Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department takes to verify the professional experience set out in the applications of newly hired officials.

HM Treasury recruitment campaigns use Success Profiles which is the recruitment framework used within the Civil Service. HM Treasury consider what skills a candidate will need to demonstrate in order to be successful and advertise vacancies with a clear person specification. Candidates are assessed through a robust assessment process consisting of a review of application forms and finally an interview where the Success Profiles are explored and tested. A leadership assessment and / or a Staff Engagement Panel is included for Senior Civil Service vacancies in addition to the application form and interview. All recruitment into HM Treasury vacancies abides by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles.

HM Treasury verify employment history of individuals against HM Revenue and Customs records. In cases where there is limited employment history, HM Treasury collect personal references.

Where an advertised role requires an essential qualification, this is included within the advert and candidates are asked to declare that they meet the qualification criteria when applying. If they do not meet the qualification criteria, they are unable to apply for the role.

Where a qualification is a prerequisite to an appointment, candidates present their original qualification certificates at interview stage to enable the department to verify their eligibility for the role.