your journey
From finding the right role to your first day with us - here's what to expect at every stage of the recruitment process.
Applying
Found a role you like? Here's how to apply.
Find a role
Browse our vacancies on this site. When you find something that interests you, read through the full job profile - it outlines the skills, experience, and qualifications we're looking for.
Create a MyJobScotland account
All applications go through MyJobScotland. Set up a free account to apply - your details are saved so future applications are quicker.
Complete your application
The form covers your personal details, employment history, qualifications, and a supporting statement. This is your chance to show how your experience matches the role.
Write a strong supporting statement
Refer directly to the job profile and give clear examples of how you meet each of the essential criteria. Be specific - this is the most important part of your application.
Need reasonable adjustments? Contact [email protected] and we'll make sure the process works for you.
Once you've applied
Here's what happens next.
Confirmation
You'll receive an email confirming we've received your application. We'll then let you know whether you've been invited to interview or not.
Guaranteed interviews
If you meet the essential criteria, you'll automatically be invited to interview if you're in one of the following groups:
- Care experienced young people, including care leavers up to the age of 26
- Applicants with a disability, as defined under the Equality Act 2010
- Current and former armed forces personnel
- Studying or having completed the Introduction to Care course
- Orkney Islands Council Modern Apprentices or Graduate Apprentices
- Orkney Islands Council employees with unpaid caring responsibilities
- Partners or resident family members of people relocating to Orkney to take up employment
Check your application status
You can log into MyJobScotland at any time to check the status of your application.
Your interview
If you're shortlisted, we'll invite you for an interview. Here's what to bring.
Qualifications and certificates
If the job profile mentions essential qualifications or professional memberships, bring the original certificates. We'll need to verify these before any offer is made.
Right to work documents
Bring original proof of your right to work in the UK. For British and Irish citizens, this is your passport. For others, you'll need a share code or your immigration documents.
Driving licence
If the role requires driving (check the job profile), bring your original licence along with a check code so we can verify it.
After you're offered the job
Congratulations! The necessary pre-employment checks will vary depending on the post - some are mandatory for all roles, others are specific to certain positions.
| Pre-employment check | Applies to |
|---|---|
| Essential Qualification Check | Some posts |
| Essential Professional Registration Check | Some posts |
| Right to Work in the UK Check | All posts |
| Skilled Worker Sponsorship | Some posts |
| Driving Licence Check | Some posts |
| Reference Checks | All posts |
| Health Clearance | All posts |
| Criminal Convictions Check (Disclosure / PVG) | Most posts (a few exempt) |
| Overseas Criminal Record Check | Some posts |
Been through our recruitment process recently? We'd love your feedback
Pre-employment checks
Full details of each check are below. Your offer letter will confirm which apply to your role.
Right to Work in the UK
All successful applicants must provide original, valid documentation. This can be a UK/Irish passport, a birth certificate alongside a document containing your National Insurance number (this document cannot be generated by Orkney Islands Council), or a share code. If you are not a British or Irish citizen, you will need to get a share code online. Copies will be certified and retained by the Council. Share codes must be processed by HR Support, who will request a call to confirm true likeness before this check is complete.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship may be possible for some applicants and posts. We cannot guarantee sponsorship for any applicant or role - it can only be considered at the point of offer and is dependent on your individual circumstances meeting current government guidelines and our available licence allocation at that time.
References
References are mandatory for all posts, including for current employees. We must obtain a reference from your current or most recent employer. References for internal candidates must be provided by your current line manager or a senior manager with knowledge of your work. Colleagues can only provide personal (character) references, not official employment references.
Health clearance
Mandatory for all posts and based on the demands of the role.
- Level 1 - Simple questionnaire only. If anything needs clarification, Occupational Health may invite you to a brief telephone or online consultation.
- Level 2 - Questionnaire and telephone appointment. Complete the questionnaire in advance. These roles always include a consultation, even if the questionnaire is straightforward.
- Level 3 - Questionnaire and face-to-face appointment at the monthly clinic in Kirkwall. Complete the questionnaire in advance.
Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme
Required for roles involving children or vulnerable adults. You must disclose current and spent convictions. A criminal record will not automatically prevent you from working with us - suitability depends on the role and the circumstances of any offences. If something appears on your PVG Scheme Record, a Service Manager or Head of Service will discuss it with you before deciding whether to withdraw a conditional offer.
PVG membership through Disclosure Scotland is legally required before starting work. Job adverts will confirm if a PVG is required and which type. From April 2026, PVG checks must be renewed every five years.
Once you receive your certificate, you have 14 days to release it to Orkney Islands Council:
- If you applied online, follow the instructions in your email.
- If you applied via an offline form, telephone Disclosure Scotland on 03000 2000 40.
Other criminal convictions checks
Some roles require a Level 1 (Basic) or Level 2 (Standard/Enhanced) Disclosure. No duplicate checks are needed if a higher-level check is already in place. Relevant checks will be confirmed in the job advert. As above, a criminal record will not automatically prevent you from working with us.
Once you receive your certificate, you have 14 days to release it:
- If you applied online, follow the instructions in your email.
- If you applied via an offline form, telephone Disclosure Scotland on 03000 2000 40.
Overseas criminal records checks
This check must be obtained by you directly - Orkney Islands Council cannot complete it on your behalf.
Evidence of qualifications and training
Original documents must be seen, copied and certified by a member of HR Support or your recruiting manager, then sent to HR Support to keep on file.
Evidence of professional body membership
Required where specified for a role. Original evidence must be seen and certified, then sent to HR Support to keep on file. Continued membership will be monitored and recorded throughout your employment.
Evidence of driving licence
Required for posts with essential driving. Your original photocard driving licence must be seen and certified. You should also generate a driving licence check code and provide it to your recruiting manager or HR Support, who will complete the check using the DVLA online service. Please note: driving licence checks must be completed by the Council - we cannot accept checks carried out by candidates themselves.