To improve recruitment processes across HSC, a review of how recruitment waiting lists are managed has been completed. To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of waiting lists and improve the experience for those candidates on the waiting lists, several changes are being introduced to how waiting lists are managed across HSCNI.
These changes will apply only to positions advertised from the 1 April 2026 onwards. Any waiting lists created from a vacancy advertised before this date will continue to operate under the processes previously in place, unless otherwise stated in the job advert.
If you are currently on a waiting list, from a vacancy advertised before the 1 April 2026, the previous waiting list principles will still apply and no action is needed.
What is changing
1. Waiting lists to remain active for six months only.
Waiting lists created after 1 April 2026 will remain active for 6 months only, from the date of interview. After this, the waiting list will close, and you will need to apply for any further posts that would you like to be considered for.There may still be recruitment campaigns (for example Trust-wide or Regional campaigns) where waiting lists are created for 12 months. Where this is the case, applicants will be informed when the waiting list is being created.
2. Part-time waiting lists will be used for all posts less than 37.5 hours per week
Currently, part time vacancies are only matched to a waiting list where the post has the same or fewer hours than what was originally advertised, often resulting in multiple waiting lists being active for the same role and team, differing only slightly by hours. Under the new process, one waiting list will cover all part time hours. Part time is defined as posts where hours are less than 37.5 per week. Any future part-time vacancy for that role will be offered to this list, even if the hours are higher than the hours for the post which was originally advertised. For example, if you apply for a part time waiting list, where the initial role was 20 hours per week, you may also be considered for 15- or 25-hours roles. Please note that all communications relating to part time waiting lists will be issued by email only, there will be no phone call. This is so that we can offer candidates who prefer or require part time hours the flexibility to decide which positions suit their specific requirements. When a vacancy arises that matches the waiting list, the following process will apply:- All candidates on the waiting list will receive an email detailing the hours and the location of the post.
- Candidates will have a 72-hour deadline to respond if they are interested in being considered for the position.
- The highest ranked candidate on the waiting list who declares their interest in the role within the timeframe will be offered the position.
3. Candidates to remain in the same waiting list position after first declined offer
Previously, when an applicant refused 1 permanent position which matched their preferences; they were moved to the bottom of the waiting list, only being offered a second position after all candidates above them on the list refuse the post. From 1 April 2026, should a candidate on a waiting list decline their first job offer, they will now remain in the same position on the waiting list as per the rank order following their interview. If the candidate declines two permanent offers that match their preferences, they will be removed from the waiting list.Candidate Responsibility
It is the sole responsibility of the candidate to:- Ensure their contact details accurate on their HSC Jobs profile for the duration of the waiting list
- Ensure their preferences are correct and up to date for the duration of the waiting list
- Add to their list of accepted emails/ safe senders
- Regularly check their inbox and junk/ spam folders
- Reply to contact within the relevant time frames
- Monitor calls, voicemails and emails during the lifetime of a waiting list.