Kickstart Gateways have a difficult role as the conduit between Employers who want to begin recruiting as quick as possible and the DWP who want the data to be verified to the highest of quality. Once you make a submission to the DWP, you may not hear anything for weeks and will be praying all of your submissions get approved.
So we asked ourself the question: How do we guarantee the highest quality of data whilst reducing the time it takes employers to complete the application forms, contracts, and job vacancy templates?
First off, snail mail is dead. The cost and time associated with employers printing and posting documents is slow, laborious and most of the documents need to be in a digital format.
Adopt a digital system for each stage of the process. We have a great system designed specifically for Kickstart Gateways by Kickstart Gateways that gathers and automates all of the data needed but we have also seen other great examples. For example, one gateway uses a combination of online forms, excel spreadsheets and contract signing software. Yes, this is a bit of copying and pasting but it works for them and may be a solution for Gateways with a bit of tech know-how. What’s important is that we’re keeping it digital to reduce the time it takes employers to complete.
We also highly recommend using a system that enables you to gather all the information for the Job Vacancy Template that is mobile-friendly and with all the same validations. We do not encourage employers to use the word documents and instead auto-populate it from the information they have given us through our form as a word document are limited on mobile and for anyone who does not have the Microsoft licence.
Don’t be afraid of chasing employers. They could end up delaying an entire batch submission if they are not given firm deadlines and reminded as the deadline approaches. The Gateways we have spoken with often request the information within 7-14 days of sending it to the employer giving them plenty of time to chase up late-comers, improve their information and
send it all to the DWP in good time.
There is nothing wrong with putting an employer ‘on hold’ if they are delayed for any reason – We have noticed a few employers have requested a pause to recruitment due to the 3rd National Lockdown – just liaise with your local DWP account manager.
Finally, let employers know about the process from start-to-finish. Set their expectations that it can take anywhere from 4 – 6 weeks for DWP approval before they even begin the vacancy approval process. The DWP are getting quicker but it can apparently take 12 weeks or more from initial contact to placing a young person into the roles.
Be sure to join our Approved Kickstart Gateways LinkedIn group to share your experiences and get support with your applications.
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