Adult and Cultural Services

Information Team  Lower Gaolyard  The Courts

Carlisle  CA3 8NA  Fax 01228 606706

Tel 01228 221234  Email [Cumbria County Council request email]

24 July 2009

Your Reference:

Our Reference: -242

Email: [FOI #13411 email]

Dear Ms Quinn

-DISCLOSURE

REFERENCE: -242

The Council has completed its search for information relating to the recruitment of social workers which we received on 16 June 2009.

The Council the information within the definition of your request.

The information has been provided by the Directorate:

Question 1

Under the Freedom of Information Act please email me a copy of any information you hold on your policies, procedures and guidance for the recruitment of Social Workers.

Answer 1

Cumbria County Council uses the attached Recruitment and Selection Policy and Procedure when recruiting social workers.

Question 2

Including how, when and where job adverts are placed, how long they placed and after the closing date how long the interview process should take.

Answer 2

Policy and procedure defines general approach. Specific approaches will depend on the post.

Question 3

How the shortlisting of job applications is undertaken and recorded. How long you retain copies of job applications and related information.

Answer 3

See policy and procedure. Recruitment records are kept for a maximum of 4 months and are then confidentially destroyed.

Question 4

How shortlisted candidates should be interviewed and what methods of assessment and interview are used.

Answer 4

Policy and procedure defines general approach. Specific approaches will depend on the post and decisions taken by the recruiting line manager and the interview panel.

Question 5

How interview questions, assessments and case study exercises are devised and formulated.

Answer 5

See policy and procedure. Recruiting line manager and the interview panel decide on interview questions and possible use of assessments or exercises.

Question 6

Copies and details of any guidance and training interviewers are given on how to conduct interviews, record and evaluate how interviewees respond to questions, complete assessments or case study exercises.

Answer 6

One day training course is run based on policy and procedure.

Question 7

What procedures should be followed to inform candidates of the outcome of any interview/assessment.

Answer 7

See policy and procedure.

Question 8

What criteria is used to make one candidate more successful or employable than any other.

Answer 8

See policy and procedure. Candidates are measured against the employee specification.

Most of the information that we provide in response to Freedom of Information Act 2000 requests will be subject to copyright protection. In most cases the copyright will be owned by Cumbria County Council.

However the copyright in other information may be owned by another person or organisation, as indicated on the information itself.

You are free to use any information supplied for your own non-commercial research or private study purposes. The information may also be used for any other purpose allowed by a limitation or exception in copyright law, such as news reporting. However, any other type of re-use, for example by publishing the information in analogue or digital form, including on the internet, will require the permission of the copyright owner. Where the copyright owner is the Council you will need to make an application under the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005.

For information where the copyright is owned by another person or organisation you must apply to the owner to obtain their permission.

If you have a complaint about the way we have responded to your request or wish us to review our decision please write to:

Customer Services

Cumbria County Council

FREEPOST NWW6059A, The Courts, Carlisle CA3 8NA

Tel: 0800 121 8800 E-mail: [email address]

If you are not satisfied with the Council's internal review of your complaint you have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner:

FOI/EIR Complaints Resolution

Information Commissioners Office

Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF

http://www.ico.gov.uk

Yours

Claire Park

Acting

Building pride in Cumbria