decision will be final and there will be no right of appeal.

Do you sponsor Visa applications for candidates coming from outside the UK?

We do not currently offer visa sponsorships.

How do I set NSPCC job alerts?

You need to either sign into your existing NSPCC account or create one to set job alert. Once in your account you will have the option to set up job alert by subscribing to receive emails for new positions.

I have a disability, what support can I get throughout my application?

As an organisation, we are committed to diversity and equality and as part of that commitment it is our aim to ensure that neither job applicants nor employees receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of disability. We are committed to interviewing all applicants who disclose a disability and meet the job criteria of the vacancy they are applying for. When requested, we will always ensure reasonable adjustments are made for all disabled applicants to support them through the recruitment process.

Can I apply for more than one role?

Yes, you can apply for as many roles as you like.

When (and how) will I hear from you after my interview?

You will receive your outcome within 48 hours (or longer if there is a weekend or bank holidays in between). You will be notified if you are successful or not by email, but you might also receive a call from the recruiter.

Will I have to have a criminal records check?

Not all roles require criminal records check. 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.

Who reviews my application?

At least two people need to review each application and all who review are required to rate the candidate’s application and input their comments. To guarantee diversity in the panel some of the individuals might be from different team/department/directorate.

What are your safeguarding checks?

The level and type of check will depend on the role and the amount/regularity of contact with children and young people. 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 five-year address history; at least two satisfactory references which cover a period of five years. If applicable Criminal Record Checks or Overseas Check will be performed.

I have some technical questions about the application system

How do I set NSPCC job alerts?

You need to either sign into your existing NSPCC account or create one to set job alert. Once in your account you will have the option to set up job alert by subscribing to receive emails for new positions.

I have difficulty logging into my account. How do I solve this?

If you are facing troubles to login to you your account, please reach out to peopleoperationsteam@nspcc.org.uk

I cannot book my interview via the system. Why?

Please contact peopleoperationsteam@nspcc.org.uk

How do I delete my account?

Once signed into your account on the NSPCC Job Portal, go to ‘My Profile’, at the top of the screen underneath your name and address, select ‘Delete Profile’.

What is the email address email address for a job-related query?

Please email People Operations Team on peopleoperationsteam@nspcc.org.uk

I’ve started my application and have some questions about the process moving forward

How much do I need to write in the application form?

The maximum characters you are allowed to write in your application.

I applied a few months ago but did not finish my application, do I need to apply again?

Yes, you need to reapply again.

What are your safeguarding checks?

The level and type of check will depend on the role and the amount/regularity of contact with children and young people. 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 five-year address history; at least two satisfactory references which cover a period of five years. If applicable Criminal Record Checks or Overseas Check will be performed.

Who reviews my application?

At least two people need to review each application and all who review are required to rate the candidate’s application and input their comments. To guarantee diversity in the panel some of the individuals might be from different team/department/directorate.

Will I have to have a criminal records check?

Not all roles require criminal records check. 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.

What is the interview like?

It depends on the role you are applying for.

If it is for a Helpline one, the interview process consists of two stages: the first stage is a telephone interview and the second one is a face to face/ virtual interview. The format of the telephone interview will be a role play exercise and write up that you will have 40 minutes to complete and return to us. If you are successful at this stage, you will then be invited to a face to face/virtual interview, in which you will be asked Value Based questions and technical questions (depending on the role).

What is the email address email address for a job-related query?

Please email People Operations Team on peopleoperationsteam@nspcc.org.uk

I have some questions about the interview process

What is the interview like?

It depends on the role you are applying for.

If it is for a Helpline one, the interview process consists of two stages: the first stage is a telephone interview and the second one is a face to face/ virtual interview. The format of the telephone interview will be a role play exercise and write up that you will have 40 minutes to complete and return to us. If you are successful at this stage, you will then be invited to a face to face/virtual interview, in which you will be asked Value Based questions and technical questions (depending on the role).

I have been offered an interview, what happens next?

You need to click into the link in the email that has been sent to you so that you can login into your NSPCC’s account. Then, under “My interviews” click into the task next to “To Book”. You will then see the interview slots; you can select either “Book” (if the interview slot is suitable) or “Can’t make it” (if it is not a suitable date or time). Once you booked your interview you will receive an email to confirm your booking and another email to ask you to provide a 5-year-address history. If the interview is on Microsoft Team’s, the link for the meeting will be available within 2 hours before the interview and it will be on your NSPCC’s account.

How do I book my interview?

When you are invited to an interview, you will be sent an email with a link that you need to click into to book an interview. The link will take to your account and once you have logged in under “My Assessment Centres” there will be a task pending next to “To Book”. If you click into the task, you will then be able to book the interview.

I cannot book my interview via the system. Why?

Please contact peopleoperationsteam@nspcc.org.uk

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

Please contact the hiring manager if there are any issues with your interview date. In your account on the NSPCC Job Portal, by clicking into ‘My Interviews’, you should be able to view the Interview Invite details, there should be a contact email address of the Hiring Manager for you to contact them with regards to a rescheduling. You can also contact the People Operations Team on peopleoperationsteam@nspcc.org.uk if there are no details noted.

When (and how) will I hear from you after I submitted my application?

Whenever there are any updates with your applications, you will be notified by email about what the next steps are. Expect it to take between 1-2 weeks after the closing date to find out if you have been shortlisted or not. We advise you to keep an eye on your emails (and spam inbox as well)

I have some questions about the referencing / safeguarding process

What are your safeguarding checks?

The level and type of check will depend on the role and the amount/regularity of contact with children and young people. 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 five-year address history; at least two satisfactory references which cover a period of five years. If applicable Criminal Record Checks or Overseas Check will be performed.

Will I have to have a criminal records check?

Not all roles require criminal records check. 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.

I have completed my criminal records check email link that was sent, is there anything else I need to do?

Thank you for following the instructions. The application is now with us to verify and send off to the disclosure body. You manager will be in touch to let you know what other actions are pending besides your Criminal Records Check.

Do I have to pay for the overseas check and what if I cannot get one?

We can offer reimbursement for the cost of overseas checks.

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 on your interview and before you can start, you must go through a series of safeguarding checks to ensure you are suitable for the role and safe to work at the NPSCC. The level and type of check will depend on the role and the amount/regularity of contact with children and Young People. Once all the background checks will be done, you will be sent the contract with the agreed start date. Then you will be ready to join our team.

When can I start?

A start date cannot be agreed until all safeguarding checks are completed. This includes ID and internal vetting checks, references (our policy requires at least 2 references covering the last 5 years), Criminal Records Check (if required) as well as your welcome pack. Your hiring manager should be in touch to confirm any pending actions.

Will I receive a recognised qualification from the Childline training?

Childline volunteers who have completed the Childline Induction Training since the new programme was launched in November 2021 will receive their certificates after they have completed 140 hours of counselling within 18 months of completing the CIT and the completion of additional training on Working with suicidal young people and The Mental Health Continuum.

I have some questions around volunteering

Can I volunteer or work at NSPCC if I am a student?

Yes, most students apply for the Childline Volunteer Email Counsellor (Homebased) role so they can continue volunteering in the holidays when they are not at university.

Can someone under 18 be a volunteer at NSPCC?

Under 18 can volunteer with us. They will require parental consent.

Do I need any previous experience or qualifications to volunteer?

Candidates do not need any experience or qualification to volunteer.

How much time do I have to give when I volunteer?

You need to be able to commit 40 shift per year. Each shift being 15 minutes brief, 3 and a half hours of contacts and write ups, 30 minutes debrief.

What are volunteer information meetings?

Volunteer Information Meetings are a way for potential volunteers to find out more about NSPCC, values and how the role of volunteer works. They are very useful to understand whether the commitment is suitable for you.

Why do I need to go to a volunteer information meeting?

To access the application form to progress you need to attend a volunteer information meeting. Also, the meeting is an opportunity to understand better what the training, the role and shift patterns are going to be, and you will also have a chance to ask any questions.

What happens after I have been to a volunteer information meeting?

After the Volunteer Information Meeting you will be sent summary slides from the presentation, shift times for your local base, FAQs, and the link to access the application form. If you want to move ahead, you will need to complete and submit the application form.

Will I receive a recognised qualification from the Childline training?

Childline volunteers who have completed the Childline Induction Training since the new programme was launched in November 2021 will receive their certificates after they have completed 140 hours of counselling within 18 months of completing the CIT and the completion of additional training on Working with suicidal young people and The Mental Health Continuum.