Reasonable Adjustments for Civil Service Applications and Interviews

Civil Service Application Help Recruitment Reasonable Adjustments
Civil Service recruitment
Request support for the stage where the barrier arises
Reasonable adjustments can support access to application forms, online tests, interviews, presentations and assessment centres. Ask early, describe the barrier and propose a change that lets you demonstrate your ability fairly.

Civil Service Jobs normally asks whether you need an adjustment during recruitment. You can also contact the vacancy holder or recruitment team when the barrier becomes clear later. Keep the agreed arrangement in writing and check that it covers every relevant stage.

Describe the assessment barrier clearly

Name the test, interview format, written task, presentation or environment that creates the difficulty. Explain the functional effect, such as needing more processing time, being unable to use a particular format, requiring an accessible room or needing rest breaks. The request should help the recruiter understand what needs to change.

You do not need to write a full medical history in the first message. Give enough information to explain the need and ask what evidence or discussion is required. A diagnosed or undiagnosed condition, disability, long-term condition, temporary illness or injury may create a barrier depending on the circumstances and recruitment scheme.

Adjustments can apply at every stage

Application form
Accessible formats, support with a platform barrier, clear instructions or another way to provide information where appropriate.
Online tests
Extra time where approved, accessibility settings, assistive technology support, an alternative arrangement or help resolving a platform issue.
Interview
Extra time, breaks, captioning, an interpreter, accessible location, remote attendance, advance practical information or a different communication format.
Presentation or written exercise
Accessible materials, adjusted timing, suitable software, breaks or clarification of the task format.
Assessment centre
Accessible travel and venue arrangements, rest breaks, communication support, adjusted group or written activities and a clear timetable.

Ask early and confirm the arrangement

Submit the request as soon as the barrier is known. Some support takes time to organise. Ask the recruiter to confirm the agreed adjustment, the stage it applies to, the person responsible and what you should do if the arrangement is missing on the day.

Members can unlock the complete recruitment-adjustment planner below, including request wording, stage-by-stage checks, evidence prompts, interview-day controls and steps to take when agreed support is missing.

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