Recruiting and Vetting procedures
Linsco undertake pro-active Candidate attraction strategies in order to successfully obtain qualified and experienced Candidates in the competitive market place.
It is essential to ensure that a constant flow of high calibre Candidates are available to enable us to provide a reliable and responsive service. A substantial amount of Candidates are gained through recommendation, and word of mouth and Linsco’s “recommend a friend” initiative.
Linsco embrace new technology and have a Candidate dedicated section on our website which includes online job search and applications. Optimisation of our website is an area of focus and substantial investment is made with Google search engine.
Over the past 12 months Linsco have utilised and continue to utilise major job boards such as Totaljobs, Monsterjobs, CV Library, Careers In Construction, Career Structure, Econstruction Works, Reed, Job Centre Plus and Just Construction, these enable our Consultants to obtain full internet coverage when advertising positions and searching for and screening CVs posted by thousands of online users. Linsco also regularly advertise in the local press nationwide, as well as specialist publications such as Construction News and Construction Journal.
Linsco invest in strategic advertising on a regular basis to increase Brand Awareness, we have ran a campaign across Nottingham City Transport and Taxis, to maximise company awareness.
We hold Recruitment events which have included open days at local Hotels and Job Centres. Along with performing on site work shops with companies who are making redundancies
Operative / Candidate Screening & Selection Process
Each Candidate is greeted and an initial telephone pre-screening is undertaken. After discussion with the Candidate we are able to assess which Consultant is likely to be of greatest benefit to them.
Depending on the Candidate’s parameters, an interview date and time is set. This interview can either be undertaken in our private facilities or for larger contracts we can conduct interviews on site.
Upon registration our experienced Consultants conduct an in-depth interview; these interviews are designed to evaluate each Candidate on their personal attributes as well as previous experience. Consultants are MREC qualified and fully trained to interview.
At registration, application forms are filled out and fully screened by our Consultants. All applicants are instructed to provide proof of identification (passport) and proof of eligibility to work in the UK (visa details if required). Copies of these are kept in the Candidate’s file.
Testing - Depending what skills are required for the role Candidates are tested using a specialist software package called “Prove It”, this can test on many computerised programs / skills.
After this pre-selection process, we discuss the various opportunities available, matching their individual needs to those of our Clients. After the registration meeting the Candidate’s details are entered onto our specialist database and all relevant documentation is attached. This facility gives us the ability to conduct detailed Candidate searches on such criteria as geographic location and specific skills sets, thus speeding up the recruitment process and minimising room for error.
Operative / Candidate Referencing
An integral part of our quality system is our rigorous reference checking procedure. Our Consultants are thoroughly trained on how to interview and our advanced database enables us to store all the Candidate information accurately. From our feedback forms and referencing system we can ensure that the quality of Candidates remains high.
Prior to any Candidate commencing a temporary assignment, verbal and written references are obtained wherever possible covering a minimum period of 2 years or the period fitting of an individual contracts’ requirements. We actively seek guidance from past employers regarding issues including:
- Reliability
- Timekeeping
- Honesty
- Cooperation
- Appearance
- Work performance
- Absence due to sickness
- Ability to do the work for which employed
Operative / Candidate ID Checks
Under Section 8 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, all employers in the United Kingdom have the responsibility to prevent illegal working. Linsco will not employ any worker who cannot legally work in the UK.
All Candidates are asked whether they have any criminal convictions on the Linsco registration form. Any convictions will be discussed with the Client before they are put forward for interviews. We do not discriminate against Candidates with spent convictions.
Upon induction to Linsco, our Consultants undergo thorough training with regards to Candidate Eligibility, they partake in a lengthy PowerPoint presentation which out lines the current legal ID requirements (as per the Home Office) and are issued literature for further reference.
We will not submit a Candidate to our Client Companies until we have received a copy of their signed Application Form (in which they are asked to declare that they are eligible to work in the UK). We also request Proof of ID (which we retain copies of) to support this.
Operative / Candidate Skill Checks
Linsco have set procedures for Candidate skills checking, our Consultants and Administrators have access to various Internet websites on which they are able to check the skills declared by the Candidate. We also request that copies of the relevant Certificates / Documentation are submitted to us and these are kept on the Candidates file to support their claims.
One of the websites that we use regularly to check Construction Skills Cards and Certificates is the CITB website - https://www.citb-constructionskills.co.uk/phoenix/login/login.asp - this site tells us whether the Candidate has qualifications relevant to their position, it also tells us if qualifications have expired, etc. We are keen to maintain our Platinum Postion with the CITB
CSCS Scheme
Linsco Ltd actively promotes the Construction Skills Certification Scheme by ensuring that all construction workers are educated about the scheme and offered the opportunity to gain the qualifications. As part of our commitment to the CITB we aim to have 100% of our “regular” temporary construction workforce registered for the scheme. We currently hold a Platinum Certficate for our Commitment to CSCS as audited by the CITB.
Linsco Ltd regularly advertises the fact that we have a CSCS scheme in operation in the local press and internet and see it as a benefit for all potential employees. All of our specialist Construction Consultants receive regular training and sit Health & Safety tests to ensure that they have sufficient knowledge to promote the scheme. Linsco Ltd regularly audit and review our CSCS registration scheme and to ensure that we adhere to our policy.
Security Screening - Special Projects
All Candidates are asked whether they have any criminal convictions on the Linsco registration form. Any convictions will be discussed with the client before they are put forward for interviews. We do not discriminate against Candidates with spent convictions. We can offer clients CRB checks if necessary utilising a Third Party checking process and we have a CRB policy available on request.
If Security clearance is required for Special Projects we request the appropriate clearance forms from our Clients and ensure that all sections are completed as requested.