Assessment Centre
As part of the application process, you are firstly required to complete the online application form. This application will be used purely as a tool to identify if you have the skills and experience to meet the minimum entry requirements to be assessed further at our Assessment Centre.
The Assessment Centre is a process that has been designed to assess applicants against the competencies required for particular roles. They have been extensively researched and we know that they are a highly valid method for predicting how someone is likely to operate in the workplace.
As an applicant, you will have more than one opportunity to demonstrate your skills and competencies through a variety of different exercises. The Assessors also have the opportunity to observe you in a number of situations in order to make a fully rounded assessment of your skills, and how they might be appropriate to the roles for which you are being recruited.
You are likely to feel that you have worked quite hard, but you should also find the experience rewarding.
If you do not meet the standard required at the level for which you applied you may be considered for other roles.
Attending the Researchers, Statisticians, and Economists (RAS job family) Assessment Centre involves participating in a structured combination of techniques used to provide a wide-ranging, comprehensive assessment.
It is in the best interest of candidates to reapply to the Assessment Centre with evidence of new skills and experience which will increase the chances of meeting the desired criteria.
Therefore, applicants who are unsuccessful at the RAS Assessment Centre can reapply three months from the date in which they were initially assessed.
It is best practice for ONS as an employer to provide every opportunity for candidates to further develop their skills and experience and re-submit an application that reflects the commitment to a period of development.
Timetable
Assessment Centre sessions are scheduled for the following dates. Each date will accommodate two assessment events – morning and afternoon. Please indicate on your application form if you are unable to attend any of these dates. You may also state which session you would prefer to attend and we will try to accommodate your needs where possible.
| Application Closing Date | Sifting Date |
| 21st January | 21st January |
| 20th February | 22nd February |
| 19th March | 19th March |
| 23rd April | 24th April |
| 21st May | 22nd May |
| 18th June | 19th June |
| Month | Dates | ||
| February | 19th | 20th | 21st |
| March | 10th | 11th | 12th |
| April | 8th | 9th | |
| May | 12th | 13th | 14th |
| June | 9th | 10th | 11th |
| July | 7th | 8th | 9th |
| Application Closing Date | Sifting Date |
| 21st January | 23rd January |
| 20th February | 21st February |
| 19th March | 20th March |
| 23rd April | 24th April |
| 21st May | 22nd May |
| 18th June | 19th June |
| Month | Dates | ||
| February | 11th | 12th | 13th |
| March | 4th | 5th | 6th |
| April | 2nd | 3rd | |
| May | 7th | 8th | 9th |
| June | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
| July | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
* Additional dates may be scheduled to meet demand
Exercises
The Assessment Centre consists of the following five components which could take place in any order.
(i) Competency based interview:
This is a structured two-way discussion in which you will be given the opportunity to provide two Assessors with detailed examples of when you have demonstrated relevant general competencies e.g. working in a team and managing work and others.
(ii) Written knowledge test:
This is a classroom style handwritten exercise where your technical statistical/research knowledge will be tested.
(iii) Case study and presentation exercise:
Your task in this exercise is to assimilate the tables of information provided and to present your key findings to two Assessors. You will be assessed on your interpretation of the information and on your presentation skills.
In addition, you will also be asked to provide examples on a range of statistical/research topics during a structured two-way discussion.
(iv) Group work scenario:
This exercise is designed to help assess your behaviour in meetings and how effective you might be in working with colleagues and customers. You will be provided with a task that requires you to examine documentation and hold group discussions in order to reach solutions and conclusions.
(v) Office tour:
You will be given a guided tour of the office where you will have the opportunity to see our open plan working environment and many of our office facilities.
Competency Frameworks
You will be assessed against a specified set of competencies depending of the level of role you are applying for. Details are shown on the attached documents.
Graduate Recruitment and Development Centre
Experienced Professional Recruitment and Development Centre
Senior Professional Recruitment and Development Centre
Reasonable adjustments
If you have any particular needs in terms of assisting you with a disability, please inform us before you attend the Assessment Centre. We will endeavour to ensure that all applicants are provided with any reasonable adjustments they need in order to complete the exercises. Please contact our Recruitment Team on 01633 812554.
