22 replies to this topic

[Monotone]

From today, Halloween 2011, A&S is closed for Specials Recruitment going into 2012, to allow an updated training programme to be implimented.

When this changes, you will find out here: http://www.avonandso...tment/specials/

[CJay]

Yeah heard from the last batch of specials to be trained that after our group in November, there would only be the January intake for the overflow etc and then they would lock down Specials recruitment. Am i right in saying that? Just hoping the group who'll be on the Jan course get to do their training aswell!

Still now this news is official, still good of you to post it on here for people who don't frequent the A&S website!

Be interesting to see what they do with this new training programme though, i'm interested to see what they change/remove.
(Perhaps this should be pinned? So it doesn't get lost)

Edited by CJay, 31 October 2011 - 12:33 PM.

[RunningTings]

Explains why they've been slowing certain parts down then (responding to initial interest etc.).

Got clarification that it doesn't affect the January training, so that's good. I assume the fitness test would finally be making a comeback seeing its been rumoured for ages when this new training kicks in. We'll be the last of the oldies ha.

[Ian1975]

Those still in the system are unlikely to be affected. There are numerous changes being made.

[RunningTings]

Those still in the system are unlikely to be affected. There are numerous changes being made.

Ugh, I apologise. Tried +1'ing you, now I know not to try that on an iPhone... :/

[Monotone]

Explains why they've been slowing certain parts down then (responding to initial interest etc.).

Got clarification that it doesn't affect the January training, so that's good. I assume the fitness test would finally be making a comeback seeing its been rumoured for ages when this new training kicks in. We'll be the last of the oldies ha.

The changes being made are to the training, rather than the recruitment!

[Old_Spinster]

At the end of most of the modules, we were all seated in the lecture theatre and asked specific questions to give feedback. They collated the feedback in order to amend / improve parts of the training. I remember my training school (seems so long ago now!) gave a lot of feedback for changes that should be made to the initial course, so hopefully some of them will be implemented for future courses.

[Bristol-morse]

Not that I would want to contradict the knowledgable Monotone but the reason for closing is to change the whole recruitment process. This will take into account some of the recommendations of the National Strategy and also the recent Specials and Volunteers Strategic review and will hopefully leave us with a more efficient and streamlined recruitment process with probably the biggest benefit being the vastly reduced timeline.
I have no doubt however that the Corporate Learning and Development (CLaD) team will take the opportunity to look at the training delivery at the same time as this has been discussed considerably by the regular officer trainers and the specials associate trainers recently.

[Monotone]

I stand corrected!

[CJay]

Not that I would want to contradict the knowledgable Monotone but the reason for closing is to change the whole recruitment process. This will take into account some of the recommendations of the National Strategy and also the recent Specials and Volunteers Strategic review and will hopefully leave us with a more efficient and streamlined recruitment process with probably the biggest benefit being the vastly reduced timeline.
I have no doubt however that the Corporate Learning and Development (CLaD) team will take the opportunity to look at the training delivery at the same time as this has been discussed considerably by the regular officer trainers and the specials associate trainers recently.

Good information thanks!

[JulietwiskeyWSM]

So... What about people that have got to the stage of awaiting medical dates etc... Will they still be taken on in new year or just put in the bank/on hold etc?

[Ian1975]

Those that are awaiting medicals etc will be ok. The recruitment freeze is to allow us to clear all those who are currently in the system, before commencing with the changes that will be implented (short version)

[JulietwiskeyWSM]

Those that are awaiting medicals etc will be ok. The recruitment freeze is to allow us to clear all those who are currently in the system, before commencing with the changes that will be implented (short version)

Ok thanks for you're reply

[mccarthyuk@]

Hi,

I'm booked in for an Open Evening next week in Weston.. I know its at a massively early stage, But are the odds of me progressing any further in the process anytime soon slim?

Thanks.

Edited by Gelf, 23 November 2011 - 08:18 PM.

[CJay]

Hi,

I'm booked in for a Open Evening next week in Weston.. I know its at a massively early stage, But are the odds of me progressing any further in the process anytime soon slim?

Thanks.

I'm not going to give you a definate yes or no, but i'd imagine you will be looking at a Summer 2012 process as that is when it's re-opening, you might get to do all the admin and initial stages, PIRT/Interview etc
That's me hazarding a guess so don't take my word for it, but i'd assume you might get to do that at least.

[Ian1975]

Im amazed at how many people know when recruitment will be opening, especially as the new initial training programme hasn't been compiled yet, and is still requires work.

Those that are currently in the system should not be affected, there will be a January course and an end of April course. No more dates have yet been confirmed at this stage.

Please guys unless you know exactly what is going on please don't speculate and give advice. It amazes me the amount of people who have done one module are now experts on the recruitment procedures and know more than those who are actually involved in this.
Rant over!

Edited by Gelf, 23 November 2011 - 08:21 PM.

[mccarthyuk@]

Excellent.
Thanks for the info.

Edited by mccarthyuk@, 23 November 2011 - 12:19 PM.

[Woody]

Im amazed at how many people know when recruitment will be opening, especially as the new initial training programme hasn't been compiled yet, and is still requires work.

Those in are currently in the system should not be affected, there will be a January course and a end of April course. No more dates have yet been confirmed at this stage.

Please guys unless you know exactly what is going on please don't speculate and give advice. It amazes me the amount of people who have done one module are now experts on the recruitment procedures and know more than those who are actually involved in this.
Rant over!

So is it re-opening in summer 2012 or not?

[Ian1975]

wait and see

[Gelf]

So is it re-opening in summer 2012 or not?

It will reopen when the applications we have in the system at the moment are all sorted out and we are happy with the recruitment and training process so that we can start again with a fresh run of the new system. That will take as long as it takes. At the moment there is no time frame set for it other than "we are going as fast as we can"

[Woody]

It will reopen when the applications we have in the system at the moment are all sorted out and we are happy with the recruitment and training process so that we can start again with a fresh run of the new system. That will take as long as it takes. At the moment there is no time frame set for it other than "we are going as fast as we can"

Well that's not good enough, after all is what you get paid for!! Oh hang on....

[Threestripes]

Next SC recruitment is now scheduled to reopen...........1st December 2012........based on current information.....

[Tom72]

Wow that is a LONG way off. wasn't expecting that if I'm honest. Must be a lot of people to process I suppose

[Bristol-morse]

Who told you that Threestripes??

Edited by Bristol-morse, 06 April 2012 - 09:40 AM.