Common Recruitment Terms Explained: A Simple Guide for Job Applicants

Getting lost in all the jargon being used throughout your recruitment process? This article will get up to speed!

When applying for jobs in health, social care, education, or public services, you may come across terms and abbreviations that are unfamiliar. This page explains common recruitment terms in clear, simple language to help you feel more confident during the application and onboarding process.

    CQC (Care Quality Commission)

    The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and social care services in England. They inspect and monitor services to make sure people receive safe, effective, and high-quality care.


     CQC assess services using five key standards:

    • Safe – people are protected from harm
    • Effective – care and support achieve good outcomes
    • Caring – staff treat people with kindness and respect
    • Responsive – services meet people’s needs
    • Well-led – leadership and management support high-quality care

    Understanding CQC standards is helpful when applying for health and social care roles, as employers often align their values and expectations with these principles.

      What tax code will I get when I start a new job?

      Your tax code depends on your circumstances, including whether this is your only job or if you have other income. If you do not have a P45, your employer will use the details you provide on a Starter Checklist to apply the correct tax code.

        If you are starting an NHS or care role in Surrey, this is a normal part of the onboarding process.

        Ofsted

        Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. They inspect and regulate services that provide education and training for learners of all ages.

           Ofsted assesses organisations across four key areas:

          • Quality of education
          • Behaviour and attitudes
          • Personal development
          • Leadership and management

          These areas are often referenced in job descriptions and interviews within education and children’s services roles. 

          Safer Recruitment

          Safer Recruitment refers to a set of practices used to help ensure that people who work with children and young people are suitable for their roles.

          This process includes checks such as identity verification, references, and background checks. It was introduced to reduce the risk of harm and promote safe working environments.

          You may hear this term during the recruitment or onboarding process, particularly for roles involving children or vulnerable individuals. 

          RTW (Right to Work)

           RTW stands for Right to Work. Employers are legally required to check that a person has the right to work in the UK before employment begins.

          This usually involves providing original identification documents, such as a passport or visa. These checks are a standard part of the recruitment process and apply to most roles. 

          Data Protection

           Data protection refers to how personal information is handled, stored, and used. In the UK, this is governed by the Data Protection Act 2018.

          Everyone who works with personal data has a responsibility to ensure it is:

          • used fairly and lawfully
          • kept secure
          • only shared when necessary

          You may be asked about data protection awareness during applications or training. 

            GDPR

            GDPR stands for General Data Protection Regulation. It sets rules for how organisations can collect, process, and store personal data about identifiable individuals.

            GDPR applies to organisations operating within the UK and EU, as well as those providing services to EU citizens. Understanding GDPR is important in roles that involve handling personal or sensitive information. 

            Explore Opportunities and Get Support

            Surrey Talent Hub supports candidates throughout the recruitment process, from understanding key terms to applying for roles across Surrey. 

             If you have questions about recruitment processes or terminology, email us at syheartlandsicb.nwstalenthub@nhs.net 

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