FAQ

  • How long is the online assessment centre and what does it consist of?

    PQiP online assessment centres are half-days, either a morning or afternoon session. You’ll start by attending a briefing session with other candidates, followed by 3 separate assessments – a written test; a role play exercise and an interview. Please note that if you’re applying as a PSO via the internal route, you will not be required to undertake the role play assessment.

    You’ll also be requested to show your photographic ID as well as proof of your relevant qualification. You will not be able to progress with your online assessment centre without photographic ID.

  • What should I wear to my online assessment centre?

    Smart casual wear that allows you to feel comfortable when taking the online assessment centre.

  • I have reasonable adjustment which need to be taken into consideration at the online assessment centre, what should I do?

    You were able to inform us of any reasonable adjustments within the application form. If you have a disability or special requirement and didn’t inform us of this during the application process, please contact us as soon as possible.

    If in doubt, please contact the recruitment centre at MoJ-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com or telephone 0345 241 5358.

  • What documents do I need to provide?

    For the purposes of identification, you will need to show photographic proof of ID and the certificate to evidence your qualification which you previously uploaded.

  • Can I have a notebook or pre-written notes during the online assessment centre?

    You are allowed to refer to your notes for the behaviour questions in the interview, however you should try to give a natural unrehearsed answer to the strengths questions.

  • Will there be breaks?

    Comfort breaks are built into the timetable to allow you time to step away from your laptop/computer, please ensure you have returned in time to begin your next exercise. Timings will be advised on the day.

  • When will I find out the results of my online assessment centre?

    Results will be communicated to you within 20 working days from the date of your online assessment centre.

  • What are the next steps if I am successful at my online assessment centre?

    If you pass your online assessment centre, you will receive a provisional offer pending the successful completion of pre-employment checks and pending the availability of suitable vacancies. You will need to undergo and clear pre-employment checks. This will include HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) Enhanced Level 2 vetting.

    All HMPPS positions are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, which means all spent and unspent convictions are examined as part of the vetting process. As part of this, you must declare all convictions, cautions and absolute or conditional discharges – however long ago they occurred. More information is available here. This should not deter candidates with any criminal history from applying as all cases are always considered on their individual merits before a decision is reached.

    Throughout the organisation, we strongly believe people can change. A conviction does not necessarily mean you cannot become a Probation Officer. However, failure to disclose information will put an end to your application, as we expect a high level of integrity from all those who we employ.

    After all the online assessment centres have concluded, allocations of successful candidates to available vacancies are carried out based on merit from candidates’ assessment scores.

    PQiP placement locations are determined by business need and it is not always possible to place you at a suitable vacancy, a placement in your chosen location can never be guaranteed in any intake.

  • What happens if I am unsuccessful?

    If you are unsuccessful, you may re-apply to the next PQiP campaign. You may also wish to consider other roles within HMPPS, such as Probation Services Officer, Prison Officer, OSG, Approved Premises Residential Worker or Community Payback roles.

    You can register on the Civil Service Jobs website to receive email alerts.

  • Am I able to reschedule my OAC?

    As with all interview and selection processes, OAC slots are time bound and available places are limited, therefore we can’t guarantee that an alternative timeslot will be available. If you have any issues and / or concerns regarding your scheduled OAC slot, please contact the recruitment centre at MoJ-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com or telephone 0345 241 5358 as soon as possible.

  • What happens if I have connection problems on the day?

    You'll have an opportunity to reconnect, but if technical issues persist, you'll be able to book another slot, pending availability. We recommend testing your technology to confirm that it meets the minimum standard required and that you plan to undertake the assessment in a location where you’re confident the internet signal is strong.

  • During the interview do the answers have to differ from those in my application form?

    No, the OAC assessors have not seen your application therefore you can use the same examples if you feel they are the most relevant examples to demonstrate your suitability for the role.

  • Are we allowed to have note cards/ prompts for our interview examples?

    Yes, you can take notes and prompts into your interview.

  • My qualification certificate is currently online. Can I show this online on the day?

    Yes, you can show this on your screen by sharing your screen.

  • I don’t yet have my qualification certificate can I evidence it with a transcript?

    Yes, you can evidence it with a valid transcript from the education provider to evidence you have passed the required elements.

  • Do you accept copies, or does it need to be the original?

    It needs to be the original documents. If these are no longer available, please ask the education provider for a transcript. You may be able to request this here: accessing your personal learning record.

  • I have had reasonable adjustments agreed, do I need to tell the assessors, or will they have been informed?

    All agreed reasonable adjustments will be shared with the assessors to ensure that these are in place and provided for you.

  • I have reasonable adjustments and I was wondering if I am accepted through the programme if I would be provided with necessary support?

    As part of the pre-employment checks candidates will be required to submit a health questionnaire, if you indicate this reasonable adjustment at this stage, Occupational Health will be able to review and make recommendations for your workplace.

  • I have reasonable adjustments, is information for the assessment centre sent earlier and time given for reading over the case studies?

    All reasonable adjustments are agreed ahead of time with the Occupational Psychology reasonable adjustments team. They will agree with you whether extra time can be permitted. Questions are not sent out prior to the OAC.

  • General Queries

    Call us on: 0845 2415 358 or 0345 2415 358

    Or email us: moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com