The process consisted of:
- online application based on several competencies (e.g. collaborating and partnering, delivering at pace, etc.)
- online test - a lot of questions on advanced statistics such as chi square test
- face-to-face assessment (case study)
- face-to-face interview
The whole process was protracted and lasted several months (around 6 months).
The face-to-face assessment and interview were done on the same day. The assessment was quite difficult - I was given around 10-15 pages with different evidence to review and prepare a presentation answering 5 questions in 50 mins. I found the material quite difficult and the time insufficient. The topic was about measures for young offenders but although it was supposed to be a study independent of prior knowledge, I found that some prior knowledge was necessary and I was not familiar with the topic. Overall, the case study was not designed very well. The panel consisted of 3 persons from different governmental departments. They were not very encouraging and just stared blankly when I answered questions. I found also some of the questions challenges around political considerations, etc. Also there was no introductory question, so that I could introduce briefly myself but rather straight to the questions. Overall, the experience of the process and the interview panel was not very positive.