At Abingdon & Witney College, our vision is to be a college where everyone achieves more than they believe possible. We foster an environment that encourages both staff and students to be the best they can be and our values underpin everything that we do.
We are: authentic, bold and trustworthy, bold and ambitious for ourselves and each other, welcoming, warm and supportive, inclusive, fair and caring, and transformative, innovative and creative. We believe diversity and inclusivity are fundamental to our College, and we prioritise investing in our staff to enable them to excel and be extraordinary.
If you have any questions about our Recruitment Process, please contact our People Services team via: helpmehr@abingdon-witney.ac.uk
Stage 1: Application form
To be considered for any available position, it is essential that you fill out our online application form.
This form requires information about your qualifications, previous employment history, and prompts you to provide details about your skills, experience, and relevant knowledge related to the position you're applying for.
Completing this form thoroughly is crucial as it will be used for shortlisting purposes.
Stage 2: Shortlisting
Applications are reviewed and interviews conducted on a continuous basis, and the College may close a job posting before the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Hence, it's advisable to submit your application as soon as possible for any role.
If you're selected for an interview, a member of the People Services Team will reach out to provide details about the interview schedule and process. You will receive notification if your application hasn't been shortlisted.
In the event that you're unable to attend the scheduled interview, please get in touch with a member of the People Services Team to reschedule, where applicable.
Stage 3: Interview Process
You will be advised of the requirements for your interview in your interview invitation email. As general guidance, please follow the below.
On the interview day please report to the main reception of the College campus that you will be interviewed at and a member of the College team will meet you at reception to take you to your interview.
*On occasion, interviews take place via Teams, if so, we will let you know the details and will arrange for links to be sent to you. We can also offer a practice run if that is helpful.
Your interview will normally be with the manager of your area and a member of the College Leadership Team. There will always be at least two managers on a panel for interview.
You may be asked to do a task or a series of tasks which relate to the job for example:
- For teaching staff you may be asked to undertake a micro teach
- For support staff there may be task to assess your skills in a particular area such as IT
- For management there may be a series of tasks including a presentation and a group discussion.
You will also be asked a series of questions which you will be scored against. Any gaps in employment history will also be discussed with you, in order to fulfil our Safer Recruitment requirements.
At the end of the interview process an appointment will be made based on the scores for the interview questions and the task(s).
If you require any reasonable adjustments on the day, then please email a member of the People Services team at helpmehr@abingdon-witney.ac.uk
Stage 4: Feedback after the interview
After your interview, the manager of the role will get in touch with you to communicate the interview outcome.
If you've been selected for the position, you will receive a verbal job offer from the manager before receiving written confirmation from the People Services Team. Feedback can be provided upon request.
Stage 5: Offer of Employment
If you are successful, we will negotiate a start date and starting salary with you. At the same time, we will request your references and conduct Enhanced DBS and occupational health checks. Your offer of a post is dependent on satisfactory references and the outcomes of these checks.
We will send you a contract which you must sign and return to the College. We will also ask for copies of identification and your educational certificates.
Once we have completed all of these checks, you are ready to start with us! We look forward to having you join.
Other Information for Applicants
Mandatory Training
For teaching roles, please do not worry if you do not hold a teaching qualification. The College will support you to achieve these in post.
For any other roles where the person specification asks if you are willing to qualify, the College will support you to achieve this qualification.
Abingdon and Witney College prides itself on the development of its staff. An extensive in-house training programme is in place and support is provided for short and longer terms courses, conferences etc.
It is a requirement for all staff in all roles to undertake mandatory safeguarding and health and safety training.
Diversity is important to us
Abingdon & Witney College strives to celebrate diversity and promote equality of opportunity for all who learn and work here; to create a culture and ethos where inclusion, equality and diversity are embraced; where employment and educational opportunities are open to all; and where everyone involved with the College is treated with fairness, dignity and respect.
Our commitment to equality and diversity is written into all job descriptions, and all members of staff are expected to support this commitment on a day-to-day basis.
We serve a diverse community and seek to develop a workforce that is representative of the community, at all levels and across all areas. No applicant will be treated less favourably than others on the grounds of age, gender, disability, family or marital/civil partnership status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religious or other beliefs, or for any other reason which cannot be shown to be justified.
Rehabilitation of Offenders
We are committed to safeguarding and expect all our employees and volunteers to share this commitment. We are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all appointments are subject to satisfactory clearances including enhanced DBS checks.
