Recruitment FAQs.

The role of a recruitment agency is to act as a go-between between jobseekers and employers. A recruitment agency will match a jobseeker to suitable vacancies, negotiate the terms of the contract, ensure the candidate is fully compliant and handle all the paperwork on the candidates behalf. 

For candidates, the benefits of using a recruitment agency is that the recruiter will work on your behalf to secure you a new job. The service is entirely free for candidates and a good recruitment agency will support candidates with CV and interview advice. 

To register, simply visit our registration page.

By registering and uploading your CV, our consultants can contact you as soon as a suitable job becomes available; often, this can be before it is posted online which means you can be one step ahead of other applicants. 

By registering, you can also set up job alerts to be emailed about new positions. You can also set up preferences so you are only contacted about jobs which you would like to hear about. 

If you work in one of the twelve specialisms which we operate in, we should be able to help!

The best course of action is to register and upload your CV. Once registered, your CV will be directed to the most relevant consultant and they will contact you when a suitable vacancy becomes available.

Yes! You can send your CV using our Quick CV Drop or by registering. 

Once registered, your CV will be directed to the most relevant consultant and they will contact you when a suitable vacancy becomes available.

On each individual job advert, there is a lilac ‘Apply’ button. By clicking on this button, it will lead you through the steps to complete the application. 

Working in your first contracting job can seem daunting but it’s all fairly straightforward.

Simply give us a call on 01772 954200 and we can talk you through the whole process. 

There are many advantages to being a contractor, the number one often being the financial benefits.

Due to the flexible nature of the work, contractors can command higher rates of pay, sometimes up to three times what a PAYE employee would earn.

Rates of pay will depend on your skills and experience. 

If you have applied for a vacancy but haven’t heard anything back, the job vacancy might still be live. If this is the case, the consultant could go through all the applications once the position has closed.  

It could also be the case that on this occasion, you were unsuitable for the role. If another suitable role becomes available, we will get in contact with you. 

Absolutely. You can apply for as many suitable jobs as you would like. 

This can completely depend on the sector you work in, your skills and experience and the jobs which are currently available.

Unfortunately not. You must have a valid work permit to apply for any of our roles.

Our compliance team will ask for evidence of your right to work in the UK during the recruitment process.  

This includes your passport, proof of National Insurance and two proofs of address dated within 3 months of first contact.
 

Yes. You will be required to declare any pending or previous prosecutions or convictions. In some instances, an employer will require a DBS.

We strongly believe that every job applicant should have equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation and any other factors which could be discriminated against. 

We furthermore believe that as recruiters, it is our obligation to interrupt any bias which occurs during the recruitment process.

More information about equal opportunities can be found in our diversity policy.

To candidates, our service is completely free of charge. 

We would never ask a candidate to pay a service fee, transfer cash or provide credit card details.

If someone has asked you to do this, you may be the victim of a recruitment scam. If something doesn’t look right, please call us straight away and we can advise accordingly.  

Our office is located in sunny Preston but we have an established presence across the whole of the UK.

Spencer Clarke Group is committed to respecting and protecting your privacy. Any personal or sensitive information will be stored in secure servers and we will comply with current data protection laws at all times. 

Discover more in our privacy policy. 

If you would like your personal data removed from Spencer Clarke Group databases, you can request that here.

For an interview, you should dress smart to make a good first impression. Ensure your clothes are appropriate, well fitted and ironed. 

For more interview tips, check out our Career Hub. 

If you are a current agency worker, please contact your consultant and notify them of any changes. 

If you are not one of our agency workers but you are registered on the Spencer Clarke Group website, any changes in circumstance can be made in your portal. 

Yes. Failure to complete a timesheet could result in you not being paid. Please speak with your consultant if you are unsure about anything. 

If your bank details have changed, please notify your consultant immediately. 

If your consultant is unavailable, please contact Georgia Parkinson on 01772 954200 or at gp@spencerclarkegroup.co.uk

Your consultant should be able to advise on any queries surrounding payroll. 

If your consultant is unavailable, please contact Georgia Parkinson on 01772 954200 or at gp@spencerclarkegroup.co.uk

Yes. Your consultant will be able to answer any questions you have surrounding umbrella companies.

If you can’t attend work for any reason, you should notify your SCG consultant and your direct line manager as soon as possible. 

If you are absent due to illness, it is your responsibility to keep everyone informed on the status of your illness and when you are likely to return to work. 

If you have a complaint, you can view our complaints procedure to find the appropriate course of action.

For employers, it can be extremely time consuming and challenging to find the perfect candidate for their vacancy. By outsourcing the task to a recruitment agency, employers can access high quality candidates in a shorter time frame. 

Good recruiters will also have specialist recruitment knowledge, an in-depth knowledge of their market, connections to great candidates and a focus on serving their client. 

We work in 12 specialisms across the public and private sector. 

• Accountancy & Finance
• Education & SEND
• Health, Social Care & Nursing
• Housing
• Corporate Functions
• Construction, Trades & Labour
• Property & Asset Management  
• Planning, Development & Regeneration 
• Highways, Infrastructure & Engineering
• IT & Digital
• HR & Workforce Development 
• Legal

Discover more about our specialisms.

If we have already worked with you previously, simply email over the job advertisement to your consultant. If we have any questions, we will get in touch with you. 

If you are new to Spencer Clarke Group, please contact us and we will connect you with the most suitable consultant. 

Your consultant will subsequently get in touch to discuss your job vacancy and the needs of your business. During this briefing call, your consultant will advise on the next steps. 

We pride ourselves on delivering a personal service so it’s important for us to understand your business needs, mission, values and culture. 

Only by understanding your business can we deliver candidates who will thrive within your workplace.

We utilise multiple methods to source the best candidates including job boards, social media, events, referrals and our own comprehensive database of candidates. 

We also heavily invest in a robust SEO and content marketing strategy to drive more candidates to our website which boosts our number of quality applications. 

There are many reasons why Spencer Clarke Group should be your recruitment agency of choice.  

• Our consultants extensive knowledge within their respective sectors is second to none which enables a quick and smooth recruitment process. 
• We have a wide pool of candidates who are ready to be placed including candidates not registered with other agencies. 
• We are 100% results driven. Our committed team goes above and beyond to ensure that we are always exceeding expectations. 
• We pride ourselves on being personable, friendly and approachable.

This will completely depend on the type of job role, your location and the skills and experience required. During the briefing call, your consultant will be able to advise on rough timescales for the project. 

If you have a complaint, you can view our complaints procedure to find the appropriate course of action.

In a nutshell, compliance is a string of checks which we as an agency will make to ensure that you are who you say you are, that you have the right to work in the UK and that there are no significant reasons as to why you can’t start your new role. 

A Recruitment Support Officer is a member of our team whose job it is to ensure that you are fully compliant before starting your new role. 

In the most extreme of scenarios, lives can be put at risk if a candidate is not thoroughly vetted before they commence their new role. 
In most cases, being compliant is a legal requirement which must be completed before you can commence work. 
Each employer may have a different set of requirements dependent on the nature of the job role.
 

We aim to get you fully compliant as soon as possible, in some cases before your interview. This will enable us to get you into your new role as soon as possible if you are offered the position.

This will largely depend on the types of documents required from you and how quickly you can send them to us but we aim to get you fully compliant within 3-4 days. 
Please allow additional time if we require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or additional references. 
 

It will vary from job role to job role but Spencer Clarke Group will always require:

• Proof of National Insurance (NI)
• Two proofs of address 
• Right to work in the UK
• Two references 

See below for more details. 
 

For proof of your right to work in the UK, we will need your passport, proof of National Insurance and two proofs of address dated within 3 months of first contact.

Spencer Clarke Group will always request two references with one of them being your most recent employer. We will always check that we have permission to contact your most recent reference. 
Depending on the job role, your new employer may also request additional references. 
Your dedicated Recruitment Support Officer will be able to advise on what is required from you. All documents provided will be stored on a secure portal.
 

If you do not have a passport, we will require your birth certificate, proof of National Insurance and photo ID.

As proof of address, we will accept the following:

• Utility bills e.g. gas, electricity, water, internet service provider (Mobile phone bills are not accepted)
• Council tax statement (Dated within the last 12 months)
• Student loan statement
• Bank or building society statement or letter that refers to an account, such as a charge notice. (Speculative letters without account numbers are not accepted)
• Mortgage statement (Dated within the last 12 months)
• Credit card statement
• Benefits statement e.g. child benefit, pension
• Central or local government, government agency, or local council documents giving entitlement e.g a documents from the Department for Work and Pensions, the Employment Service or HMRC
• A printed P45 or P60 (Dated within the last 12 months)
   

As proof of National Insurance, we will accept the following:

• National Insurance card
• P45 or P60
• Payslip
• Letter from HMRC
   

Some employers will require a DBS. Your Recruitment Support Officer will be able to advise if this is the case.

Your Recruitment Consultant will introduce your dedicated Recruitment Support Officer and advise on the next steps. 
If for any reason you can’t get hold of your Recruitment Consultant or Recruitment Support Officer, call us on 01772 954200 and someone will be able to assist you. 
 

No, our consultants have relationships with accountancy practices and businesses who regularly recruit all across the UK. We understand exactly what they are looking for so if you don’t see a role which suits on our jobs listing page, please do get in touch as you might be exactly what they are looking for!  
Our consultants tailor their approach based on the individual which we are working with.
 

All our consultants work with a variety of clients varying in size, industry and location within the UK. After we have understood your requirements, we can then make you aware of the firms which we work with and which are able to offer a role which you are seeking.

Over the years, our consultants have built up great working relationships with clients all over the UK. That means we have access to opportunities which we can present to you, which other agencies may not.

The accountancy and finance market can be extremely quick at times; after speaking to some candidates, we have had clients interested in meeting them within 24 hours. 
 

For us to be as effective as possible, we start with an in depth conversation, either over the phone, on Microsoft teams or Zoom, or face to face. 
During this conversation, we will get to know you! We find out what would interest you, your goals and aspirations, salary expectations and more. We do this so that when we present opportunities, we are confident that it is exactly what you are looking for. 
We will also need to check your right to work in the UK, along with proof of qualifications if applicable.
 

There is always a demand for skilled individuals. We understand what our clients are looking for and will be able to confidentiality advise you how likely we are to secure you a position which matches your requirements.

Absolutely not, all conversations that you have with our recruitment specialists are 100% confidential. We appreciate that your current employer may not be aware that you are looking to move and we definitely wouldn’t be the one to tell them!

We aim to get interview feedback within 24 hours of your interview taking place. Post interview, we will speak to you to gain your thoughts and feedback. In turn, we will relay this to the business/firm you have interviewed with to see what their thoughts are and what the next steps will be. 

Typically, yes, but this can be entirely dependent on the role you apply for. Every role will have the qualifications or skill sets required listed on the job advertisement.
To enhance your chances of being successful in the application process, highlight any certifications which are relevant to the role. For example, Microsoft Certified Dynamics 365 Developers will have a much better chance of being successful than those without any certifications.
 

Roles can start from £300 per day up to £1,000 per day depending on the skills required. Contracts can fall either inside or outside IR35.

At the very least, contracts can last for 3 months. However, they can last for up to 2-3 years depending on the project or requirements listed in the job advertisement.

Potentially! On the job advertisement, it will state the working arrangements whether it be on site, working from home or hybrid working. 

Full rights to work in the UK or a British Passport will always be required.

This will depend on the client. Most clients will supply equipment or have you work via a secure, encrypted online portal.
Data Protection is of the highest importance, so your commitment to GDPR legislation will always be expected.
 

If your limited company is turning over more than £85,000 per year, you must be VAT registered and unfortunately, we can not engage with those who aren’t.

We typically recruit for a number of roles (but it’s not limited to) including:

• RGN’S (Ward or Community based) - Band 5 – Band 8
• RMN’s (Ward or Community Based) - Band 5 – Band 8
• Healthcare Assistants (Band 2 – Band 4)
• Pharmacists/Pharmacy Techs
• Occupational Therapist
• Physiotherapists
• Admin/Business Support Officers
• PA’s/Medical Secretary’s
• Customer Service Assistants/Call Handlers
• HR Assistants through to HR Lead’s
• Transformational Change Leads/Organisational Change Leads/Directors
   

If you’re a nurse seeking a new opportunity and have never worked with Spencer Clarke Group before, we will offer you a £150 sign up bonus on completion of your first 2 weeks of work. Additionally, if you have any friends or colleagues who are looking for work, we will offer a (up to) £250* referral bonus once they have completed 12 weeks of work through Spencer Clarke Group. (*T’s & C’s apply)

Yes you can. However, a lot of the Trusts we work for require you to have at least 6 months previous qualified experience. In the meantime, we may be able to line you up with a job role which enables you to gain the required experience.

No we do not provide sponsorship – you must be eligible to work in the UK full time.

Yes you will but don’t worry - we are happy to pay for all the relevant training you will need, along with a DBS certificate. Most training can be completed online and done within a day.

Registration will usually take 2 to 4 days. You will initially need to provide us with your relevant documentation, along with some signed documents required to work in the NHS.
If your job role requires a DBS and you do not have one, we can process one for you which usually takes 5-7 days to clear.
 

Once the NHS has signed off all of your required documentation, you can start your new role almost immediately.

We typically recruit for a number of roles (but it’s not limited to) including: 

• Carpenters 
• Bricklayers 
• Electricians  
• Multi Skilled Tradesperson 
• Building Inspectors
• Painter & Decorators 
• Construction Site Managers 
• Plumbers 
• Assistant Site Managers 
• Grounds Maintenance Operatives
   

Unfortunately we will need a CV for you to apply. If you don’t have one, check out our handy CV Guide which is packed full of handy tips and advice to help you create one. 

This will totally depend on the nature of the client. We can advise you accordingly on a role by role basis. 

Unfortunately not. We use FCSA umbrella companies to process payments.

For most opportunities, you will need a CSCS card. However, we can advise you accordingly on a role by role basis.

For most opportunities, you will need a driving licence. However, we can advise you accordingly on a role by role basis.

This will depend on the role you're applying for. If you are unsure about what qualifications you may need before applying for a role, simply give us a call on 01772 954200 and one of our consultants will be able to advise accordingly.

It is most likely that you will need experience as the vacancies we have are specialist roles. Our consultants will be able to advise you accordingly on a role by role basis; simply call us on 01772 954200.

We typically recruit for a number of roles (but it’s not limited to) including:

• Asset Managers
• Head of Asset Managements
• Senior Estates Managers
• Facilities Managers
• Building Safety Managers
• Compliance Managers
• Principal Estates Surveyors
• Estates Surveyors
• Head of Estates 
• Asbestos Managers
   

Many of the opportunities we have are with local authorities and they will fall inside IR35. However we do also get opportunities which can fall outside of IR35. Our consultants will be able to advise you accordingly on a role by role basis.

We work with hundreds of local authorities, housing associations and private companies throughout the UK on a number of different projects. 

Some of them do, yes. Simply contact us to discover which roles can be worked on a remote or hybrid working model. 

As we sometimes work with clients on an exclusive basis, we don’t always advertise every role. In these circumstances, we will headhunt candidates on their behalf so it is in your best interest to register your CV if you are interested in a position with us.

It is most likely that you will need experience as the vacancies we have are specialist roles. Our consultants will be able to advise you accordingly on a role by role basis; simply call us on 01772 954200.

We typically recruit for a number of roles (but it’s not limited to) including:

• Street Lighting Engineers
• Highways Design Engineers
• Principal Highways Engineers
• Traffic Engineers
• Design Managers
• Infrastructure Managers
• Clerk of Works
• Head of Highways
• Drainage Engineers
• Structural Engineers
   

Many of the opportunities we have are with local authorities and they will fall inside IR35. However we do also get opportunities which can fall outside of IR35. Our consultants will be able to advise you accordingly on a role by role basis. 
 

We work with hundreds of local authorities, housing associations and private companies throughout the UK on a number of different projects. 

Some of them do, yes. Simply contact us to discover which roles can be worked on a remote or hybrid working model. 

As we sometimes work with clients on an exclusive basis, we don’t always advertise every role. In these circumstances, we will headhunt candidates on their behalf so it is in your best interest to register your CV if you are interested in a position with us.

It is most likely that you will need experience as the vacancies we have are specialist roles. Our consultants will be able to advise you accordingly on a role by role basis; simply call us on 01772 954200. 

We typically recruit for a number of roles (but it’s not limited to) including:

• Senior Planning Officers
• Heads of Planning
• Development Managers 
• Capital Works Project Managers
• Capital Delivery Managers
• Heads of Capital Programmes 
• Heads of Development 
• Regeneration Programme Managers
• Heads of Regeneration 
• Regeneration Project Managers
   

Many of the opportunities we have are with local authorities and they will fall inside IR35. However we do also get opportunities which can fall outside of IR35. Our consultants will be able to advise you accordingly on a role by role basis.

We work with hundreds of local authorities, housing associations and private companies throughout the UK on a number of different projects.

Some of them do, yes. Simply contact us to discover which roles can be worked on a remote or hybrid working model.

As we sometimes work with clients on an exclusive basis, we don’t always advertise every role. In these circumstances, we will headhunt candidates on their behalf so it is in your best interest to register your CV if you are interested in a position with us.

It is most likely that you will need experience as the vacancies we have are specialist roles. Our consultants will be able to advise you accordingly on a role by role basis; simply call us on 01772 954200. 

We recruit for a number of roles including:

• Teachers
• Teaching Assistants
• SEN Teaching Assistant
• Cover Supervisors
• Behaviour Managers
• Deputy Headteachers
• Headteachers
• School Administrators
• Exam invigilators
   

We work with a number of schools including:

• SEMH (PRU) Schools
• SEND Schools
• EYFS Schools
• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools
• FE Colleges
   

Depending on your circumstances, the criteria for registration and supporting documentation which we require can vary. However, broadly speaking, this is what we will ask for:

• A relevant degree level teaching qualification (or be in your final year of teacher training)
• Experience of classroom based teaching within the last 6 years
• A valid visa to work in the UK or hold an EU Passport
• Relevant proof of identification
• An enhanced DBS disclosure check

Where documents are required, you will need to provide these to us for verification. These will only need to be supplied after a registration has been arranged.
All candidates registering for work in schools must also undergo a face-to-face interview before attending a school. 
 

Depending on your circumstances, the criteria for registration and supporting documentation which we require can vary. However, broadly speaking, this is what we will ask for:

• Classroom based or carer experience within the last 2 years
• A valid visa to work in the UK or hold an EU Passport
• Relevant proof of identification
• An enhanced DBS disclosure check

Where documents are required, you will need to provide these to us for verification. These will only need to be supplied after a registration has been arranged.
All candidates registering for work in schools must also undergo a face-to-face interview before attending a school.
 

No - registering with Spencer Clarke Group is free. 
The only payment which you may need to make is for a DBS check. The fee for this check is £51.99 and it is charged by the DBS. 
However, if you currently have a valid DBS disclosure and are registered with the update service, we may be able to accept this without having to run a new check.
 

Yes you can. We regularly register final year students who are looking to earn some extra income before starting a full time position. We can also help final year students find their first teaching position.

Firstly, you will need to register with us and provide all relevant documentation. As soon as your file is clear with DBS, ID and references, you could be working in as little time as the next day. 
It all depends on how quickly we can obtain your references and await a DBS. We always ask candidates to be as proactive as they can, chasing references and sending all documents in order to help speed up the process.
 

Yes! A lot of our candidates come straight from University where they have studied for a relevant degree. For example, psychology graduates are sought after within our SEND Schools where they are happy to provide training.

As long as we have received a signed/approved timesheet for work completed, Spencer Clarke Group will process funds for payment on a weekly basis.

Teachers and support staff pay rates are based on experience, qualifications and the roles you undertake. On registration with Spencer Clarke Group, we will take this all into account and ensure you receive competitive rates of pay that you are entirely satisfied with.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. 

For the majority of our Local Authority SEND Roles, managers usually ask for a minimum of 1 years’ experience working for a team previously. As the roles require the workers to hit the ground running, there is very little time for training so it’s essential you have Local Authority experience or significant experience within SEND at a senior level.

You can expect interim contract lengths of 6-9 months and sometimes even longer! It’s very dependent on the Local authorities needs as there isn’t a one size fits all model when it comes to interim contracting. 
Don’t worry though, as the contract comes to an end, we will be in touch with the team to see if they are extending the contract. If they aren’t, we will work on finding you your next perfect role! Our specialist consultants pride themselves on offering contractors continuous employment and it’s always at the forefront of our minds here at Spencer Clarke Group.
 

In some cases, yes you can! Many of our clients allow workers to carry out their work completely remotely. This isn’t always the case though as some clients prefer having the worker in the office from time to time. If you’re looking for something which is fully remote, simply enquire with one of our consultants who will be happy to help find you what you’re looking for!

Every council has different requirements and needs and some are more urgent than others. Generally speaking, a notice period of 4 weeks isn’t a problem - however, always check with the consultant looking after the vacancy to see when the proposed start date is.

Part time roles are few and far between; a lot of our clients have requirements due to long term sickness/absence or require additional support to ease pressures within their service. This usually means that they are looking for full time workers to join their team. 
We do get the odd part time opportunity but they are not as frequent and regular as the full time working opportunities which we can offer.
 

We recruit for a number of roles including:

• SEND Officers
• EHCP Writers 
• EHCP Coordinators 
• Educational Psychologists
• Heads of Education 
• Senior SEND Practitioners
   

We work with local authorities all over the UK. If you have a specific Local Authority which you would like to join, please get in touch with us to discuss further.

Employees of Spencer Clarke Group will have work email addresses which are the employees initials followed by @spencerclarkegroup.co.uk.

For example, Richard Shorrocks email address is rs@spencerclarkegroup.co.uk and Matt Byrne-Frasers is mbf@spencerclarkegroup.co.uk

All our employees and their work email addresses can be found on our Meet the Team pages.

If you are contacted by someone and their email address does not match what is on our website, please do not respond. We would also appreciate it if you could contact us so we can take a look into it.

Spencer Clarke Group will never ask a candidate to pay a service fee, transfer cash or provide credit card details.
The only payment which you could need to pay is for a DBS check but this fee is paid directly to DBS. Our consultants will point you in the right direction for DBS checks. If something doesn’t look right, please call us straight away and we can advise accordingly.
 

The role of a recruitment agency is to act as a go-between between jobseekers and employers. A recruitment agency will match a jobseeker to suitable vacancies, negotiate the terms of the contract, ensure the candidate is fully compliant and handle all the paperwork on the candidates behalf. 

For candidates, the benefits of using a recruitment agency is that the recruiter will work on your behalf to secure you a new job. The service is entirely free for candidates and a good recruitment agency will support candidates with CV and interview advice. 

To register, simply visit our registration page.

By registering and uploading your CV, our consultants can contact you as soon as a suitable job becomes available; often, this can be before it is posted online which means you can be one step ahead of other applicants. 

By registering, you can also set up job alerts to be emailed about new positions. You can also set up preferences so you are only contacted about jobs which you would like to hear about. 

If you work in one of the twelve specialisms which we operate in, we should be able to help!

The best course of action is to register and upload your CV. Once registered, your CV will be directed to the most relevant consultant and they will contact you when a suitable vacancy becomes available.

Yes! You can send your CV using our Quick CV Drop or by registering. 

Once registered, your CV will be directed to the most relevant consultant and they will contact you when a suitable vacancy becomes available.

On each individual job advert, there is a lilac ‘Apply’ button. By clicking on this button, it will lead you through the steps to complete the application. 

Working in your first contracting job can seem daunting but it’s all fairly straightforward.

Simply give us a call on 01772 954200 and we can talk you through the whole process. 

There are many advantages to being a contractor, the number one often being the financial benefits.

Due to the flexible nature of the work, contractors can command higher rates of pay, sometimes up to three times what a PAYE employee would earn.

Rates of pay will depend on your skills and experience. 

If you have applied for a vacancy but haven’t heard anything back, the job vacancy might still be live. If this is the case, the consultant could go through all the applications once the position has closed.  

It could also be the case that on this occasion, you were unsuitable for the role. If another suitable role becomes available, we will get in contact with you. 

Absolutely. You can apply for as many suitable jobs as you would like. 

This can completely depend on the sector you work in, your skills and experience and the jobs which are currently available.

Unfortunately not. You must have a valid work permit to apply for any of our roles.

Our compliance team will ask for evidence of your right to work in the UK during the recruitment process.  

This includes your passport, proof of National Insurance and two proofs of address dated within 3 months of first contact.
 

Yes. You will be required to declare any pending or previous prosecutions or convictions. In some instances, an employer will require a DBS.

We strongly believe that every job applicant should have equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation and any other factors which could be discriminated against. 

We furthermore believe that as recruiters, it is our obligation to interrupt any bias which occurs during the recruitment process.

More information about equal opportunities can be found in our diversity policy.

To candidates, our service is completely free of charge. 

We would never ask a candidate to pay a service fee, transfer cash or provide credit card details.

If someone has asked you to do this, you may be the victim of a recruitment scam. If something doesn’t look right, please call us straight away and we can advise accordingly.  

Our office is located in sunny Preston but we have an established presence across the whole of the UK.

Spencer Clarke Group is committed to respecting and protecting your privacy. Any personal or sensitive information will be stored in secure servers and we will comply with current data protection laws at all times. 

Discover more in our privacy policy. 

If you would like your personal data removed from Spencer Clarke Group databases, you can request that here.

For an interview, you should dress smart to make a good first impression. Ensure your clothes are appropriate, well fitted and ironed. 

For more interview tips, check out our Career Hub. 

If you are a current agency worker, please contact your consultant and notify them of any changes. 

If you are not one of our agency workers but you are registered on the Spencer Clarke Group website, any changes in circumstance can be made in your portal. 

Yes. Failure to complete a timesheet could result in you not being paid. Please speak with your consultant if you are unsure about anything. 

If your bank details have changed, please notify your consultant immediately. 

If your consultant is unavailable, please contact Georgia Parkinson on 01772 954200 or at gp@spencerclarkegroup.co.uk

Your consultant should be able to advise on any queries surrounding payroll. 

If your consultant is unavailable, please contact Georgia Parkinson on 01772 954200 or at gp@spencerclarkegroup.co.uk

Yes. Your consultant will be able to answer any questions you have surrounding umbrella companies.

If you can’t attend work for any reason, you should notify your SCG consultant and your direct line manager as soon as possible. 

If you are absent due to illness, it is your responsibility to keep everyone informed on the status of your illness and when you are likely to return to work. 

If you have a complaint, you can view our complaints procedure to find the appropriate course of action.

For employers, it can be extremely time consuming and challenging to find the perfect candidate for their vacancy. By outsourcing the task to a recruitment agency, employers can access high quality candidates in a shorter time frame. 

Good recruiters will also have specialist recruitment knowledge, an in-depth knowledge of their market, connections to great candidates and a focus on serving their client. 

We work in 12 specialisms across the public and private sector. 

• Accountancy & Finance
• Education & SEND
• Health, Social Care & Nursing
• Housing
• Corporate Functions
• Construction, Trades & Labour
• Property & Asset Management  
• Planning, Development & Regeneration 
• Highways, Infrastructure & Engineering
• IT & Digital
• HR & Workforce Development 
• Legal

Discover more about our specialisms.

If we have already worked with you previously, simply email over the job advertisement to your consultant. If we have any questions, we will get in touch with you. 

If you are new to Spencer Clarke Group, please contact us and we will connect you with the most suitable consultant. 

Your consultant will subsequently get in touch to discuss your job vacancy and the needs of your business. During this briefing call, your consultant will advise on the next steps. 

We pride ourselves on delivering a personal service so it’s important for us to understand your business needs, mission, values and culture. 

Only by understanding your business can we deliver candidates who will thrive within your workplace.

We utilise multiple methods to source the best candidates including job boards, social media, events, referrals and our own comprehensive database of candidates. 

We also heavily invest in a robust SEO and content marketing strategy to drive more candidates to our website which boosts our number of quality applications. 

There are many reasons why Spencer Clarke Group should be your recruitment agency of choice.  

• Our consultants extensive knowledge within their respective sectors is second to none which enables a quick and smooth recruitment process. 
• We have a wide pool of candidates who are ready to be placed including candidates not registered with other agencies. 
• We are 100% results driven. Our committed team goes above and beyond to ensure that we are always exceeding expectations. 
• We pride ourselves on being personable, friendly and approachable.

This will completely depend on the type of job role, your location and the skills and experience required. During the briefing call, your consultant will be able to advise on rough timescales for the project. 

If you have a complaint, you can view our complaints procedure to find the appropriate course of action.

In a nutshell, compliance is a string of checks which we as an agency will make to ensure that you are who you say you are, that you have the right to work in the UK and that there are no significant reasons as to why you can’t start your new role. 

A Recruitment Support Officer is a member of our team whose job it is to ensure that you are fully compliant before starting your new role. 

In the most extreme of scenarios, lives can be put at risk if a candidate is not thoroughly vetted before they commence their new role. 
In most cases, being compliant is a legal requirement which must be completed before you can commence work. 
Each employer may have a different set of requirements dependent on the nature of the job role.
 

We aim to get you fully compliant as soon as possible, in some cases before your interview. This will enable us to get you into your new role as soon as possible if you are offered the position.

This will largely depend on the types of documents required from you and how quickly you can send them to us but we aim to get you fully compliant within 3-4 days. 
Please allow additional time if we require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or additional references. 
 

It will vary from job role to job role but Spencer Clarke Group will always require:

• Proof of National Insurance (NI)
• Two proofs of address 
• Right to work in the UK
• Two references 

See below for more details. 
 

For proof of your right to work in the UK, we will need your passport, proof of National Insurance and two proofs of address dated within 3 months of first contact.

Spencer Clarke Group will always request two references with one of them being your most recent employer. We will always check that we have permission to contact your most recent reference. 
Depending on the job role, your new employer may also request additional references. 
Your dedicated Recruitment Support Officer will be able to advise on what is required from you. All documents provided will be stored on a secure portal.
 

If you do not have a passport, we will require your birth certificate, proof of National Insurance and photo ID.

As proof of address, we will accept the following:

• Utility bills e.g. gas, electricity, water, internet service provider (Mobile phone bills are not accepted)
• Council tax statement (Dated within the last 12 months)
• Student loan statement
• Bank or building society statement or letter that refers to an account, such as a charge notice. (Speculative letters without account numbers are not accepted)
• Mortgage statement (Dated within the last 12 months)
• Credit card statement
• Benefits statement e.g. child benefit, pension
• Central or local government, government agency, or local council documents giving entitlement e.g a documents from the Department for Work and Pensions, the Employment Service or HMRC
• A printed P45 or P60 (Dated within the last 12 months)
   

As proof of National Insurance, we will accept the following:

• National Insurance card
• P45 or P60
• Payslip
• Letter from HMRC
   

Some employers will require a DBS. Your Recruitment Support Officer will be able to advise if this is the case.

Your Recruitment Consultant will introduce your dedicated Recruitment Support Officer and advise on the next steps. 
If for any reason you can’t get hold of your Recruitment Consultant or Recruitment Support Officer, call us on 01772 954200 and someone will be able to assist you. 
 

No, our consultants have relationships with accountancy practices and businesses who regularly recruit all across the UK. We understand exactly what they are looking for so if you don’t see a role which suits on our jobs listing page, please do get in touch as you might be exactly what they are looking for!  
Our consultants tailor their approach based on the individual which we are working with.
 

All our consultants work with a variety of clients varying in size, industry and location within the UK. After we have understood your requirements, we can then make you aware of the firms which we work with and which are able to offer a role which you are seeking.

Over the years, our consultants have built up great working relationships with clients all over the UK. That means we have access to opportunities which we can present to you, which other agencies may not.

The accountancy and finance market can be extremely quick at times; after speaking to some candidates, we have had clients interested in meeting them within 24 hours. 
 

For us to be as effective as possible, we start with an in depth conversation, either over the phone, on Microsoft teams or Zoom, or face to face. 
During this conversation, we will get to know you! We find out what would interest you, your goals and aspirations, salary expectations and more. We do this so that when we present opportunities, we are confident that it is exactly what you are looking for. 
We will also need to check your right to work in the UK, along with proof of qualifications if applicable.
 

There is always a demand for skilled individuals. We understand what our clients are looking for and will be able to confidentiality advise you how likely we are to secure you a position which matches your requirements.

Absolutely not, all conversations that you have with our recruitment specialists are 100% confidential. We appreciate that your current employer may not be aware that you are looking to move and we definitely wouldn’t be the one to tell them!

We aim to get interview feedback within 24 hours of your interview taking place. Post interview, we will speak to you to gain your thoughts and feedback. In turn, we will relay this to the business/firm you have interviewed with to see what their thoughts are and what the next steps will be. 

Typically, yes, but this can be entirely dependent on the role you apply for. Every role will have the qualifications or skill sets required listed on the job advertisement.
To enhance your chances of being successful in the application process, highlight any certifications which are relevant to the role. For example, Microsoft Certified Dynamics 365 Developers will have a much better chance of being successful than those without any certifications.
 

Roles can start from £300 per day up to £1,000 per day depending on the skills required. Contracts can fall either inside or outside IR35.

At the very least, contracts can last for 3 months. However, they can last for up to 2-3 years depending on the project or requirements listed in the job advertisement.

Potentially! On the job advertisement, it will state the working arrangements whether it be on site, working from home or hybrid working. 

Full rights to work in the UK or a British Passport will always be required.

This will depend on the client. Most clients will supply equipment or have you work via a secure, encrypted online portal.
Data Protection is of the highest importance, so your commitment to GDPR legislation will always be expected.
 

If your limited company is turning over more than £85,000 per year, you must be VAT registered and unfortunately, we can not engage with those who aren’t.

We typically recruit for a number of roles (but it’s not limited to) including:

• RGN’S (Ward or Community based) - Band 5 – Band 8
• RMN’s (Ward or Community Based) - Band 5 – Band 8
• Healthcare Assistants (Band 2 – Band 4)
• Pharmacists/Pharmacy Techs
• Occupational Therapist
• Physiotherapists
• Admin/Business Support Officers
• PA’s/Medical Secretary’s
• Customer Service Assistants/Call Handlers
• HR Assistants through to HR Lead’s
• Transformational Change Leads/Organisational Change Leads/Directors
   

If you’re a nurse seeking a new opportunity and have never worked with Spencer Clarke Group before, we will offer you a £150 sign up bonus on completion of your first 2 weeks of work. Additionally, if you have any friends or colleagues who are looking for work, we will offer a (up to) £250* referral bonus once they have completed 12 weeks of work through Spencer Clarke Group. (*T’s & C’s apply)

Yes you can. However, a lot of the Trusts we work for require you to have at least 6 months previous qualified experience. In the meantime, we may be able to line you up with a job role which enables you to gain the required experience.

No we do not provide sponsorship – you must be eligible to work in the UK full time.

Yes you will but don’t worry - we are happy to pay for all the relevant training you will need, along with a DBS certificate. Most training can be completed online and done within a day.

Registration will usually take 2 to 4 days. You will initially need to provide us with your relevant documentation, along with some signed documents required to work in the NHS.
If your job role requires a DBS and you do not have one, we can process one for you which usually takes 5-7 days to clear.
 

Once the NHS has signed off all of your required documentation, you can start your new role almost immediately.

We typically recruit for a number of roles (but it’s not limited to) including: 

• Carpenters 
• Bricklayers 
• Electricians  
• Multi Skilled Tradesperson 
• Building Inspectors
• Painter & Decorators 
• Construction Site Managers 
• Plumbers 
• Assistant Site Managers 
• Grounds Maintenance Operatives
   

Unfortunately we will need a CV for you to apply. If you don’t have one, check out our handy CV Guide which is packed full of handy tips and advice to help you create one. 

This will totally depend on the nature of the client. We can advise you accordingly on a role by role basis. 

Unfortunately not. We use FCSA umbrella companies to process payments.

For most opportunities, you will need a CSCS card. However, we can advise you accordingly on a role by role basis.

For most opportunities, you will need a driving licence. However, we can advise you accordingly on a role by role basis.

This will depend on the role you're applying for. If you are unsure about what qualifications you may need before applying for a role, simply give us a call on 01772 954200 and one of our consultants will be able to advise accordingly.

It is most likely that you will need experience as the vacancies we have are specialist roles. Our consultants will be able to advise you accordingly on a role by role basis; simply call us on 01772 954200.

We typically recruit for a number of roles (but it’s not limited to) including:

• Asset Managers
• Head of Asset Managements
• Senior Estates Managers
• Facilities Managers
• Building Safety Managers
• Compliance Managers
• Principal Estates Surveyors
• Estates Surveyors
• Head of Estates 
• Asbestos Managers
   

Many of the opportunities we have are with local authorities and they will fall inside IR35. However we do also get opportunities which can fall outside of IR35. Our consultants will be able to advise you accordingly on a role by role basis.

We work with hundreds of local authorities, housing associations and private companies throughout the UK on a number of different projects. 

Some of them do, yes. Simply contact us to discover which roles can be worked on a remote or hybrid working model. 

As we sometimes work with clients on an exclusive basis, we don’t always advertise every role. In these circumstances, we will headhunt candidates on their behalf so it is in your best interest to register your CV if you are interested in a position with us.

It is most likely that you will need experience as the vacancies we have are specialist roles. Our consultants will be able to advise you accordingly on a role by role basis; simply call us on 01772 954200.

We typically recruit for a number of roles (but it’s not limited to) including:

• Street Lighting Engineers
• Highways Design Engineers
• Principal Highways Engineers
• Traffic Engineers
• Design Managers
• Infrastructure Managers
• Clerk of Works
• Head of Highways
• Drainage Engineers
• Structural Engineers
   

Many of the opportunities we have are with local authorities and they will fall inside IR35. However we do also get opportunities which can fall outside of IR35. Our consultants will be able to advise you accordingly on a role by role basis. 
 

We work with hundreds of local authorities, housing associations and private companies throughout the UK on a number of different projects. 

Some of them do, yes. Simply contact us to discover which roles can be worked on a remote or hybrid working model. 

As we sometimes work with clients on an exclusive basis, we don’t always advertise every role. In these circumstances, we will headhunt candidates on their behalf so it is in your best interest to register your CV if you are interested in a position with us.

It is most likely that you will need experience as the vacancies we have are specialist roles. Our consultants will be able to advise you accordingly on a role by role basis; simply call us on 01772 954200. 

We typically recruit for a number of roles (but it’s not limited to) including:

• Senior Planning Officers
• Heads of Planning
• Development Managers 
• Capital Works Project Managers
• Capital Delivery Managers
• Heads of Capital Programmes 
• Heads of Development 
• Regeneration Programme Managers
• Heads of Regeneration 
• Regeneration Project Managers
   

Many of the opportunities we have are with local authorities and they will fall inside IR35. However we do also get opportunities which can fall outside of IR35. Our consultants will be able to advise you accordingly on a role by role basis.

We work with hundreds of local authorities, housing associations and private companies throughout the UK on a number of different projects.

Some of them do, yes. Simply contact us to discover which roles can be worked on a remote or hybrid working model.

As we sometimes work with clients on an exclusive basis, we don’t always advertise every role. In these circumstances, we will headhunt candidates on their behalf so it is in your best interest to register your CV if you are interested in a position with us.

It is most likely that you will need experience as the vacancies we have are specialist roles. Our consultants will be able to advise you accordingly on a role by role basis; simply call us on 01772 954200. 

We recruit for a number of roles including:

• Teachers
• Teaching Assistants
• SEN Teaching Assistant
• Cover Supervisors
• Behaviour Managers
• Deputy Headteachers
• Headteachers
• School Administrators
• Exam invigilators
   

We work with a number of schools including:

• SEMH (PRU) Schools
• SEND Schools
• EYFS Schools
• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools
• FE Colleges
   

Depending on your circumstances, the criteria for registration and supporting documentation which we require can vary. However, broadly speaking, this is what we will ask for:

• A relevant degree level teaching qualification (or be in your final year of teacher training)
• Experience of classroom based teaching within the last 6 years
• A valid visa to work in the UK or hold an EU Passport
• Relevant proof of identification
• An enhanced DBS disclosure check

Where documents are required, you will need to provide these to us for verification. These will only need to be supplied after a registration has been arranged.
All candidates registering for work in schools must also undergo a face-to-face interview before attending a school. 
 

Depending on your circumstances, the criteria for registration and supporting documentation which we require can vary. However, broadly speaking, this is what we will ask for:

• Classroom based or carer experience within the last 2 years
• A valid visa to work in the UK or hold an EU Passport
• Relevant proof of identification
• An enhanced DBS disclosure check

Where documents are required, you will need to provide these to us for verification. These will only need to be supplied after a registration has been arranged.
All candidates registering for work in schools must also undergo a face-to-face interview before attending a school.
 

No - registering with Spencer Clarke Group is free. 
The only payment which you may need to make is for a DBS check. The fee for this check is £51.99 and it is charged by the DBS. 
However, if you currently have a valid DBS disclosure and are registered with the update service, we may be able to accept this without having to run a new check.
 

Yes you can. We regularly register final year students who are looking to earn some extra income before starting a full time position. We can also help final year students find their first teaching position.

Firstly, you will need to register with us and provide all relevant documentation. As soon as your file is clear with DBS, ID and references, you could be working in as little time as the next day. 
It all depends on how quickly we can obtain your references and await a DBS. We always ask candidates to be as proactive as they can, chasing references and sending all documents in order to help speed up the process.
 

Yes! A lot of our candidates come straight from University where they have studied for a relevant degree. For example, psychology graduates are sought after within our SEND Schools where they are happy to provide training.

As long as we have received a signed/approved timesheet for work completed, Spencer Clarke Group will process funds for payment on a weekly basis.

Teachers and support staff pay rates are based on experience, qualifications and the roles you undertake. On registration with Spencer Clarke Group, we will take this all into account and ensure you receive competitive rates of pay that you are entirely satisfied with.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. 

For the majority of our Local Authority SEND Roles, managers usually ask for a minimum of 1 years’ experience working for a team previously. As the roles require the workers to hit the ground running, there is very little time for training so it’s essential you have Local Authority experience or significant experience within SEND at a senior level.

You can expect interim contract lengths of 6-9 months and sometimes even longer! It’s very dependent on the Local authorities needs as there isn’t a one size fits all model when it comes to interim contracting. 
Don’t worry though, as the contract comes to an end, we will be in touch with the team to see if they are extending the contract. If they aren’t, we will work on finding you your next perfect role! Our specialist consultants pride themselves on offering contractors continuous employment and it’s always at the forefront of our minds here at Spencer Clarke Group.
 

In some cases, yes you can! Many of our clients allow workers to carry out their work completely remotely. This isn’t always the case though as some clients prefer having the worker in the office from time to time. If you’re looking for something which is fully remote, simply enquire with one of our consultants who will be happy to help find you what you’re looking for!

Every council has different requirements and needs and some are more urgent than others. Generally speaking, a notice period of 4 weeks isn’t a problem - however, always check with the consultant looking after the vacancy to see when the proposed start date is.

Part time roles are few and far between; a lot of our clients have requirements due to long term sickness/absence or require additional support to ease pressures within their service. This usually means that they are looking for full time workers to join their team. 
We do get the odd part time opportunity but they are not as frequent and regular as the full time working opportunities which we can offer.
 

We recruit for a number of roles including:

• SEND Officers
• EHCP Writers 
• EHCP Coordinators 
• Educational Psychologists
• Heads of Education 
• Senior SEND Practitioners
   

We work with local authorities all over the UK. If you have a specific Local Authority which you would like to join, please get in touch with us to discuss further.

Employees of Spencer Clarke Group will have work email addresses which are the employees initials followed by @spencerclarkegroup.co.uk.

For example, Richard Shorrocks email address is rs@spencerclarkegroup.co.uk and Matt Byrne-Frasers is mbf@spencerclarkegroup.co.uk

All our employees and their work email addresses can be found on our Meet the Team pages.

If you are contacted by someone and their email address does not match what is on our website, please do not respond. We would also appreciate it if you could contact us so we can take a look into it.

Spencer Clarke Group will never ask a candidate to pay a service fee, transfer cash or provide credit card details.
The only payment which you could need to pay is for a DBS check but this fee is paid directly to DBS. Our consultants will point you in the right direction for DBS checks. If something doesn’t look right, please call us straight away and we can advise accordingly.