Recruitment process

All job applications for Catch22 must be made via our online jobs portal, where you can also create vacancy alerts to receive notifications when roles that match your interests are posted.

To be considered for the job, you will need to complete our application form by clicking the “I’m Interested” button on the job advert. You can complete the application form manually, or use a CV, Indeed or LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the education and previous experience sections of the form.

Use the “Message to the Hiring Manager” box to expand on how your qualifications, skills and previous experience make you suitable for the job you have applied to. Making specific reference to the criteria listed in the person specification will greatly increase your chances of being shortlisted for the role.

You will also be asked a few additional compliance questions, plus some diversity monitoring questions. Please rest assured that any responses you give to the diversity monitoring questions are anonymised and cannot be seen by anyone on the hiring team.

Before applying, take time to:

• Read the job description carefully. Pay close attention to responsibilities and essential criteria — this indicates the skills and behaviours we are looking for.
• Consider your experience broadly. Paid work, voluntary roles, education, hobbies, community activities, and caring responsibilities can all be relevant for helping you to build valuable skills.

We understand that not everyone has a linear work history. Gaps, career changes, or personal circumstances do not disadvantage you: what matters is what you’ve learned and how it prepares you for the role.

Lived experience is also highly valued at Catch22. Insights gained through personal challenges, community involvement, or navigating support systems can be just as important as formal qualifications.

Example – lived experience:

“As someone who has experienced involvement with youth services myself, I understand how important it is to feel listened to and respected. This insight has shaped how I work with others. I prioritise clear communication, avoid assumptions, and focus on building trust. I believe this perspective would be a strength in supporting the people Catch22 works with.”

When responding to criteria in your CV and supporting statement, you should remember to:

Once your application is submitted, you will receive an email inviting you to create an account on SmartRecruiters, our recruitment system.

While optional, creating an account allows you to track your application, edit it, or withdraw if needed.

If you have not received an email inviting you to create an account, please visit the SmartRecruiters candidate page.

Catch22 no longer uses fixed deadlines. We review applications on a rolling basis and close roles once there are enough strong candidates, so early application is recommended.

All applications are reviewed by the hiring team as part of our shortlisting process.

Ahead of formal interview, we may call you on the number you have provided to have an informal discussion with you about the job and answer any questions you may have.

If shortlisted, you will be invited to a panel interview, either in person or online. You will be informed in advance about the format and who will be present.

We aim to give candidates as much notice as possible of their interview. We try to list the planned date for face-to-face interviews in the advert text if this is available at the time of publication. But, should you need to reschedule the interview, or are no longer interested in the job, please let us know as soon as possible.

If you are not invited to interview you will receive an email informing you of your outcome. Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive we are unable to provide you with feedback if you are not shortlisted for interview.

Ahead of your interview, you should:

Our interviews either take place face-to-face at one of our offices or schools or virtually over a video call. You will be interviewed by the Hiring Manager, along with a selection of relevant colleagues, in a panel format.

The panel will be asking you specific questions to explore how your qualifications, skills, experience, and values match with the advertised person specification and align with Catch22.

There will be time for you to ask any questions about the job and Catch22 at the end of the interview.

If you need adjustments for disability or neurodiversity (such as alternative formats, extra time, breaks, or clarification) our recruitment team is here to support. Requesting adjustments will not affect the assessment of your application.

All candidates will be informed of the outcome of their interview and we aim to do this as soon as possible.

If you are unsuccessful in your interview, we will offer you the opportunity to receive post-interview feedback with one of the interview panel members.

If you are successful in your application, we will send you a conditional offer letter, explaining more about the job, salary and the conditions which must be met before we can confirm your start date.

You will also be sent a number of new starter forms. Please complete and return these forms as quickly as possible, as we are unable to confirm your start date without these.