Principal Designer / Design Manager (Energy)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Designer / Design Manager (Energy)

Company: WSP

Location: United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering / Design Management (Energy Sector)

Date Posted: November 04, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the statutory role of CDM Principal Designer for high voltage (HV) and extra-high voltage (EHV) substation projects, ensuring comprehensive health, safety, and welfare management throughout the design lifecycle.

• Coordinate and manage multidisciplinary design teams, suppliers, and contractors to deliver technically robust, compliant, and buildable substation solutions from 11kV up to 132kV.

• Oversee the entire design phase, including the development and review of technical specifications, design deliverables, and pre-construction information for new-build, refurbishment, and network reinforcement projects.

• Drive design governance and assurance, ensuring all design outputs meet stringent quality standards, contractual obligations, regulatory requirements, and client specifications.

• Manage design risks proactively through identification, assessment, elimination, and communication, fostering a culture of safety by design and operational resilience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a senior-level position within WSP's Networks Engineering team, focusing specifically on electrical transmission and distribution infrastructure. The "Principal Designer" title indicates a critical leadership and accountability function under the CDM regulations, requiring a deep understanding of both design principles and construction safety legislation. The scope of projects (11kV to 132kV substations) points to significant technical responsibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Undertake the statutory role of CDM Principal Designer for all assigned HV and EHV projects, ensuring full compliance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations and managing health, safety, and welfare risks effectively during the design stage.

• Lead and meticulously coordinate the project design phase, orchestrating multidisciplinary design teams, external suppliers, contractors, and key stakeholders to achieve safe, cohesive, and compliant design delivery.

• Oversee the comprehensive development and rigorous review of technical specifications and all design deliverables for substation upgrades, new build projects, and network reinforcement schemes, covering voltages from 11kV up to and including 132kV.

• Ensure that all proposed design solutions are not only technically sound and compliant but also practical to build, maintainable throughout their lifecycle, and strictly aligned with project objectives, program timelines, and allocated budget constraints.

• Proactively manage the design risk process, actively facilitating the identification, thorough assessment, elimination, reduction, and clear communication of all foreseeable health, safety, and operational risks across the entire project lifecycle.

• Conduct critical reviews and provide constructive challenges to designs generated by internal teams, clients, and external suppliers, verifying adherence to relevant legislation, industry standards, client-specific requirements, and established best practices.

• Prepare, maintain, and coordinate essential pre-construction information, and actively support the meticulous development of the Health and Safety File in strict accordance with CDM Regulations.

• Chair and facilitate crucial design review meetings, hazard identification workshops, and stakeholder engagement sessions to ensure seamless communication, effective collaboration, and timely resolution of all design-related issues.

• Provide robust design governance and assurance, confirming that all design outputs consistently meet defined quality standards and are delivered in full accordance with contractual agreements, regulatory mandates, and client expectations.

• Offer essential design leadership and support during the construction phase, effectively managing design changes, and ensuring any residual design risks are appropriately assessed and communicated to all relevant parties.

• Monitor and actively drive design performance against key metrics including programme adherence, quality benchmarks, safety targets, and commercial objectives, ensuring the overall success of project outcomes.

• Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal project teams, serving as a trusted advisor on all matters pertaining to CDM and design management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design leadership, regulatory compliance (CDM), project management, and stakeholder engagement. The emphasis on risk management and safety by design is paramount, reflecting the critical nature of energy infrastructure projects. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a strong ability to influence multidisciplinary teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Degree, HNC, or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering.

Experience: Significant experience in the design and delivery of High Voltage (HV) and Extra-High Voltage (EHV) electrical infrastructure projects. Proven experience undertaking the statutory role of Principal Designer under the CDM Regulations. Demonstrable experience leading and coordinating multidisciplinary design teams across all project design lifecycle stages. Experience managing the design of new substations, network reinforcement schemes, refurbishment, and retrofit projects of varying complexity. Experience preparing or reviewing cost estimates and design programmes, and managing design deliverables to meet quality, commercial, and programme objectives.

Required Skills:

• CDM Regulations Expertise: Proven experience as a CDM Principal Designer, with a comprehensive understanding of design risk management and construction health and safety requirements.

• HV/EHV Substation Design: Strong technical knowledge of HV and EHV substations, including Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) and Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) installations from 11kV up to and including 132kV.

• Multidisciplinary Team Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead, coordinate, and motivate multidisciplinary design teams throughout the entire project design lifecycle.

• Design Risk Management: Proven experience facilitating design risk reviews, hazard identification workshops, and ensuring risks are eliminated or reduced through the design process.

• Technical Assurance & Review: Ability to critically review, challenge, and assure designs produced by internal teams, third parties, and suppliers to ensure compliance with legislative, regulatory, technical, and client requirements.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Experience effectively engaging with clients, contractors, suppliers, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to achieve successful project outcomes.

• Electrical Engineering Fundamentals: Solid understanding of substation plant specifications, protection and control systems, cable systems, and associated equipment to provide effective technical leadership and assurance.

• Project Controls: Familiarity with preparing or reviewing cost estimates, design programmes, and managing design deliverables against quality, commercial, and programme objectives.

• Communication & Leadership: Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, coordinate, and motivate project teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with specific WSP or client-standard project management and design software.

• Knowledge of project commercial aspects beyond basic cost estimation.

• Experience with asset management principles in the energy sector.

• Professional certifications related to project management or health and safety.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications clearly emphasize a senior engineering background with specialized knowledge in high-voltage electrical systems and a critical, practical understanding of the CDM regulations. The "10+" years of experience and the Principal Designer role suggest a need for seasoned professionals with a track record of leading complex projects and managing significant safety and design responsibilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Deliverable Examples: Showcase a range of technical specifications, design drawings (e.g., single-line diagrams, substation layouts), and calculation reports for HV/EHV projects.

• CDM Compliance Documentation: Include examples of pre-construction information packs, risk registers, hazard logs, and contributions to Health and Safety Files.

• Design Risk Management Case Studies: Present evidence of how you have identified, assessed, and mitigated design-related health and safety risks on past projects, demonstrating a structured approach.

• Project Coordination Evidence: Highlight instances where you've effectively coordinated multidisciplinary teams, managed external consultants, and resolved design conflicts, perhaps through project plans or communication logs.

• Stakeholder Communication Examples: Provide samples of reports, meeting minutes, or presentations used to communicate design progress, risks, and decisions to clients, regulators, and internal teams.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Optimization: Demonstrate experience in defining, implementing, and refining design workflows to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety compliance.

• Risk Assessment Methodologies: Detail your approach to conducting design risk assessments, including the tools and techniques used (e.g., HAZOP, FMEA) and how findings are integrated into the design.

• Quality Assurance Processes: Outline your methods for ensuring design quality, including review cycles, checking procedures, and adherence to standards and specifications.

• Change Management Procedures: Explain your process for managing design changes during the project lifecycle, including impact assessment, client approval, and updating documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Principal Designer role, the portfolio should strongly emphasize safety leadership and robust design governance. Candidates should be prepared to present detailed case studies illustrating their ability to manage complex design processes, mitigate risks proactively, and ensure compliance with stringent regulations like CDM. The focus should be on tangible outcomes and demonstrated expertise in managing safety and design interdependencies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £70,000 - £95,000 per annum (estimated).

Benefits:

• Hybrid Working: Flexibility to work from home up to two days per week, balancing remote work with in-office collaboration.

• Virtual GP Service: Access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council registered GP for convenient medical advice.

• Gymflex Scheme: Discounted annual gym memberships (up to 40% off).

• Menopause Support: Comprehensive support package for employees experiencing menopause.

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Options for part-time and flexible schedules to enhance work-life balance.

• Additional Leave Purchase: Opportunity to purchase extra annual leave days.

• Training and Development: Investment in professional growth through training programs, mentoring, and support for professional body memberships/chartership.

• Chartership Support: Assistance and guidance for achieving professional chartership status.

• Workplace Adjustments: Provision of reasonable adjustments to support employees with disabilities.

• "WSP My Hour": One hour per day for personal activities, with flexibility to make up the time.

Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the "WSP My Hour" initiative and other flexible working arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the Principal Designer / Design Manager title, extensive experience (10+ years), the senior nature of the role, and the UK location for a firm like WSP, a competitive salary range is estimated. Benefits are comprehensive, reflecting a focus on employee well-being, work-life balance, and professional development, which are key attractors for senior engineering talent. The hybrid model and flexible working options are significant perks.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering and Professional Services, with a strong focus on Energy and Utilities infrastructure. WSP is a global leader in consulting and engineering services, contributing to sustainable development and critical infrastructure projects worldwide.

Company Size: Global presence with over 69,000 employees worldwide, and over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland. This large scale offers opportunities for diverse project involvement and career mobility.

Founded: WSP was founded in 1880, indicating a long history and established reputation in the industry. The company has grown significantly through mergers and acquisitions, building a broad expertise base.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Networks Engineering team, which supports major electricity transmission and distribution organizations in the UK.

• This team likely comprises various engineering disciplines (electrical, civil, mechanical), design engineers, project managers, and safety specialists.

• The Principal Designer will lead and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, indicating a collaborative yet hierarchical structure where design leadership is clearly defined.

• Reporting lines will likely involve reporting to a senior engineering manager or director within the Networks division, while managing project-specific design teams. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasizes the use of data and technical analysis to inform design decisions and ensure solutions are robust and optimized.

• Safety-Centric Approach: A core methodology driven by the CDM regulations and the inherent risks in energy infrastructure, prioritizing health, safety, and welfare at every design stage.

• Collaborative Project Delivery: Focuses on integrating input from various stakeholders (clients, suppliers, internal teams, contractors) to ensure cohesive and buildable solutions.

• Continuous Improvement: Encourages the review and refinement of design processes and risk management techniques to enhance project outcomes and efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.wsp.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: WSP's emphasis on global scale, innovation, and positive impact is central to its culture. For an operations professional, this translates to working on significant, impactful projects within a well-established, professional services environment. The "Networks Engineering" team context suggests a specialized, technically focused group within a larger corporate structure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Principal-level role, signifying a senior position with significant technical expertise, leadership responsibilities, and accountability. It sits at the top tier of individual contributor or technical leadership roles before potentially moving into broader management or director-level positions. In operations terms, this is akin to a senior manager or lead specialist responsible for critical process execution and oversight.

Reporting Structure: The Principal Designer will likely report to a senior engineering manager, Head of Design, or Director within the Networks Engineering division. They will, in turn, lead and manage project-specific multidisciplinary design teams, suppliers, and contractors, influencing their work and ensuring compliance.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial. By ensuring the safe, compliant, and buildable design of critical HV and EHV electricity infrastructure, the Principal Designer directly contributes to:

• Reliability and Resilience: Ensuring the power network can withstand demand and external factors.

• Safety: Preventing accidents and ensuring the well-being of construction workers and the public.

• Project Success: Delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the required technical specifications.

• Client Satisfaction: Maintaining WSP's reputation as a trusted advisor and high-quality service provider.

• Regulatory Compliance: Avoiding penalties and ensuring adherence to national safety standards.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of HV/EHV substation design, protection systems, or grid modernization.

• Leadership Progression: Move into roles such as Head of Design, Technical Director, or Senior Project Manager overseeing larger or more complex programs.

• CDM Consultancy: Develop a career as a specialist CDM consultant within WSP or the wider industry.

• Business Development: Contribute to client relationships and proposals, leveraging expertise to win new projects.

• Mentorship: Guide and develop junior engineers and designers within the team, fostering talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Principal" title is key here, indicating a high level of autonomy, responsibility, and expertise. Growth opportunities are clearly defined towards senior technical leadership, project oversight, and potentially business-facing roles, leveraging the deep technical and regulatory knowledge gained.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: WSP offers a hybrid working model, combining remote work with in-office collaboration. The offices are described as modern, providing a professional and comfortable environment for design work and team interaction.

Office Location(s): While the role is based in the United Kingdom, specific office locations are not detailed. However, WSP has multiple offices across the UK, suggesting flexibility in base location for hybrid arrangements, though travel to project sites may also be required.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages in-office days for team meetings, design reviews, workshops, and fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

• Technological Support: Access to modern office facilities and likely advanced design software and collaboration tools necessary for complex engineering projects.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: Opportunities to interact with a diverse range of professionals across different engineering disciplines and project management functions.

• Flexibility: The "WSP My Hour" and flexible working arrangements support personal needs, contributing to a balanced work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 per week, with significant flexibility offered. This allows for personal appointments, family needs, or focused work periods, aligning with the company's emphasis on work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect, offering a blend of autonomy and structured collaboration. Candidates should be comfortable managing their own time effectively for remote work while valuing in-person interaction for critical design and team activities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and application by HR/recruitment team to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior engineering leader) focusing on technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and experience with CDM regulations and HV/EHV projects.

• Technical/Design Challenge: Potentially a case study or technical problem-solving exercise simulating a design challenge, requiring candidates to demonstrate their approach to risk management, design coordination, and compliance. This might involve reviewing a design scenario and outlining recommendations.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with other senior engineers, potential team members, or key stakeholders to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and communication skills.

• Final Interview/Offer: Confirmation interview, potentially with a more senior leader, leading to a job offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each project presented, clearly articulate the challenge, your specific role and responsibilities (especially as Principal Designer), the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., risks mitigated, compliance achieved, efficiency gains).

• Highlight CDM Expertise: Dedicate specific sections or case studies to demonstrating your practical application of CDM regulations, including risk assessment methodologies, pre-construction information, and health and safety file contributions.

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples of how you've led multidisciplinary teams, managed conflicts, influenced stakeholders, and driven design decisions to successful completion.

• Technical Depth: Ensure your technical knowledge of HV/EHV substations is evident through the complexity and detail of the projects you present.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Organize your portfolio logically, using clear headings, concise descriptions, and impactful visuals where appropriate. Be prepared to walk through key projects verbally.

Challenge Preparation:

• CDM Scenarios: Familiarize yourself with common design risks in HV/EHV substations and how to manage them under CDM regulations.

• Design Coordination: Practice outlining how you would coordinate diverse engineering disciplines to ensure a cohesive design.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare examples of how you would communicate complex technical or safety information to non-technical stakeholders.

• Problem-Solving Framework: Develop a structured approach to tackling design problems, emphasizing analysis, solution generation, risk assessment, and implementation planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process for a Principal Designer role will heavily scrutinize practical experience, regulatory knowledge, and leadership potential. A well-curated portfolio is essential, and candidates should be prepared for scenario-based questions and technical assessments that validate their expertise in managing complex, safety-critical design projects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or Bentley Systems products (e.g., MicroStation) for creating and reviewing engineering drawings and models.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or WSP's internal project management systems for planning, scheduling, and tracking design progress.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with platforms like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for team communication, document sharing, and virtual meetings.

• 3D Modelling/BIM Tools: Increasingly important for complex infrastructure projects, experience with Building Information Modelling (BIM) software and 3D visualization tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Risk Management Software: Tools or methodologies for managing design risk registers, hazard logs, and safety compliance tracking.

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, the ability to interpret data from design simulations, site investigations, or performance metrics may be beneficial.

• Reporting Tools: Skills in generating clear, concise reports using standard office suites (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for design reviews, client updates, and compliance documentation.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for version control, document storage, and retrieval, crucial for managing large volumes of design documentation.

• Specialized Engineering Software: Familiarity with specific software for power system analysis, electrical simulations, or substation design calculations might be advantageous depending on the project's technical specifics.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly list a technology stack, a Principal Designer in the energy sector would typically use advanced CAD and BIM software, robust project and document management systems, and potentially specialized power system analysis tools. Proficiency in collaborative platforms is also essential for managing distributed and hybrid teams.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value, deeply embedded in all design and project activities, aligning with CDM regulations and WSP's commitment to health and safety.

• Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards in all dealings with clients, suppliers, and team members, ensuring transparent and honest communication.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in design, technical solutions, and project delivery, driving continuous improvement.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued and contributions from all disciplines are integrated for optimal outcomes.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance design and project delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role inherently requires close collaboration with electrical engineers, civil engineers, project managers, safety officers, and external stakeholders.

• Proactive Communication: Emphasis on open, regular, and clear communication, particularly regarding design progress, risks, and changes.

• Constructive Challenge Culture: Encouraging team members to challenge designs and ideas respectfully to identify potential issues and improve solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise are shared across the team and wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: WSP's stated values (innovation, integrity, inclusion, collaboration, sustainability, and excellence) are central. For this role, the "Safety First" and "Excellence" values are particularly critical, directly influencing the day-to-day execution of responsibilities and the overall approach to design and project management.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Demands: Juggling technical design requirements, stringent safety regulations (CDM), client expectations, programme timelines, and budget constraints.

• Managing Diverse Teams: Effectively leading and coordinating multidisciplinary teams with varying expertise, working styles, and potentially remote locations.

• Navigating Evolving Standards: Keeping abreast of changes in electrical engineering standards, safety legislation, and technological advancements in the energy sector.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Ensuring all stakeholders (clients, contractors, regulators, internal teams) are aligned on design decisions, risks, and project objectives.

• Proactive Risk Mitigation: Continuously identifying and effectively mitigating foreseeable design and construction risks in a complex and potentially hazardous environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific HV/EHV technologies, protection systems, or emerging grid technologies.

• CDM Compliance Updates: Access to ongoing training and updates on the latest CDM regulations and best practices.

• Leadership and Management Skills: Development programs focused on enhancing leadership, project management, and stakeholder engagement capabilities.

• Chartership and Professional Development: Support for achieving and maintaining professional qualifications (e.g., Chartered Engineer status).

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, workshops, and engage with professional bodies to stay current with trends and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to senior roles in critical infrastructure projects. The growth opportunities are well-defined, offering pathways for continued technical mastery, leadership development, and professional advancement within WSP and the broader energy sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• CDM Leadership: "Describe a complex project where you acted as Principal Designer. What were the biggest challenges in managing health, safety, and welfare through the design process, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on structured risk management, proactive communication, and regulatory adherence.)

• Technical Design & Assurance: "Walk us through your process for reviewing and assuring a critical design package for an EHV substation project. How do you balance technical robustness with buildability and cost-effectiveness?" (Highlight your technical depth, critical thinking, and understanding of project constraints.)

• Multidisciplinary Team Coordination: "How do you ensure effective coordination and collaboration among diverse engineering disciplines and external stakeholders on a large-scale project? Provide an example." (Demonstrate your communication, conflict resolution, and influencing skills.)

• Risk Management Philosophy: "What is your philosophy on design risk management? How do you ensure that risks are not just identified, but effectively eliminated or reduced throughout the design lifecycle?" (Emphasize a proactive, documented, and communicative approach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in WSP and this specific role within our Networks Engineering team?" (Research WSP's recent projects, values, and commitment to sustainability in the energy sector.)

• "How do you align with WSP's core values, particularly regarding safety, integrity, and collaboration?" (Provide specific examples from your career that demonstrate these values.)

• "Describe a time you had to influence a senior stakeholder or a resistant team member to adopt a particular design approach or safety measure." (Showcase your persuasive abilities and understanding of organizational dynamics.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose 2-3 significant projects that best showcase your Principal Designer responsibilities, technical scope (HV/EHV), and leadership.

• Narrative Focus: For each project, structure your presentation around the challenge, your specific role and actions as Principal Designer, the solutions implemented, and the positive outcomes (especially regarding safety, compliance, and design quality).

• Highlight CDM: Explicitly detail your CDM processes, risk mitigation strategies, and documentation (e.g., pre-construction info, H&S file contributions).

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your work (e.g., reduction in design risks, successful stakeholder sign-offs, project delivery within parameters).

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key information efficiently, allowing time for questions and deeper discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should center on demonstrating a deep understanding of CDM regulations, practical experience in HV/EHV design, and strong leadership/communication skills. Candidates must be ready to articulate their decision-making processes and problem-solving methodologies with concrete examples.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Tailor Your CV: Highlight your experience as a Principal Designer, your technical expertise in HV/EHV substations, and your specific qualifications related to CDM regulations. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of relevant projects that showcase your design leadership, risk management strategies, and CDM compliance work. Be ready to present key examples that demonstrate your impact.

• Research WSP: Understand WSP's work in the energy sector, their commitment to sustainability, and their company values. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare detailed answers to potential questions regarding your experience with CDM, technical design challenges, team leadership, and stakeholder management, using the STAR method where appropriate.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.