Recruitment co-ordinator Review
at Devon County Council
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Recruitment
Exeter
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.6/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As a Recruitment Co‑ordinator, my role is to support the end‑to‑end recruitment process across the Council. I act as a key point of contact for recruiting managers, HR colleagues, and candidates, ensuring recruitment activity is carried out accurately, fairly, and in line with Council policies and timescales.
What I Do Day to Day
Recruitment Administration & Coordination
Coordinate vacancies from advert stage through to offer and onboarding.
Update and maintain recruitment records and data accurately.
Support the creation and processing of contracts, offers, and pre‑employment checks.
Ensure recruitment activity complies with Council policy and relevant employment legislation.
Supporting Hiring Managers
Act as the main point of contact for recruiting managers throughout the recruitment process.
Provide advice and guidance on recruitment procedures, timelines, and next steps.
Chase outstanding actions to keep recruitment moving and minimise delays.
Candidate Experience
Respond to candidate enquiries in a professional, friendly, and timely way.
Provide clear information to candidates at each stage of the recruitment process.
Support fair, inclusive, and transparent recruitment practices.
Systems & Data Management
Use HR and recruitment systems (such as iTrent and supporting tools) to update records, process changes, and report on activity.
Check data for accuracy to support payroll, reporting, and audit requirements.
Support colleagues with system queries where needed.
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
Work closely with HR Advisors, Employee Changes colleagues, Payroll, and Recruitment team members to resolve issues and improve processes.
Contribute to service improvements by identifying inefficiencies and suggesting practical solutions.
Support wider team projects and improvement work alongside my day‑to‑day duties.
Personal Organisation & Professional Development
Prioritise workload to manage multiple vacancies and deadlines at the same time.
Maintain high attention to detail while working at pace.
Actively engage in learning and development, including my HR Support Level 3 apprenticeship and End Point Assessment.
What I Do Day to Day
Recruitment Administration & Coordination
Coordinate vacancies from advert stage through to offer and onboarding.
Update and maintain recruitment records and data accurately.
Support the creation and processing of contracts, offers, and pre‑employment checks.
Ensure recruitment activity complies with Council policy and relevant employment legislation.
Supporting Hiring Managers
Act as the main point of contact for recruiting managers throughout the recruitment process.
Provide advice and guidance on recruitment procedures, timelines, and next steps.
Chase outstanding actions to keep recruitment moving and minimise delays.
Candidate Experience
Respond to candidate enquiries in a professional, friendly, and timely way.
Provide clear information to candidates at each stage of the recruitment process.
Support fair, inclusive, and transparent recruitment practices.
Systems & Data Management
Use HR and recruitment systems (such as iTrent and supporting tools) to update records, process changes, and report on activity.
Check data for accuracy to support payroll, reporting, and audit requirements.
Support colleagues with system queries where needed.
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
Work closely with HR Advisors, Employee Changes colleagues, Payroll, and Recruitment team members to resolve issues and improve processes.
Contribute to service improvements by identifying inefficiencies and suggesting practical solutions.
Support wider team projects and improvement work alongside my day‑to‑day duties.
Personal Organisation & Professional Development
Prioritise workload to manage multiple vacancies and deadlines at the same time.
Maintain high attention to detail while working at pace.
Actively engage in learning and development, including my HR Support Level 3 apprenticeship and End Point Assessment.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have genuinely enjoyed completing my apprenticeship and have found it a really positive and rewarding experience. It has given me the opportunity to develop my knowledge and confidence while continuing to carry out my role as a Recruitment Co‑ordinator. Being able to apply what I’ve learned directly into my day‑to‑day work has helped the learning feel relevant and worthwhile, rather than theoretical.
Throughout the apprenticeship, I’ve built a much stronger understanding of HR and recruitment processes, as well as how my role fits into the wider organisation. I’ve particularly valued the chance to work on real improvement projects, gain feedback from colleagues, and reflect on how I work. Overall, the apprenticeship has helped me grow both professionally and personally, and has increased my confidence in my abilities and future career progression.
Throughout the apprenticeship, I’ve built a much stronger understanding of HR and recruitment processes, as well as how my role fits into the wider organisation. I’ve particularly valued the chance to work on real improvement projects, gain feedback from colleagues, and reflect on how I work. Overall, the apprenticeship has helped me grow both professionally and personally, and has increased my confidence in my abilities and future career progression.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Through my apprenticeship, I have developed a wide range of new skills that have strengthened my confidence and effectiveness in my role as a Recruitment Co‑ordinator at Devon County Council. The apprenticeship has helped me move from simply completing tasks to understanding the reasoning, impact, and importance behind them.
One of the key skills I have developed is communication. I am now more confident when liaising with recruiting managers, HR colleagues, and candidates, ensuring information is clear, accurate, and tailored to the audience. I have improved my ability to explain processes, answer queries, and manage expectations in a professional and supportive way. This has had a positive impact on both candidate experience and working relationships with managers.
I have also strengthened my organisational and time‑management skills. Managing multiple vacancies, deadlines, and priorities has helped me become more structured and proactive in planning my workload. I now feel more confident balancing competing demands while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail, which is essential in a recruitment environment.
The apprenticeship has supported the development of my problem‑solving skills. I have learned how to identify issues within processes, consider different solutions, and work collaboratively with colleagues to resolve them. Being involved in improvement activities has helped me think more critically about how things are done and how services can be improved for both internal customers and candidates.
In addition, I have developed stronger technical and system knowledge, particularly in relation to HR and recruitment systems. I am more confident using systems to update records, process changes, and ensure data is accurate and compliant. I am also more comfortable supporting colleagues with system‑related queries.
Overall, the skills I have gained through my apprenticeship have helped me grow professionally, increased my confidence, and better prepared me for future career progression within HR and recruitment. The learning has been directly relevant to my role and has made a clear, positive impact on the way I work day to day.
One of the key skills I have developed is communication. I am now more confident when liaising with recruiting managers, HR colleagues, and candidates, ensuring information is clear, accurate, and tailored to the audience. I have improved my ability to explain processes, answer queries, and manage expectations in a professional and supportive way. This has had a positive impact on both candidate experience and working relationships with managers.
I have also strengthened my organisational and time‑management skills. Managing multiple vacancies, deadlines, and priorities has helped me become more structured and proactive in planning my workload. I now feel more confident balancing competing demands while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail, which is essential in a recruitment environment.
The apprenticeship has supported the development of my problem‑solving skills. I have learned how to identify issues within processes, consider different solutions, and work collaboratively with colleagues to resolve them. Being involved in improvement activities has helped me think more critically about how things are done and how services can be improved for both internal customers and candidates.
In addition, I have developed stronger technical and system knowledge, particularly in relation to HR and recruitment systems. I am more confident using systems to update records, process changes, and ensure data is accurate and compliant. I am also more comfortable supporting colleagues with system‑related queries.
Overall, the skills I have gained through my apprenticeship have helped me grow professionally, increased my confidence, and better prepared me for future career progression within HR and recruitment. The learning has been directly relevant to my role and has made a clear, positive impact on the way I work day to day.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Throughout my apprenticeship, I have received strong and consistent support from Devon County Council, which has played a key role in enabling me to successfully complete the programme. The support I have received has helped me balance my day‑to‑day role with my apprenticeship requirements and feel confident in my development.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Throughout my apprenticeship, I received a high level of support from Devon County Council, which helped me to successfully complete the programme while continuing in my role as a Recruitment Co‑ordinator. I was supported by my line manager and wider team, who encouraged my development and gave me the time and opportunity to complete my apprenticeship work alongside my day‑to‑day responsibilities. I felt able to ask questions, seek guidance, and discuss any challenges, which helped build my confidence and keep me motivated.
Devon County Council also supported my learning by allowing me to apply what I was learning directly into my role. This included using real work examples, taking part in improvement activities, and working collaboratively with colleagues across HR and Recruitment. Overall, the support I received made the apprenticeship a positive experience and helped me develop both professionally and personally.
Devon County Council also supported my learning by allowing me to apply what I was learning directly into my role. This included using real work examples, taking part in improvement activities, and working collaboratively with colleagues across HR and Recruitment. Overall, the support I received made the apprenticeship a positive experience and helped me develop both professionally and personally.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
During my apprenticeship, MBKB provided the learning programme and assessment structure that supported my development through the earlier stages of the qualification. The taught elements of the programme helped build my understanding of HR principles and allowed me to link learning back to my role within Devon County Council.
However, during the End Point Assessment (EPA) stage, I experienced a period where I felt largely unsupported and was required to manage this stage of the process independently. This was challenging, particularly due to the importance of the EPA and the level of guidance typically needed at this point of the apprenticeship.
When this became apparent, Devon County Council stepped in to provide additional support. My manager and colleagues offered reassurance, guidance, and practical help, ensuring I understood what was required and felt supported to move forward with confidence. This intervention made a significant difference and demonstrated the organisation’s commitment to supporting learners through their apprenticeship journey, even when external support was limited.
Overall, while the EPA stage was challenging, the support I received from Devon County Council ensured I was not left to manage this alone and helped me remain focused, motivated, and confident in completing my programme.
However, during the End Point Assessment (EPA) stage, I experienced a period where I felt largely unsupported and was required to manage this stage of the process independently. This was challenging, particularly due to the importance of the EPA and the level of guidance typically needed at this point of the apprenticeship.
When this became apparent, Devon County Council stepped in to provide additional support. My manager and colleagues offered reassurance, guidance, and practical help, ensuring I understood what was required and felt supported to move forward with confidence. This intervention made a significant difference and demonstrated the organisation’s commitment to supporting learners through their apprenticeship journey, even when external support was limited.
Overall, while the EPA stage was challenging, the support I received from Devon County Council ensured I was not left to manage this alone and helped me remain focused, motivated, and confident in completing my programme.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The support I received from Devon County Council has had a direct and positive impact on how I perform in my role as a Recruitment Co‑ordinator . Knowing that I was supported by my manager and wider team gave me the confidence to focus on my development while continuing to carry out my day‑to‑day responsibilities effectively. This reassurance helped reduce pressure and allowed me to work more confidently and independently.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Devon County Council offers a range of extra‑curricular, social, wellbeing, and development activities that allow staff to get involved beyond their core role and support wellbeing, connection, and personal development.
Coaver Club – Staff Social, Sports and Wellbeing Club
The Coaver Club is a long‑established staff club based at County Hall.
It is open to DCC employees and colleagues from partner organisations.
Activities and facilities include:
A daytime café
An evening bar
An on‑site gym
Sports teams and fitness classes
Social events such as quiz nights
Membership is optional and paid annually, with separate gym membership available.
Wellbeing Activities and Sessions
DCC promotes regular wellbeing sessions, including short, accessible workshops delivered via Microsoft Teams.
These sessions help staff understand what wellbeing support is available and how to access it.
Topics include mental health support, resilience, and wider wellbeing resources.
Sessions are open to a broad range of staff, including agency colleagues.
Staff Wellbeing Hub and Networks
DCC provides a Wellbeing Hub offering information and access to:
Wellbeing support
Employee Assistance Programme (where eligible)
Occupational health information
Staff networks and forums
These networks provide opportunities for staff to connect, share experiences, and support one another outside of day‑to‑day work activity.
Coaver Club – Staff Social, Sports and Wellbeing Club
The Coaver Club is a long‑established staff club based at County Hall.
It is open to DCC employees and colleagues from partner organisations.
Activities and facilities include:
A daytime café
An evening bar
An on‑site gym
Sports teams and fitness classes
Social events such as quiz nights
Membership is optional and paid annually, with separate gym membership available.
Wellbeing Activities and Sessions
DCC promotes regular wellbeing sessions, including short, accessible workshops delivered via Microsoft Teams.
These sessions help staff understand what wellbeing support is available and how to access it.
Topics include mental health support, resilience, and wider wellbeing resources.
Sessions are open to a broad range of staff, including agency colleagues.
Staff Wellbeing Hub and Networks
DCC provides a Wellbeing Hub offering information and access to:
Wellbeing support
Employee Assistance Programme (where eligible)
Occupational health information
Staff networks and forums
These networks provide opportunities for staff to connect, share experiences, and support one another outside of day‑to‑day work activity.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Devon County Council to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend Devon County Council as a place to work because of the strong level of support, development opportunities, and positive working culture I have experienced during my time here as a Recruitment Co‑ordinator. From the beginning, I have felt welcomed, supported, and valued, both as an employee and as a learner.
Devon County Council genuinely invests in its staff by encouraging learning, development, and career progression. Throughout my apprenticeship, I was supported to balance my role with my studies, and I was given opportunities to apply my learning directly into my day‑to‑day work. This made my development feel meaningful and helped me grow in confidence and capability.
The organisation also promotes a supportive and inclusive culture. I have always felt able to ask questions, seek advice, and raise concerns without judgement. When challenges arose, particularly during the EPA stage of my apprenticeship, Devon County Council stepped in to provide guidance and reassurance, reinforcing that staff wellbeing and success are taken seriously.
In addition, working for Devon County Council offers opportunities to work collaboratively with a wide range of teams and colleagues who are approachable, knowledgeable, and willing to help. This creates a positive working environment and a real sense of being part of something that makes a difference to the community.
Overall, Devon County Council is a supportive and nurturing employer that values its people, encourages development, and provides opportunities to grow. For these reasons, I would confidently recommend it to a friend looking for a role where they feel supported, developed, and appreciated.
Devon County Council genuinely invests in its staff by encouraging learning, development, and career progression. Throughout my apprenticeship, I was supported to balance my role with my studies, and I was given opportunities to apply my learning directly into my day‑to‑day work. This made my development feel meaningful and helped me grow in confidence and capability.
The organisation also promotes a supportive and inclusive culture. I have always felt able to ask questions, seek advice, and raise concerns without judgement. When challenges arose, particularly during the EPA stage of my apprenticeship, Devon County Council stepped in to provide guidance and reassurance, reinforcing that staff wellbeing and success are taken seriously.
In addition, working for Devon County Council offers opportunities to work collaboratively with a wide range of teams and colleagues who are approachable, knowledgeable, and willing to help. This creates a positive working environment and a real sense of being part of something that makes a difference to the community.
Overall, Devon County Council is a supportive and nurturing employer that values its people, encourages development, and provides opportunities to grow. For these reasons, I would confidently recommend it to a friend looking for a role where they feel supported, developed, and appreciated.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Devon County Council?
. Read the Job Description Properly (Not Just Once)
Devon County Council applications are strongly based on matching your experience to the job description and person specification.
Take time to understand what the role actually involves, not just the job title.
Highlight the key skills and behaviours they are asking for and make sure you address each one clearly in your application.
2. Use Real Examples From Your Work or Life
Applications are much stronger when you use real, practical examples, not general statements.
Instead of saying “I have good communication skills”, explain when, how, and who with.
Work examples are ideal, but volunteering, education, caring responsibilities, or transferable skills all count if they are relevant.
3. Show How You Meet the Criteria – Don’t Make Them Guess
Panels can’t assume anything.
If a criterion says “experience of working to deadlines”, spell out how you do this.
Use clear links between your experience and what the role is asking for.
A simple structure that works well:
Situation – what was happening
Action – what you did
Result – what the outcome was
4. Be Clear, Not Over‑Complicated
You don’t need fancy language.
Clear, straightforward answers are much easier to score well.
Short paragraphs and plain language work better than long blocks of text.
5. Talk About Values and How You Work With Others
Devon County Council roles often look at how you work, not just what you do.
Mention teamwork, supporting colleagues, being inclusive, or helping service users where relevant.
Showing awareness of working in a public‑service environment is a positive.
6. Double‑Check Before You Submit
This sounds basic, but it really matters.
Check spelling and grammar.
Make sure all sections are completed.
Re‑read your answers against the job description and ask yourself: “Have I clearly answered this?”
7. Don’t Be Put Off if You’re Not Successful First Time
Many people working at Devon County Council now were not successful on their first application.
Use feedback if it’s offered.
Each application helps you get better at explaining your experience.
Roles come up regularly, so persistence really does pay off.
8. Be Yourself, Not Who You Think They Want
Applications come across strongest when they sound genuine.
You don’t need to fit a “perfect mould”.
Honesty, reflection, and real examples stand out more than buzzwords.
Devon County Council applications are strongly based on matching your experience to the job description and person specification.
Take time to understand what the role actually involves, not just the job title.
Highlight the key skills and behaviours they are asking for and make sure you address each one clearly in your application.
2. Use Real Examples From Your Work or Life
Applications are much stronger when you use real, practical examples, not general statements.
Instead of saying “I have good communication skills”, explain when, how, and who with.
Work examples are ideal, but volunteering, education, caring responsibilities, or transferable skills all count if they are relevant.
3. Show How You Meet the Criteria – Don’t Make Them Guess
Panels can’t assume anything.
If a criterion says “experience of working to deadlines”, spell out how you do this.
Use clear links between your experience and what the role is asking for.
A simple structure that works well:
Situation – what was happening
Action – what you did
Result – what the outcome was
4. Be Clear, Not Over‑Complicated
You don’t need fancy language.
Clear, straightforward answers are much easier to score well.
Short paragraphs and plain language work better than long blocks of text.
5. Talk About Values and How You Work With Others
Devon County Council roles often look at how you work, not just what you do.
Mention teamwork, supporting colleagues, being inclusive, or helping service users where relevant.
Showing awareness of working in a public‑service environment is a positive.
6. Double‑Check Before You Submit
This sounds basic, but it really matters.
Check spelling and grammar.
Make sure all sections are completed.
Re‑read your answers against the job description and ask yourself: “Have I clearly answered this?”
7. Don’t Be Put Off if You’re Not Successful First Time
Many people working at Devon County Council now were not successful on their first application.
Use feedback if it’s offered.
Each application helps you get better at explaining your experience.
Roles come up regularly, so persistence really does pay off.
8. Be Yourself, Not Who You Think They Want
Applications come across strongest when they sound genuine.
You don’t need to fit a “perfect mould”.
Honesty, reflection, and real examples stand out more than buzzwords.
