APPLICATION PACK
Our Mission Statement
Helping our customers to live the lives they want by working with
them, their families and their communities
Who We Are
People in Action is a registered charity and limited company, and supports over 350 adults with learning
disabilities to live in their community. The organisation started in 1985 and has grown rapidly. We have
some residential services but, the majority of our work involves offering person centred support to enable
people to live independently in their own homes. These are based in Warwickshire, Worcestershire,
Stratford, Oxford and the West Midlands.
Below are a number of testimonials from our Support Workers which we hope will demonstrate why
People in Action are so successful, and why the staff we have remain with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do People in Action want to achieve?
A: We are committed to delivering our brand promise of supporting our customers to live their life in the
way they choose and feel that this can only be achieved with a highly skilled team.
Q: How do we do that?
A: We listen to our customers and what they want. We invest time in developing and maintaining their
relationships, we nurture their interests and assist them to achieve their aspirations and life goals. The end
result that we seek is for the customer to become as independent as possible, to express their individuality
positively and integrate into their local community. Our staff are then trained to ensure that they can assist
the customer in all aspects of their lives.
Q. What is the difference between waking night shifts and sleep-in shifts?
A. Shifts are detailed within the application form however we are often asked the difference between the
above shifts. During a waking night shift, you will be expected to stay awake and support your customer
throughout the night. It may be that your customer has difficulty sleeping or tends to wake up often.
During a sleep-in shift you will sleep at the home you are working in. You will usually finish a shift at 22:00,
sleep at the home, and then be expected to start your shift at 07:00 the next morning. You may be woken
during the night if there is an emergency.
Q. Do People in Action have a dress code for support staff?
A. All clothing should be worn in a clean and presentable fashion. Clothing must be smart, safe and
practical. Nail varnish, false nails and false eye lashes are not permitted. Nails should be sufficiently short
to ensure safe customer contact and good hand hygiene.
Female Employees: skirts, blouses, smart t-shirts (no large logos), jumpers, blazers, jackets, dresses, suits,
trousers, fitted smart jeans, leggings, cardigans, sensible shoes. Male Employees: business suits, blazers,
trousers, smart t-shirts (no large logos), shirts (with collars, long or short sleeve), jumpers, fitted smart
jeans, cardigans, sensible shoes.
Head Office: All members of staff who are attending the Head Office for a meeting or training must ensure
that they are dressed appropriately and in line with the dress code standards set out for office staff and
Managers. Denim and leggings are strictly not permitted to be worn whilst attending the office.
Q. What benefits will I receive working with People in Action?
A. Our rates vary depending on the service area you are working and your qualifications; however we offer
a rate of pay between £7.20 and £8.20. For each sleep-in shift you work, you will also receive a £25
allowance.
There is a full induction programme which will equip you with the knowledge that you require. This will
include but is not limited to First Aid, Food Hygiene, Medication, Health and Safety and Safeguarding
Vulnerable Adults. The induction training programme spans over 5 days and you will be paid for these 5
days. Promotion is often from within the company so there are plenty of opportunities for career
progression.
You will be entitled to 20 days holiday plus double time pay for any bank holiday that you work.
We also offer a healthcare scheme which entitles you to claim cash back for treatments and appointments
that you have attended. An attractive company pension scheme is also available to all People in Action
employees.
Support Worker: Job Description
Role Objectives
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To aid the customer to live with and become affiliated to the communities in which
he/she reside.
To encourage the customer to live as independently as possible.
To provide an individual service to all customers rather than a one size fits all
approach.
Responsibilities to the Customer
Integration into the community
Identify, create and/or participate in opportunities which involve the customer interacting
and becoming a part of his/her local community. This may include building positive
relationships with neighbours, participating in local clubs like rambling or art clubs to
hosting a gathering with friends.
Encouraging independence
Develop creative ways of motivating the customer to partake in the day to days routines of
their life. This will include participation in household chores, meal preparation and personal
care as far as the customers abilities allow.
Promote individuality
Provide opportunities which allow the customer to make choices on how their support is
delivered. This can range from giving a variety of meal options, assisting in the development
of their day to day schedule and allowing the customer to choose what he/she wears.
Safeguarding the customer
You must report any activity or attitude which could result in the customer being taken
advantage of to your line manager. It is imperative that the customer’s wellbeing and safety
is your number one priority at all times.
Delivering personal care
Assist customers with their personal care needs which will include toileting, bathing,
cleaning, help with the laundry, changing bed linen, preparing meals and administering
medication. Personal care must be delivered sensitively, with dignity and to a high standard
taking into account the customers preferences.
The role of a customer representative
Act as a representative on behalf of the customer (if required) with family members,
doctors, nurses, dentists and other external agencies. As the representative you will be
required to communicate effectively ensuring that the customer’s symptoms, concerns,
needs and wants are communicated correctly.
Positive interaction
Interact with the customer and facilitate conversations as well as create a homely and social
atmosphere through friendly banter. You must engage the customer’s attention and identify
those interactions which prompt positive behaviours and expression. You must ensure that
you are on time for all of your shifts as the customer is relying on you to provide the support
that he/she needs. It is imperative that you communicate with your manager should you not
be able to commit to your shift pattern.
Responsibilities to the Team
Administration and reporting
Assist in devising, implementing and reviewing customer care plans ensuring that they are
individualised to each customer. You are also required to complete all documentation,
including medication sheets and incident reports in a timely and accurate manner. You
should conduct regular safety checks and report any concerns or maintenance tasks to your
Service Manager.
Training and development
Participate in training courses to ensure that you have the most up to date knowledge and
participate in regular supervisions and appraisals so that training needs, work performance
and career opportunities can be evaluated.
Working as a team
Participate in rotas including bank holidays, weekends, evenings and sleep-in duties and
assist in providing cover for your team during absences and holidays.
Supporting team members with a customer (if required) and sharing your experiences with
one another in the aim of creating a learning environment.
Responsibilities to People in Action
Working within People in Action policy and procedures
Adhere to the policies and procedures outlined in the Manual of Procedures at all times.
Company representative
You must ensure that you act professionally at all times and remember that you are
representing People in Action, whether that is in the customers home or out in the
community.
From time to time you may be required to perform any additional or other functions that
are considered necessary to meet the needs of the Organisation.
People In Action: Person Specification
Education & Experience
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Good level of numeracy & literacy
Experience of working as a support worker or a similar role
Holds a full UK driving license.
Life experience: understands the challenges of creating
positive relationships and the fulfilment such
relationships can bring.
Skills & Abilities
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Ability to communicate, listen and understand the
customer using verbal and non verbal techniques
Assist the customer to develop and maintain relationships
Ability to know when to provide support to a customer
and when to step back.
Ability to identify opportunities which the customer will
enjoy and benefit from.
Must be flexible in how you apply your skills to each
customer, ensuring that you do not use a one size fits all
approach.
Observe the customers body language and behavioural
patterns and recognise when you need to intervene.
Maintain the customers confidentiality at all times
Able to deal with confrontation and negative behaviour.
Ability to review your own performance
To report any activity or attitude which might take
advantage of, or abuse, the vulnerable nature of our
customers.
Essential
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Personal Attributes
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Demonstrates a positive image of people with learning
difficulties.
The ability to remain patient and calm in challenging
situations
Understand the customer’s strengths and weaknesses
Treat the customer with dignity and respect their life
choices. It is imperative that you do not impose your life
choices onto the customer.
Committed to getting to know the customer
Polite and considerate towards the customer and the
customers home.
Show that you are trustworthy and reliable
Able to interact and socialise with the customer
positively.
Helpful, caring and approachable.
Outgoing and prepared to step out of your comfort zone
Demonstrates an understanding and commitment to
equal opportunities.
Desirable
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APPLICATION FORM
People in Action
White Lion Chambers
44 High Street
Bedworth
CV12 8NF
Tel: 02476 643776
People in Action provide support for our customers over a 24 hour period 7 days a week including Bank
Holidays. Shifts are variable and can start as early as 7 am and finish anytime up to 11 pm. Our staff also
provide overnight support by either sleeping at a customer’s home or by working a waking night (please
see FAQS for further information on what these involve).
Are there any days, or times that you are unavailable to work and if so please detail below (Please note
that the below may not be included in your expected work pattern as all staff are expected to work
flexibly): -
Post applied for:
………………………………………
Forename(s): …………………………………………………….
Surname:
……………………………………………………..
How many hours per week do you require?
…………..
Current address:
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
Preferred area (tick all that apply):
Nuneaton & Bedworth
Rugby
Leamington & Warwick
Stratford & Alcester
Worcestershire
Solihull
Kenilworth
Gaydon
Snitterfield
Do you have a full current driving license? YES/NO
Do you have your own transport?
YES/NO
………………………………………Postcode:…………………..
Tel: …………………………………………….
Mobile: ………………………………………………
Email Address: ………………………………………………………..
Are you happy to drive company or mobility
vehicles?
YES/NO
Relevant training & qualifications:
Date
Course title/subject
College/organisation
Employment history (Please start with your most recent/current employer):
Dates to and
from
Company name
Position/job title
Brief description of duties and
responsibilities
Personal statement: Please use the space below to provide any information about yourself which will
demonstrate your suitability for the role and why you have applied for a role within People in Action.
Scenario questions:
Some of the customers we support may be labelled as ‘challenging’. What does the word challenging mean to you
and what sort of things could cause a customer to behave in this way?
You are taking a customer out shopping for the first time on your own. What sort of things would you need to
know?
John recently moved from a large residential home to his own flat. How might you help John feel at ease in his
new surroundings?
REFERENCES:
Please give below the names and addresses of two referees that we can contact for references.
Your first reference must be your current or most recent employer (School Teacher or Tutor if you are a student) and
your second reference should be from somebody who knows you personally. Please note this person must be a
professional (A Doctor, Teacher, Civil Servant etc) and must not be a relative or partner.
Current/Most Recent Employer
Professional Character
Name……………………………………………….…………
Name………….…….…………….………………………….
Address……………………………………………………….
Address ……………………………………………………...
…………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………….
Telephone ………………………………………………
Telephone…………….. ……………………………………
Email Address: …………………………………………
Email Address: ……………………………………………
How long have you know this referee?:
How long have you know this referee?:
…………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………….......
May we approach the above prior to interviewing YES/NO
May we approach the above prior to interviewing YES/NO
Please state if you are related to any Director or member of staff of the Company
Name of relative .................................................................................................
FOR OUR MONITORING PURPOSES: Where did you hear about this position?
YES/NO
DECLARATION
I confirm that the information I have given on this form is correct and complete and that any misleading statements may
be sufficient for cancelling any agreements made. In the event of being shortlisted for interview, I will be required to
complete a declaration of criminal record. Due to the sensitive nature of the duties the post holder will be expected to
undertake, I understand that this declaration will include details of any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands or final
warnings that are not "protected" as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as
amended in 2013) and any other information that may have a bearing on my suitability for the post. I understand that an
Enhanced Disclosure will be sought from the Disclosure and Barring Service in the event of a successful application. If you
have subscribed to the DBS Update Service, you will be required to give us permission to check the status of your DBS
Certificate. In order for us to check this information, you should provide us with your full name and recent DBS Certificate
Number. The DBS must be an Enhanced Certificate and the category should be for the “Child and Adult Workforce”. If
this is not the case, you will be required to complete another DBS Application form with us.
Signature ………………………………………………………………. Date …………………………………………………..
Due to the large number of applications we receive, if you do not hear from us within 21 days, your
application has not been successful on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in our organisation.
WORK PERMIT FORM
Under the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, are you eligible to work in the U.K? YES/NO (please circle)
Do you need a work permit? YES/NO (please circle)
If YES what is the expiry date?
………………………………………………………………
If YES, please state Work Permit number ………………………………………………….
Signed ……………………………………..
Name ………………………………………
Date ………………………………………..
DECLARATION OF HEALTH
I declare that I am physically and mentally fit to carry out the duties indicated in the job description provided by
People in Action. I agree to notify People in Action if my health changes in a way that affects my ability to carry out
the duties indicated in the job description. In the event of my declaring a condition which may adversely affect my
ability to carry out the job, I give permission for People in Action to approach my GP. If you have a disability or health
condition that could impact on your ability to do the job, please give details below. This is to enable People in Action
to consider if there are any reasonable adjustments that need to be made.
Details: ………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (continue on another sheet if necessary)
Signed ……………………………………..
Name ………………………………………
Date …………………………
DECLARATION OF CRIMINAL RECORD
Applicant’s name ………………………………………………………………Applicant’s signature.................................
Date: .....................................................................................
Applicant’s address……………………………………………………………………….......................................................
…………………………………………………………………………………………………...........................................................
As stated on the application form, because of the sensitive nature of the duties the post holder will be
expected to undertake, you are required to disclose details of any criminal record.
1) Do you have any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings that are not "protected" as
defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013)
or, are you aware of any police enquiries undertaken following allegations made against you which
may have a bearing on your suitability for this post?
YES/NO (please circle)
If YES, please give details of offences, penalties and dates (continue on another sheet if necessary)
If you have declared a criminal record and we believe this to have a bearing on the requirements of the post, we will
discuss the matter with you at interview. If we do not raise the record with you it is because we have taken the view
that it should not be taken into account in deciding your suitability for the post. If you require further information or
have any concerns about filling in this declaration please contact our HR Department on 02476 643776. All the
information provided on this form will be kept confidential to the recruitment process.
The Disclosure and Barring Service Code of Practice is available upon request. Please contact HR on 02476 643776.
THIS DECLARATION MUST BE ENCLOSED WITH YOUR APPLICATION FORM, IN A SEPARATE ENVELOPE.