Step 3:

Ask all applicants to complete an application form

It is accepted practice that applicants for paid posts will normally be expected to complete an Application Form. Smaller voluntary organisations that want to appoint volunteers may feel that to ask an individual who they know well to complete an Application Form sounds too formal.

Some voluntary organisations prefer to use the term “Personal Profile Form” or “Registration Form”. You may want to do this yourself. However, irrespective of the name of the form, you should make sure that you obtain certain personal details, together with a brief history of an individual’s experience of working with children and young people and the contact details of two suitable referees.

Irrespective of the method you use to collect the above information you should ensure that you use the same method for all potential applicants. You must also ensure that you only ask for information that is relevant to the position and that you manage all personal information according to the principles of data management.

If you do not have an Application Form see tool kit templates for sample application form and covering letter.

It is important to note that the example Application Form mentions that Disclosure checks will be requested for successful applicants and that any personal information that is given in the form will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Other examples of good practice Application Forms can be found from The Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of Scotland who use an Application Form for Voluntary Service. Copies of this form can be obtained from 88 Giles Street, Edinburgh, EH6 6BZ, Tel. 0131 555 1729.

The Church of Scotland’s Handbook for Child Protection contains examples of many different forms including an Application Form for Children’s Workers. For information on how to get a copy of the Handbook contact the Church of Scotland’s Child Protection Unit, Tel. 0131 260 3116.

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