FAQ
Please see below for the most commonly asked questions.
Q. I’ve accepted an offer of employment from you. What happens now?
A. Congratulations! We are looking forward to you joining us.
You’ve come successfully through our assessment and selection process but before you join us we now need to complete our pre-employment checks.
Once you have accepted your verbal offer of employment we will send you a conditional offer of employment pack. This will usually be sent to your email address with a link to our external vetting provider and also by post. In this pack will be your Conditional Offer letter, 2 copies of your Contract of Employment (one for you to keep, the other to sign and return to us in the envelope provided), forms for completion and summary of Rewards and Benefits.
We carry out pre-employment vetting checks using a third party provider (currently CV Insight), who support our vetting and referencing processes. They may contact you by email or telephone. Having a thorough pre-employment vetting and referencing process is a great way to ensure that we recruit the best people and build the best teams at every level.
We aim to complete our recruitment formalities within 2-3 weeks for standard vetting but can be up to 4-6 weeks for approved persons/regulated roles. Once all required checks are complete, including receipt of satisfactory references, you will receive a letter confirming that your offer is Unconditional and confirming your start date.
Our Recruitment team will keep you up to date with the progress of the vetting and referencing process and will be able to answer any immediate questions you may have.
Q. How can I find out what job opportunities there are at the Canada Life UK?
A. We have a variety of opportunities available. To see them, visit ‘Careers at Canada Life’.
Q. Do I need any specific qualifications?
A. This will depend on the role you have applied for. Job descriptions will outline the qualifications required for each role.
Q. Can I send my CV to Canada Life for employment?
A. If you are applying for a specific role, please apply using the online application form. If you are unable to find the role you are looking for we advise you to sign up for job alerts which will inform you when suitable jobs are registered.
Q. How do I apply for a position I have seen on the website?
A. Please follow the specific application instructions for the role you wish you apply for.
Q. How long will my details be kept by Canada Life?
A. Your personal details will be retained for a period of 12 months and then destroyed as part of our data purge
Q. How can I check my application has been received?
A. You will receive an automatic acknowledgement email confirming that your application has been received.
Q. What happens next in the application process?
A. After you have completed your online application form your application will be considered. If your application is shortlisted, you will usually be invited to a telephone interview as the first stage of the selection process.
Q: What if I have a disability that may affect my performance at any stage of the recruitment process?
A. Please let us know about any help you need as soon as possible before any interview or assessment event. We will work with you to make sure any appropriate support is in place.
If you require particular adjustments to support you application, such as alternative formats (e.g. braille or large print) or any building access requirements, please email HRRecruitment@canadalife.co.uk so we can plan ahead and ensure that your requirements are in place for your recruitment selection day.
Q. What is a reasonable adjustment?
A. A reasonable adjustment is an adjustment which aims to make sure that, as far as is reasonable, a disabled worker has the same access to everything that is involved in doing and keeping a job as a non-disabled person.
Q. What does ‘this role is subject to the Senior Managers, Senior Insurance Managers or Certification Regime’ mean?
A. The Regimes are designed to improve the accountability of the banking and insurance sectors with standards set by the industry regulators requiring the employer to take responsibility for the fitness and propriety of their employees.
Individuals who perform, or intend to perform certain roles must be assessed and certified when new to role, and reassessed annually. Depending on the role you are applying for, you may be covered by the regime in one of the following ways:
The Senior Managers Regime – applies to members of the Board and Group Executive Committee. Clear accountability in the event of a regulatory breach with onus on the individual to prove they took reasonable steps to prevent it.
The Senior Insurance Managers Regime - applies to members of the Insurance Board and Insurance Executive Committee, key function holders and certain other Insurance employees.
The Certification Regime – applies to roles where individuals could pose ‘significant harm’ to the bank and its customers e.g. Mortgage Advisers, Traders.
Conduct Rules – applies to all colleagues enhancing reinforcing the right behavioural standards.
Canada Life UK will ensure any person employed in a Senior Managers, Senior Insurance Managers or Certification role has the appropriate qualifications, training, competence and personal characteristics needed to perform their function effectively and enable sound and prudent management of the organisation.
If you’re applying for a role that is subject to the Senior Managers, Senior Insurance Managers or Certification Regime any offer of employment will be dependent on confirming you meet the regulators standards for honesty, integrity and reputation; competency & capability and financial soundness.
During your time in this role you will be required to complete an annual reassessment to confirm you meet the required standards, including periodic validation by means of a credit check, in order to remain in role.
Q. Do I need the unrestricted right to work in the UK?
A. Yes you do. This means you must have the unrestricted right to live and work in the UK. If you are unsure of your rights, please check the UK Borders Agency website on working in the UK www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/
Q. If my application is successful, what references will you take up?
A. Canada Life has partnered with CV Insight to perform all employment verification checks on our behalf. Checks on previous employment and academic references will be requested. This will vary dependent on the role for which you have been successful. Some roles may be subject to additional background checks.
Q. What is the working environment like?
A. We have 3 sites in the UK, each of which has its own unique environment. As part of the selection process you will be given the opportunity to visit your place of work and meet your new manager and colleagues. There is also some information on this website which will give you a flavour of the different job types we have available.
Q. What benefits might I expect from Canada Life UK?
A. Canada Life UK offers a comprehensive and competitive reward scheme. Please look at our Rewards and Benefits section for further details.
Q. Is there an age limit for joining the Canada Life UK?
A. No. Canada Life UK actively promotes diversity and encourages applications from all age groups. (Candidates must however be at least 16 years old).
Q. What is Canada Life’s commitment to recruiting diverse candidates?
A. We aim to be a place where everyone can achieve their potential and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. We believe in treating everyone, clients and colleagues, with dignity and respect – whatever their gender, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexuality or age.
Q. Is there a dress code?
A. Canada Life UK operates an optional casual dress code across all of our UK offices. As our industry often expects smart casual or business dress for external or client facing meetings, there may be times when you are required to adapt your dress accordingly.
Q. Why do you need my date of birth and what do you use it for?
A. Your date of birth will only be used for the purposes of identification and to ensure that you are of a legal age to work. This information is not used as part of our selection process or for decision-making purposes.
Q. What do I do if my question isn't answered in the FAQ section?
A. If we haven't been able to answer your question, please email us at HRRecruitment@canadalife.co.uk