How do I register?
In the first instance, you can complete an online registration by visiting our website
here.
We will ask everyone to provide confirmation of activity for the past 10 years, addresses for the previous 5 years and you will have the opportunity to attach a current CV.
This is to make sure that we can complete our vetting for government positions.
Will I need to visit a Brook Street Office?
Yes – we will need to see you to discuss your requirements in more detail and we are also required to sight and certify the original copies of your documentation.
Do I need any official documentation?
We will require the following documents from you:
Confirmation of ID and eligibility to work in the UK: (usually a current UK passport, or long birth certificate plus proof of NI number, EU passport or national identity card, or current overseas passport plus any work permits or visa’s confirming the right to work in the UK.
Photo ID: ideally a passport or driving licence.
We will also require a minimum of two documents confirming your current address, dated within the last 3 months (for example, bank statement, utility bill, driving licence) Please note, mobile phone bills, credit card bills and TV Licence are not normally acceptable as proof of address.
What security clearance do I need?
You don’t need to have a security clearance in place, however we will need to process a Disclosure Scotland criminal records check for most candidates. In order to process this we will ask for your addresses for the previous 5 years. We will also ask you to pay £25 for your DS check – this will be refunded to you once you start work.
What sort of roles are on offer?
We are the preferred supplier of temporary clerical and administration staff to government and the wider public sector. This covers a wide range of opportunities within organisations from Central Government departments, charities, NHS organisations, emergency services providers and other public sector bodies.
Many of our current available opportunities will be advertised on our website, and will give you an idea of the type of roles we are looking to fill. You can also
click here to view example Central Government job descriptions.
Do I need prior experience to apply?
In most cases, our clients will need candidates who have had some previous experience within an administrative environment, and the majority of positions will require a basic understanding of standard packages such as Word, Excel and Outlook.
Should I undertake any training?
Any training is always helpful, although you do not necessarily need a formal qualification for many of our roles. We will usually carry out a skill assessment and can offer assistance with refreshing or updating your knowledge.
Do I need a CV?
Yes – we would usually need to provide our clients with an up to date CV to progress your application. You can find advice upon preparing a CV on our website.
Will I have an interview with the employer as well as Brook Street?
In many cases, our clients do like to meet prospective candidates – this is also an opportunity for you to make sure the role is something you feel comfortable with as well! Some interviews can be more formal, others can be more of an informal discussion with the Hiring Manager about the role and what they would expect from the successful candidate.
However, this is not always the case, and some clients will select candidates from CVs, or from the recommendation of the Brook Street Consultant.
Can you help me prepare for an interview?
Yes, your Brook Street Consultant can provide advice on interview skills and techniques. Before an interview we will also make sure that you are fully briefed with regards to the role and the expectations of the Hiring Manager.
In addition, there is also advice on our website, that will help you to prepare for interviews.
How long is the average contract?
The current average length of assignment is between 5 and 6 months.
How flexible is the average contract?
Clients will usually be quite specific about the days and times that they need people to be at work – most of our positions are full time, Monday to Friday. Some clients can offer flexibility in the daily start and end times, and we will be able to discuss this with you when putting you forward for a position.
We will ask you about pre-booked holidays before you start a role and will make sure that your Hiring Manager is aware of dates required.
If you are successful in securing a permanent role, or need to leave your assignment, we would usually ask for one weeks’ notice.
What are the average pay rates?
Pay rates can vary from client to client – your Brook Street Consultant will be able to advise you when we put you forward for a role, what the starting hourly rate will be.
What is parity?
Parity rates refer to the Agency Worker Regulations. When you have worked in post for 12 weeks with the same organisation, you are entitled to the same basic pay and holiday entitlement as a comparable permanent member of staff.
Some of our clients pay parity rates from Day 1 of your assignment, others start workers on a lower pay rate, then move to the parity pay equivalent and holiday entitlement once you have completed 12 weeks. Your Consultant will be able to advise on this before you start work.
Is it possible to retain my pay grade when moving from one role to another?
If you have reached parity status with one government department and then move to a new role within another government department you will retain your parity status provided that:
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The Grades are the same
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The role is broadly similar to your previous position
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You have not had a break of more than 6 weeks
If you move to a new role at a different grade, or have had a break of more than 6 weeks you will return to Day 1 rates.