Advice

Your application process and FAQs

At the RSPB, our aim is to ensure you have a positive experience at every stage of the recruitment process.

An adult in RSPB uniform and a child holding a pond dipping net, both crouched on decking by the edge of a pond.
On this page

“We’re committed to enabling more, and more diverse, people to act for nature. And it’s just as important that we do this for our workforce as it is for our supporters. We’re continuing to make changes to our recruitment and management processes to remove barriers and offer adjustments that support people to be able to join us and thrive in their role.”

- John Dowswell, Senior Accessibility Specialist.  

Adverts

We want to make sure the RSPB, and the advertised role, is the right fit for you before you begin your application. On our adverts, you can find:  

  • Type and length of contract and hours available  

  • Where the role is based and options for flexibility  

  • Salary range and closing date

We take care to ensure our adverts are clear in the skills, knowledge and experience needed. We attach Candidate guidance notes to each advert which you are able to download and use to support you when making your application. Each advert will also include:  

  • An outline of the application and interview process – including any second interviews 

  • A contact for any questions or requests for adjustments  

  • Information on any safeguarding checks required and eligibility for sponsorship

Two people in smiling RSPB branded life jackets, sitting in a bright green two-person kayak.

Applications

All applications for the RSPB’s roles are collected through our online recruitment system. 

If, for any reason, an online application does not suit your needs, please contact the individual named in the job advert or recruitmentenquiries@rspb.org.uk to discuss alternative options. 

Depending on the role, you will be asked to either:  

  • Provide a copy of your CV and complete a short form with some personal information  

  • Provide a copy of your CV and complete a full application including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge and experience needed 

  • Complete just an application form with information on how you meet the skills, knowledge and experience needed  

Once you start your application you will receive a confirmation email and link enabling you to access it until it is fully completed.  You will receive regular email reminders until your application is complete or the closing date passes.

After submitting your application, you will not be able to make any changes – make sure to double check you’ve included everything before sending.

Tips on completing your application  

  • Read through the Candidate guidance notes

  • Collate the information you need to complete the application  

  • Use a text document to gather your thoughts on how you meet the criteria requested 

The STARI model is a useful tool to help you explain to us how you meet the criteria for the role. You can use this structure when giving examples of your past experiences: 

  • SITUATION – set the scene. Give us the who, what, where and when. 

  • TASK – what was your goal?  

  • ACTION – what did you contribute? 

  • RESULT – what was the outcome? 

  • IMPACT – what difference did you make?

What’s next?

Your application and all personal data provided are stored securely in our online recruitment system, in line with the RSPB’s Privacy Policy.

A scoring system is used to assess the information you have provided on your skills, knowledge and experience. Those who score highest will be invited to interview.  

You will be advised of the outcome of your application within four weeks of the closing date. Unfortunately, due to the volume of submissions we receive, we are not able to provide feedback at application stage.  

Our Interview Process

We want you to succeed, so our interviews are structured to suit the role we are recruiting for. The traditional job interview is still widely used, but it is often combined with alternative methods to showcase your skillset. These include: 

  • Practical assignments/tests  

  • Presentations  

  • Work simulations  

  • Written submissions 

The majority of our interviews are conducted in person or via Microsoft Teams, but we can offer other platforms to suit your needs. 

Your invitation to interview will give clear guidance on the interview process including:  

  • Where, when and for how long   

  • Details of any assessments  

  • Information on the panel  

  • Travel directions

  • Contact details in case of travel or technical issues on the day  

RSPB's Youth Mobilisation Manager Roberta Antonaci at the Restore Nature Now protest outside Defra HQ organised by Chris Packham, London, September 2023

Reasonable adjustments

We are committed to making the recruitment process inclusive and accessible for everyone and creating an environment where all candidates are able to bring their best self to the selection process for our roles.

If an adjustment to the recruitment process would help you to achieve your best, please contact the person named in the job advert or recruitmentenquiries@rspb.org.uk.

Examples of adjustments we have made include: 

  • Providing information in an alternative format  

  • Providing an alternative application process  

  • Providing more time for tests  

  • Changing the location of an interview 

  • Sending interview questions in advance  

  • Enabling the use of assistive technology, such as screen readers or dictation software 

What employment checks do we make?

If you are offered a role with us, there are some checks that the RSPB will make to ensure it meets its legal obligations and duty of care.

Right to work checks

All employers have a legal obligation to check that a candidate can work in the UK and the RSPB will proceed with this check once a verbal offer has been made. Depending on the documentation you can provide, this can be done digitally through a smart phone app, using a service provided by Trust ID, or in person through our network of reserves and offices. 

These checks need to be completed and your contract issued before you start your new role.  

The RSPB is also licenced sponsor which means we are approved by the Home Office to sponsor successful candidates for eligible roles. All our adverts will clearly state when a role is eligible. You can visit GOV.UK for more information on Right to work checks.  

References and health checks

As part of the offer process, we will request references from the referees you have provided.

The RSPB wants to make sure that it provides a safe working environment for all its employees. You will have the choice to complete a health declaration or complete a health check questionnaire to help us support a safer working environment. 

Safeguarding checks

The RSPB is committed to ensuring our workforce is recruited safely and that all necessary checks (DBS in England, PVG in Scotland and Access NI in Northern Ireland) are made as part of the appointment process. 

You can find details of the RSPB Safeguarding Policy here.  

4 smiling people in waterproof gear, stood on a grassy cliff.

Other frequently asked questions:

I need assistance with the recruitment process – is there anyone who can help?

Yes – if you are facing barriers or challenges with our application process, please contact the person named in the job advert or recruitmentenquiries@rspb.org.uk to discuss how we can support you. 

Do you keep CVs on file?

We only do this for Membership Fundraiser roles. Visit this page to find out more – all our other vacancies are advertised on the website, and you can sign up for our Job Alerts and hear about our roles first hand.

Can I apply for more than one role at any time?

You can apply for any of our roles that are advertised. Make sure that you meet the criteria, and you tailor your application for each role to give you the best chance of being shortlisted for interview.

Do you accept candidates from outside of the UK?

Yes - we are proud to have people of different nationalities helping us to save nature. However, for all UK-based roles, you need to have the legal right to work in the UK in the role you are applying for. 

To see if you need a VISA, visit www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

What is the deadline for submitting my application?

The deadline for all roles is midnight UK time on the advertised closing date.

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Sorry, we do not accept applications after the deadline.

What happens if I’ve had criminal convictions or cautions?

We will judge your application solely on the basis of your suitability for the role you have applied for. The vacancy advertisement will say whether the role is covered by or exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

If the role is covered, you will be asked to declare your unspent convictions and cautions. If the role is exempt, you will be asked to declare both spent and unspent convictions and cautions. 
 
This information is requested at application stage however, any declarations will not be visible to the panel and only be considered for relevance to the role after making a provisional offer and prior to issuing the formal contract. You will have the opportunity to explain the context of offence and your perspective. 

We will only withdraw a provisional offer based on a conviction or caution if there is a reason that it is incompatible with the role for which the offer has been made. 

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