Comhairle Ceantair an Iúir, Mhúrn agus an Dúin Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

Chief Executive Application Pack

Ag freastal ar an Dún agus Ard Mhacha Theas Serving Down and South Armagh 2 Chief Executive Application Pack

Message from the 2 Council Chairman

4 Newry, Mourne and Down District at a Glance 6 Location and Connectivity: How to Get Here Councillor Mark Murnin Chairman of Newry, Mourne and Down 7 Key Achievements: District Council Four Years On

Organisational Structure 8 Dear Applicant I am delighted that you are considering applying for the Job Description 9 position of Chief Executive with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. 12 Person Specification Leading the third largest Council in Northern , Competency Framework 14 which serves over 177,000 residents is an exciting challenge as we begin a new Summary of Main Terms 15 Council term, following the and Conditions local council elections held in May 2019, and we start Guidance Notes 17 working in a new political and economic environment. 20 Local Government Reform Information (RPA) 21 General Information www.newrymournedown.org 3

Message from the Council Chairman

Not only is Newry, Mourne and Down We have placed, and continue to place, great We also have plans to transform and District Council one of the largest councils emphasis on regeneration for our city and modernise the way the Council provides in , it is strategically located towns. Newry City will see a new civic centre, accessible as well as value for money on the important eastern A1/M1 economic new conferencing and enhanced theatre services. Our Neighbourhood Services corridor and is an attractive area for business facilities - our aim is to complete these Transformation Project will deliver improved investment, both local and international. We projects by early 2022. Within the historic service and citizen experience, standardise are within one hour travelling distance from town of , we are working with service provision across the Council district Dublin and , with close proximity to Government departments to renovate the and ensure people, equipment and money two major airports, a deep-water port, and former police station and surrounding area, are efficiently deployed. Already we have transport routes which link us throughout bringing much needed hotel and Grade A improved the way we recycle—all councils Ireland to the UK. office accommodation. are required to recycle 50% of waste by 2020 and we are nearing this important milestone. Boasting three Areas of Outstanding Natural Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Over the past year we have reduced the Beauty, we pride ourselves on being a is also one of six local councils to secure the amount of waste going to landfill by 60% and premier destination for local, national and first ever City Deal agreement. This initiative, we will be implementing new initiatives to international visitors. Our coastline and our which is expected to bring approximately increase that. rich cultural heritage, which we showcase £1 billion into the participating councils, will every year in a growing number of festivals help to build the economy through more We are implementing a £7.1 million and events, make us an attractive place to localised and focused investment decision- programme to fundamentally change how visit, work and live in. making. we use information technology, both within the Council itself and to communicate As a forward-looking Council we have signed The Council will face both challenges and with residents. This project, which will be an important Friendship Agreement with opportunities over the next years—our completed over the next few years, will make the City of Changchun in the Jilin province new Chief Executive will play a large role it easier for our citizens to engage with our of China which is aimed at fostering in expanding the district’s services and services and will also ensure that we use our opportunities in trade, culture, education and opportunities for economic and regional resources efficiently and effectively. tourism. Since this was signed in October development. 2018, the Council has hosted a senior We are beginning a new cycle for the delegation from the provincial government, Some of the initiatives we are engaged in development of our Corporate Plan 2019- a delegation from the China Ministry of include furthering our relationship with the 2023, this is an exciting time for our district, Commerce and a postgraduate delegation City of Changchun, China, developing the it presents opportunities for the new Chief from one of Jilin University’s hospitals. Southern Relief Road which will improve Executive to make a real contribution to access to Dublin and throughout Ireland, Newry, Mourne and Down’s development. We have also fostered international working with partners in Government locally relationships: we have a Sister City and with the EU to deliver projects funded We are looking for a highly motivated, skilled Agreement with Southern Pines in North through INTERREG, PEACE, the European and dynamic leader to continue to bring the Carolina USA and a Twinning Agreement Regional Development Fund, the European Council’s ambitious plans to fruition while, with Kirovsk in Russia – agreements Maritime and Fisheries Fund. at the same time, maintain and improve the established to promote friendship and programmes, initiatives and services that we understanding and stimulate the exchange The Council continues to put great emphasis provide to all our residents and businesses. of knowledge and experiences in economic on encouraging all residents to improve development, tourism, education, culture, their health and wellbeing by becoming If this opportunity excites you, we look sustainable environmental initiatives and more active. We have recently completed a forward to receiving your application. youth exchange. programme worth approximately £40 million to replace the two existing leisure centres in Neighbouring with Louth County Council, Newry and Downpatrick. Councillor Mark Murnin Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman has also signed up to a Memorandum of Alongside this investment, we are promoting Understanding with this cross-border council our ‘Be Active’ campaign. This holistic to promote the economic development of initiative, which emanates from our Sports the joint regions. Facility and Play strategies, is instrumental in promoting a healthy lifestyle, combining physical and recreation activities. 4 Chief Executive Application Pack

Our District at a Glance

A vibrant, dynamic, connected region for economic growth and international investment.

Newry, Mourne and Down district lies in the south east of Northern Ireland, covering parts of Counties Down and Armagh. Accessible to both Dublin and Belfast, it is bounded on the east by and Carlingford loughs, and on the west by Slieve Croob and Slieve Gullion. The famous which “sweep down to the sea” are in the heart of our district.

With 11% of the total land area of Northern Ireland, more than 100 miles of coastline and approximately 177,000 residents, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area is the third largest in Northern Ireland. 177,000 residents

100 miles of coastline www.newrymournedown.org 5

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In addition to Newry City, our Newry, Mourne and Down is a Forty-one Councillors serve the principal towns are Ballynahinch, place with strong, safe and vibrant seven District Electoral Areas (DEAs) , Downpatrick, communities where everyone has of Crotlieve, Downpatrick, Newry, Newcastle and the harbour towns a good quality of life, access to Rowallane, Slieve Croob, Slieve of Kilkeel and Warrenpoint. opportunities and quality services Gullion and The Mournes. which are sustainable, accessible and meet people’s needs.

We are also fortunate to be We have established strong We are privileged to be the home home to two hospitals, Daisy collaborative networks with our of St Patrick and boast a rich Hill in Newry and the Downe education providers - our two heritage and folklore including Hospital in Downpatrick. regional colleges, Southern Regional unrivalled links to Tí Chulainn and College and South Eastern Regional Game of Thrones. College; Queen’s University Belfast and the Ulster University.

£50m

We have three Areas of Outstanding Newry, Mourne and Down As a Council, we are ambitious, and Natural Beauty - Strangford & District Council has a combined will set a vision and priorities in our Lecale, Slieve Gullion, and the revenue and capital budget of new Corporate Plan (2019-2023) Mournes - as well as a number of over £50 million and over 1,000 that will steer the district along Blue Flag beaches and the amazing Council employees. an exciting journey of investment, Royal golf course, regeneration, health and wellbeing located in one of the world’s most and modernisation. naturally beautiful link settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve. 6 Chief Executive Application Pack

Location and Connectivity

Newry,Mourne and Down District Council Area

Airport City Port Town University Location and Connectivity

• An attractive location for all forms of investment due to our strategic cross- border location on the Belfast-Dublin eastern economic corridor

• World-class road transportation and communication linkages

Crossmaglen • Access to a catchment of over one million Border people within one hour’s drive

• Access to two hospitals within the district

• Warrenpoint Port, the second largest port in Northern Ireland in terms of cargo tonnage, and our nearest ferry port, located just seven miles south of Newry

Dublin • Worldwide connectivity through three airports, Belfast International Airport, George Best City Airport, and Dublin Airport all of which can be quickly and easily accessed from our district

• Access to two colleges located within the district providing a first class education within an existing learning environment for further and higher education

• An established Low Powered Cork Wide Area Network (LPWAN) for Internet of Things (IoT) which offers access to research and development, prototyping and experimentation of sensor based technology

• Access to at least 30mb/s broadband for 76% of business premises

Distance & Journey Times

From To Distance / Journey Time From To Distance / Journey Time Downpatrick George Best 24.4 miles / 45 mins Newry George Best 40 miles / 1 Hour City Airport City Airport Downpatrick Belfast 43 miles / 1 hour Newry Belfast 46 miles / 1 Hour International International Downpatrick Dublin 93 miles / 1 hr 50 mins Newry Dublin 62 miles / 1 hr 15 mins International International www.newrymournedown.org 7

Key Achievements Four Years On

Highlights over the period of our Corporate Plan 2015-2019 included:

Completed a review of all Community Centres

Completed and opened new leisure centres in Newry and Downpatrick

Completed the Carlingford Lough Greenway between Weir/Victoria Lock

Completed the restoration of Warrenpoint Municipal Park

Created and updated 45 Village Plans

Developed and implemented seven DEA Action Plans

Encouraged 17,000 citizens to participate in Everybody Active 2020 – aimed at tackling obesity & diabetes

Established a Community Planning Partnership to develop and deliver local action plans

Established Giant Adventures Festivals attracting ≥140,000 visitors/£4M per annum

Implemented £4.7M programme through Peace IV Partnership

Led £2.7M Strategic Investment Fund ‘Work It’ / Young People’s Essential Skills Programme

Secured an Investment Package of £1B / £11M through the Belfast Region City Deal

Supported 413 projects through the Financial Assistance Scheme and awarded £1.4M

Supported 250 local businesses, promoted 168 new jobs and supported 167 new business starts

Undertook Residents Survey in September 2018, resulting in 87% residents’ satisfaction with the Council overall Increased attendance at leisure facilities (2017/2018: 9.8% increase)

Increased number of visitors by 45% and increased overnight stays by 7.3% (over 4 year period)

Increased visitor spend by 75% (2016/2017 and 2017/2018)

Increased brown bin waste by 60% (2017/2018)

Increased the rate of recycling by 6% per annum

Reduced the amount of waste going to landfill by 84% (over 4 year period) 8 Guide to Bereavement Services

Organisational Structure

Community Planning & Performance • Community Planning Democratic Services • Evidence and Research Chief Executive • Performance and Improvement

Enterprise, Active & Healthy Corporate Neighbourhood Regeneration and Communities Services Services Tourism

Community Engagement Administration Building Control Facilities Management • Community Engagement • Administration Services and Regulation and Maintenance and Relations • Customer Experience • Building Control • Community Services, • Compliance • Licensing and Waste Management Facilities and Events • Legal Administration Enforcement • Fleet Management • Strategic Programmes • Refuse and Cleansing Corporate Planning Enterprise, Employment • Waste Processing and Health and Wellbeing and Policy and Regeneration Enforcement • Environmental Health – • Communications and • Programmes Commercial Marketing • Regeneration and • Environmental Health – • Corporate Policy Business Development Residential • Equality • Health and Wellbeing Planning • Sustainability Estates and Capital Projects • Area Plan • Capital Projects • Planning Administration Leisure and Sport • Estates and Property • Planning Development • Indoor Leisure Assets and Enforcement • Outdoor Leisure and • Safety, Health and Sports Development Emergency Planning Tourism Culture and Events • Insurance • Culture, Arts, Heritage and Events Finance • Product Development • Audit Services and Visitor Experience • Budget and Capital • Tourism • Payroll • Procurement and Logistics

Human Resources and Safeguarding

Information Technology www.newrymournedown.org 9

Job Description

The Chief Executive is the Council’s Head of the Paid Service, Chief Financial Officer and principal adviser on policy issues.

The Chief Executive has responsibility for implementing the Council’s strategic objectives and ensuring the efficient, effective and equitable discharge of responsibilities of the Council as detailed in legislation and other relevant authorities.

Principal Accountabilities

1. To provide the leadership, vision and strategic 6. To co-ordinate the activities of the Council and to direction necessary to manage the interface motivate the management team and all staff to between elected members and officers and deliver high levels of performance and to develop work in partnership with them to create the their full potential. Council’s Strategic Plan and develop policies and relationships which will fulfil the Council’s 7. To ensure that appropriate governance objectives. arrangements, including risk management measures, are in place. 2. To work in partnership with elected members to define the corporate culture of the Council and 8. To actively promote both the Council and its area promote its core values. locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, taking account of the various communities within 3. To develop, lead and co-ordinate strategies that the area. will continue to transform the Council to an organisational culture; fit for purpose under the 9. To lead a ‘one Council’ approach in enhancing Local Government Reform legislation. and sustaining the area’s heritage, character and dynamism in the present and shaping them for the 4. To work in partnership with elected members, staff, future. trade unions and other stakeholders to ensure that Council strategies and policies are implemented 10. To develop and maintain the wider networks and in order to secure a cohesive approach, excellent partnerships which the Council needs to deliver its service delivery and the social, economic and Community Leadership role through the creation of environmental wellbeing of the area. sustainable Community Plans and the Community Planning process. 5. To ensure the Council meets its statutory obligations and that the highest standards of probity and good conduct are maintained at all times; including financial management. 10 Chief Executive Application Pack

Main Duties and Tasks

Strategic Leadership and Management

1. To provide support to the democratic decision-making processes at all levels and to promote the active participation of local people and communities in the Council’s affairs.

2. To communicate the Council’s vision, mission, priorities, objectives and processes effectively, both internally to staff and trade unions and externally to partners, agencies and the public.

3. To lead in ensuring that the Council’s strategic plans and policies are matched to a common purpose across the organisation and the area.

4. To take overall responsibility for ensuring that the Council’s decisions and policies are implemented.

5. To promote equality of opportunity and access, in service delivery and in the employment of staff.

6. To lead by example by promoting at all times best practice and the highest standards of the public service ethos.

Service Delivery and Performance Management

7. To ensure that service planning and delivery reflect the Council’s priorities, take account of the views of citizens, communities and all other stakeholders, are benchmarked against national and local performance indicators and include the modernisation of service provision where appropriate.

8. To ensure that a performance management culture is firmly embedded within the Council to secure quality services and their continuous improvement.

9. To put in place effective arrangements for agreeing personal targets for Directors and other senior managers as appropriate and for regularly appraising and reporting on their performance.

Resource Management

10. To ensure the efficient and imaginative management of all resources (staff, finance, property and information), in support of the Council’s agreed targets for service delivery and improvement.

11. To work effectively with staff and trade unions to secure the best possible use of human resources in pursuit of the Council’s objectives.

12. To work closely with other agencies and partners to improve the impact of the way in which budgets are spent and resources are allocated. www.newrymournedown.org 11

Partnership Working and Communications

13. To work effectively with staff, trade unions and other interested stakeholders to integrate transferred services and functions and transform the Council.

14. To lead on partnership working through the Community Planning process, ensuring that through this the Council maximises opportunities for the area so that its citizens attain their full potential.

15. To actively foster and enhance positive relationships with all local communities, agencies and partners, including the voluntary sector and local business, as well as with other statutory bodies at regional and national levels.

16. To further develop and refine effective arrangements for consultation with communities, local agencies and partners and the public, on service planning and delivery issues to ensure full implementation of the Community Plan.

17. To ensure that the Council has a corporate communications strategy.

General

18. Take responsibility for execution of the Council’s Emergency and Business Continuity Plans when required.

19. By its nature the post will require flexible working to meet the needs of the service.

20. Carry out duties in compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Order 1978 (as amended); Acts of Parliament; Statutory Instruments and Regulations and other legal requirements; and all Council Policies and Procedures including Dignity at Work, Health and Safety, Attendance and all relevant Codes of Conduct.

21. Undertake the duties in such a way as to enhance and promote the positive reputation of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

22. Undertake all aspects of work respecting confidentiality and ensure that personal and/or sensitive information under the control or access of the post holder is used, stored and maintained in accordance with relevant data protection legislation.

23. Actively participate in employee relations matters including undertaking investigations and chairing hearings relating to employment matters as required (e.g. discipline, grievance & harassment) and make decisions regarding appropriate outcomes with support from HR and in compliance with the relevant legislation.

24. Participate in the Council’s Recruitment and Selection processes as a panel member, including assisting the panel with development of person specification, identifying selection methods and adhering to advice given regarding current employment legislation and codes of practice. 12 Chief Executive Application Pack

Person Specification

Employees/Applicants must be capable of undertaking the duties and responsibilities as set out in the Job Description and fulfil the requirements of this Person Specification; which will be assessed through the appointment process.

Employees/Applicants must be suitably qualified and experienced, be able to meet the criteria set out in this Person Specification and demonstrate they possess the key competencies for the position at a Strategic level.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential Criteria Assessment Method

It is essential that employees/ applicants must: • Application Form 1. Meet the requirements of the District Councils (Clerks Qualifications) Determination • Assessment Centre 19971. • Interview

2. Have a minimum of three years’ (within the last five years) senior management2 experience and evidence of achievement, working at Board Level in the public, private or voluntary sector, in an organisation which has an annual budget/revenue stream of at least £10 million and employing not less than 200 employees in a large, highly complex environment, with associated corporate governance and accountability requirements which includes:

a. Taking decisions affecting strategy in a commercially focussed and regulated environment.

b. Evidence of effective financial/budget experience in a constrained financial environment.

c. Leading and achieving cultural and organisational change which realised savings and organisational improvements.

d. Proven track record of effective partnership working, commanding confidence and building positive working relationships with external stakeholders in support of organisational objectives.

e. Proven experience of working effectively in a politically sensitive environment. www.newrymournedown.org 13

Other Requirements

Essential Criteria Assessment Method

3. Be available to work outside normal office hours including evenings as attendance is • Application Form required at evening and other meetings internal and external to the Council area. • Driving Licence and Vehicle Insurance Documents 4. Hold a full valid driving licence and have access to transport to meet the • AccessNI requirements of the post. Or Have access to a mode of transport that will enable the post holder to fulfil the role in full.

5. AccessNI Basic Check.

1 In accordance with the requirements of the District Councils (Clerks Qualifications) Determination 1997, a person shall not be appointed unless he/she:

a. Holds a primary or post graduate degree of a university which is authorised by or under Royal Charter or statute (or an equivalent university or body outside the ) to grant degrees; Or b. Holds the Diploma in Public Administration or the Diploma in Municipal Administration of such a university or body (or an equivalent university or body outside the United Kingdom); Or c. Is qualified by examination as a member of one or more of the following bodies, (or an equivalent body outside the United Kingdom): • The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland • The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales • The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland • The Institute of Cost and Management Accountants • The Chartered Association of Certified Accountants • The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy • The Chartered Institute of Secretaries and Administrators Or d. Has adequate and suitable experience of public administration.

Note: For the purposes of Item (d) above, the Shortlisting Panel will determine the experience as identified in the Person Specification.

2 Senior management is defined as being a Chief Executive or working directly to a Chief Executive, including advising the Chief Executive/Board/Council on strategic decisions affecting the organisation. 14 Chief Executive Application Pack

Competency Framework

Competence at a strategic level is essential for this post and will be assessed at the appropriate selection stage of the appointment process; using the Competency Framework for Local Government, which includes definitions of the competence groups and examples of positive indicators. All of the competencies are considered relevant to this post and may also be assessed during probation and throughout employment in this role.

Definitions have been provided and more information on the competency framework can be found at: http://www.lgsc.org.uk/fs/doc/publications/competency-framework-for-local-government.pdf

The defined competency level for this post is Strategic.

Behavioural Essential Criteria Assessment Competencies Method

How we Provide Setting Direction • Assessment Centre Leadership and Contributes to the development of a strategy and conveys a clear • Interview Direction vision led by being innovative, ambitious and proactive.

Leadership Motivates others to achieve their objectives and organisational goals through involvement and providing feedback and support. Provides and supports development to enable effective delivery.

How we Manage Communicating with Impact Ourselves Presents a positive image by communicating effectively, being resilient and treating people fairly.

How we Work Collaborating in a Political Environment with Others Develops and manages effective networks by establishing common ground.

Influencing Outcomes Adapts style and approach to achieve effective outcome.

How we Move Managing Change Forward Promotes change effectively and ensures that changes are delivered in line with organisational goals.

Achieving Results Takes personal responsibility for making things happen. Shows motivation and perseverance in overcoming obstacles and achieving results. www.newrymournedown.org 15

Summary of Main Terms and Conditions

General Friday. Hours of work are kept under review other considerations, job performance The general terms and conditions of and may change in order to meet operational and attendance. Failure to achieve a Employment are those agreed by the Joint requirements, providing requisite notice. satisfactory probationary period may result Negotiating Committee for Local Authority in the employment being terminated with Chief Executives and other locally negotiated Flexi Scheme statutory notice. agreements as adopted and amended by This post is not eligible to participate in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. Flexi Scheme. Whole-Time Service The Chief Executive shall devote his or her Continuous Service Location and Transferability whole-time service to the work of the council For the purposes of determining continuous Based in Council offices in Newry, this post and shall not engage in any other business employment with the Council, the will work across the Council District of or take up any other additional appointment Council will recognise a previous period of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. without the express consent of the council. employment for employees transferring from He or she shall not subordinate his or her an organisation listed in the Redundancy The post holder may be required to transfer duty as Chief Executive to his or her private Payments (Continuity of Employment in to other locations in accordance with any interests or put himself or herself in a Local Government, etc) (Modification) Order requirements stated in the Job Description, position where his or her duty and private (Northern Ireland) 1999. Further information any reviews of service delivery or other interests conflict. and a Schedule of Employers can be requirements as may arise from time to time. obtained at http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ Any amendments made to work location Holidays nisr/1999/409/contents/made. No service will be implemented following appropriate (i) The leave year runs from 1 April in any with any other employer counts for the consultation and provision of reasonable one year to 31 March the following year. purposes of continuity of employment. notice. (ii) If you join the Council after the In addition to redundancy, continuous Rate of Pay commencement of a leave year, you service is used for the purposes of calculating Chief Executive Band 2 (currently £111,438 shall be entitled in that year to annual other entitlements, for example Annual – £122,051 per annum). The salary will holiday with pay proportional to your Leave, the Council’s Sick Pay scheme and be inclusive of all the hours necessary to length of service in the remainder of Maternity scheme. fulfil the requirements of the role including that leave year. evenings, weekends and bank holidays when Duration of Appointment required. It is Council policy to appoint at (iii) The Chief Executive shall be entitled Permanent minimum salary scale point. to a minimum of 30 days’ annual leave (in addition to statutory and other Hours of Work Increments public holidays but inclusive of any long Contracted hours of work are: 37 hours per Progression within the salary band is based service leave, extra statutory and local week. The post holder must be prepared to on the attainment of a satisfactory level holidays. Annual Leave is calculated work outside normal office hours, including of performance, until the maximum of the on a daily basis and pro-rated for evenings, weekends, and Public and extra scale is reached. This will be supported by an temporary and part-time employees. Statutory Holidays for which the appropriate appraisal mechanism. In exceptional circumstances and by payment will be made or time in lieu granted mutual agreement annual leave may be if relevant. Probationary Periods carried forward to the next leave year. Appointments are subject to the Annual leave should be taken as full or Work Pattern satisfactory completion of a six-month half days. The standard working pattern is Monday to probationary period in regard to, amongst 16 Chief Executive Application Pack

(iv) You are also entitled to 10 Bank/Public free membership of Council indoor leisure performance at selection. In accordance with holidays (pro rata for temporary and facilities, free admission to outdoor Council the Local Government Staff Commission part-time employees) and 2 additional facilities, flexible working arrangements and Code of Procedures on Recruitment and holiday days (pro rata for temporary and health cover (currently provided through Selection, vacancies for other similar part-time employees), as arranged by Westfield Health). posts may be filled from a reserve list the Council. of candidates. The Council is under no Council Policies obligation to avail of reserves lists when Pension You will be required to comply with making a decision on method of recruitment There is an occupational pension scheme, all current and future council policies, to a post within a different functional area or Northern Ireland Local Government Officers’ procedures, guidelines, agreed working work location and recruitment methods for a Superannuation Committee (NILGOSC), practices and any collective agreements. post are at management discretion. relating to the employment in respect of this A copy of current Council policies can be statement. obtained from Human Resources. If a similar post does become vacant within this time, it will be offered to candidates on The Local Government Pension Scheme Data Protection the reserve list in order of merit. Candidates (Northern Ireland) is a career average, Information from your application form will be provided with a specified timeframe defined benefit scheme. and other information subsequently within which to accept or decline the obtained while in Council employment will offer. Candidates will be contacted by All employees (with the exception of casual be processed in accordance with the Data telephone using the contact details provided. staff), under the age of 75, regardless of the Protection Act 1998 (as amended). Where the offer of a post is declined by hours or weeks worked, will automatically be the candidate he/she will be retained on brought into the Scheme on their first day of Non Smoking Policy the reserve list, in order of merit, to be employment, unless their contract is for less Smoking is prohibited in all Council property considered for future vacant posts. than three months, in which case they can and within any vehicles owned or leased opt to join by informing the Payroll office in by the Council. This includes the use of For internally trawled permanent or writing. electronic cigarettes (E-Cigs), which must temporary project/cover/review posts, not be used in Council premises (including candidates must remain employees, agency If you do not wish to remain in the Scheme, vehicles) except in designated smoking or casual workers throughout the selection you can opt out by completing an Opt- areas. process in order to be recommended for out Notice and giving this to the Payroll appointment. Candidates who are no office. The Notice can be downloaded from Canvassing longer employees, agency or casual workers NILGOSC (www.nilgosc.org.uk). Canvassing in any form, oral or written, at the short-listing, testing/assessment direct or indirect, if proven to the satisfaction or interview stage will not be eligible to Unless you opt-out of the Scheme, of the Council, will disqualify a candidate for progress through the process. Similarly, superannuation contributions will continue appointment. if placed on the reserve list, candidates to be deducted from your pay. must still be employees, agency or casual Pre-Employment Checks workers at the time that the vacancy is Uniform/PPE It is the right of Newry, Mourne and Down approved. Candidates who are no longer Where provided, the successful applicant will District Council to satisfy itself of the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council be required to wear the appropriate Council suitability of candidates for employment. employees, agency or casual workers will not uniform/PPE in the performance of Council Any offer is subject to satisfactory pre- be offered any future vacant posts from a duties. employment checks and the Council reserves reserve list, even if the timing of the reserve the right to make further enquiries about list is still valid. Employee Benefits the suitability of candidates as deemed Newry, Mourne and Down District Council appropriate. Recruitment Expenses offers a range of benefits which support The Council does not reimburse any employee health and wellbeing and work The Council reserves the right to revoke an expenses incurred by candidates as part of life balance, as well as providing financial offer of employment, from which there is no the recruitment process. savings. right of Appeal.

These include discounts on shop purchases Reserve List from Council owned retail, discounted Applicants may be held on a reserve list for admission to events and performances, up to 12 months, subject to satisfactory www.newrymournedown.org 17

Guidance Notes

Applicants must read the following information before completing the Application Form.

Making an Application for Employment supply you with a declaration form to declare Department of Education and the Police • The Council requires applicants to appropriate criminal convictions as defined Service of Northern Ireland complete an application form for all posts within the Rehabilitation of Offenders • There are three levels of Disclosure, each • Curriculum Vitaes will not be accepted (NI) Order (1978), this declaration, where representing a different level of check; • Please complete the application form appropriate may also be subject to an Access Basic, Standard and Enhanced. in full NI Basis Disclosure Check. All convictions • Information must be provided in the as defined within the Rehabilitation of The Basic Disclosure space available. Additional information, Offenders (Exceptions) Order (NI), as Shows details of a person’s unspent criminal documents and extra pages will not be amended, and the Safeguarding Vulnerable record, individuals can apply for a basic check considered Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 (as • Maximum word counts are given for amended by the Protection of Freedoms Act The Standard Disclosure Certificate many parts of the application form; 2012), will be subject to either an Access NI Shows details of a person’s full criminal please ensure that you do not exceed Standard or Enhanced Disclosure Check, as record and includes spent and unspent these limits. appropriate. convictions. Standard Disclosures are only available for anyone in a position where the Completing Application Forms Online Full guidance and definitions are supplied post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of • We would like you to complete with these forms but applicants should be Offenders (NI) (Exceptions) Order 1978 or for our application form online at aware of the existence of these forms and professional occupations. www.lgsc.org.uk the necessity to complete them as accurately as possible. If you are concerned and would An Enhanced Disclosure Data Protection Act like to seek further guidance then you are Contains a copy of a person’s full criminal Please note that the personal information advised to contact NIACRO (in confidence) on history, spent and unspent convictions, on the Application Form will be processed 028 9032 0157. police information that might be relevant and handled in accordance with the Data to the position applied for and ought to be Protection Act 1998 and Council procedures. Access NI Checks disclosed and a check of the lists of those • As part of the overall employment/ prevented from working with children or In accordance with Council’s Retention and recruitment decision making process, vulnerable adults. Disposal Policy: Newry, Mourne and Down District • Data contained on the application form Council as a ‘Registered Body’ (RB) will, Standard and Enhanced Disclosures are of applicants successful in securing undertake (as applicable) Access NI completed jointly by the Applicant and employment will be used for HR and checks through the HR Department Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Payroll Administrative purposes during • Such checks will be carried out through before being sent to AccessNI. the period of employment and for a ‘AccessNI’ which is part of central period of 6 years from the termination of government and operates under the Applicants can apply online and both the employment provisions of Part V of the Police Act 1997 Registered Body and Applicant can track • Data contained on the application • AccessNI enables organisations in progress of their case online. form of applicants who do not secure Northern Ireland to make more informed employment will be used for HR recruitment decisions by providing The Council will only seek Disclosure administrative purposes and retained for criminal history information about information after a candidate has been up to 2 years from the date of application. anyone seeking paid or unpaid work in made a conditional offer of employment. certain defined areas, such as working Once a disclosure certificate has been Rehabilitation of Offenders with children or vulnerable adults received by Newry, Mourne and Down If you are successful at interview you will be • AccessNI was established by a joint District Council, the information provided made a conditional offer of appointment, programme between the Northern will be used to determine an applicant’s which will be subject to a number of pre- Ireland Office, the Department of Health, suitability for the post for which they have employment checks. At this stage we will Social Services and Public Safety, the applied. Disclosure information will be held 18 Chief Executive Application Pack

securely in lockable, non-portable storage PERSONAL INFORMATION EMPLOYMENT HISTORY containers with access strictly controlled. NOT available to the panel (at shortlisting) NOT available to the panel (at shortlisting) Following a recruitment decision, disclosure Contact details are required as specified. Present or most recent employment information will be securely destroyed. Give details of the most recent employment, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council SHORTLISTING CRITERIA including a summary of duties. adheres to the AccessNI Code of Practice. For Available to the panel further information refer to www.dojni.gov. Carefully read the question associated with Previous Posts uk/accessni. each criterion – only information contained Give details of previous post starting with on this section of the form will be considered the most recent. Canvassing by the shortlisting panel. Applicants must Canvassing in any form, oral or written, clearly and exactly state how they meet each Previous Dismissal from the Council direct or indirect, will, if proven to the essential / desirable criterion. The Council will not consider applications satisfaction of the Council, disqualify a from previous Council employees who have candidate for appointment. Where dates are asked for, they must be been dismissed for reasons of misconduct given. If you are asked if you have 2 years’ from Down District Council, Newry & Completing the Application Form experience, you must give the exact dates Mourne District Council or Newry, Mourne The Application Form is in six sections, when you gained this experience and where. and Down District Council for a period of at details of which follow. least 3 years from the date of dismissal. Only provide the relevant information in response to each criterion. Reasons for Gaps in Employment If there are gaps in your employment history, Where qualifications or experience are please briefly provide reasons for these gaps. a requirement, they must have been obtained by the closing date for receipt of applications. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES MONITORING QUESTIONNAIRE The panel will assess whether applicants NOT available to the panel meet each criterion individually. Commitment to Equality of Opportunity Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Essential Criteria is an equal opportunity employer and is The essential criteria and competencies are committed to appointing the best person factors that are considered necessary for for the job. Applicants will not receive less a post holder to have. The applicant must favourable treatment on the ground of their meet all essential criteria to progress to gender, including gender reassignment; assessment / interview. marital or civil partnership status; having or not having dependants; religious Desirable Criteria belief or political opinion; race (including The desirable criteria and competencies colour, nationality, ethnic or national describe the extra factors, which it is origins, being an Irish Traveller), disability, preferable that an applicant holds. sexual orientation or age. The Monitoring Questionnaire asks for details of these Please note the panel may decide to shortlist factors and will be used to provide statistics only applicants who meet both the essential for monitoring purposes and collate and desirable criteria, or only those who information on disability. meet the essential criteria. www.newrymournedown.org 19

Confidentiality vacancy arises within a specified period *** Where driving is part of the post, To ensure the confidentiality of information, from the date the interviews were held, the applicants will be asked to provide the questionnaire has been given an post will be offered to the candidates on the original details of their driving licence identifying number. Only the HR Monitoring Reserve List in order of merit. (both parts), insurance (if driving private Officer will be able to identify this number. car) and complete a driver declaration. For The information on this form will not be A ‘similar vacancy’ is defined as a post those posts that involve driving Council used in any part of the selection process. with a similar job description and person vehicles, a DVA check will be completed specification and on the same salary scale. It and the applicant will also undertake a does not include posts where the similarity driver assessment. DECLARATION relates solely to the salary scale. NOT available to the panel Closing Date It is up to the applicant to ensure that the Offer of Appointment Applications received after the stated closing information that they give is accurate. A conditional offer of appointment will be date and time will not be accepted. Applicants by signing their application made subject to completion of satisfactory form (either manually or electronically) are pre-employment checks. Once satisfactorily confirming that the information provided is completed, a firm offer of appointment accurate. will be made and a starting date agreed. Appointees will have a set timeframe in which to decide on the offer and to take up AFTER THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN post. If an offer is not accepted within the SUBMITTED - WHAT HAPPENS? set timeframe, the offer may be withdrawn.

After Shortlisting Pre-employment Checks When the Recruitment Panel has completed The following are examples of pre- their shortlisting, all applicants will be employment checks that will be carried out, notified of the outcome. where applicable: • Reference Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an • Medical* assessment and/or an interview. We will • Qualifications** send you further information to help you at • Criminal Declaration this stage of the process. Please note that • Driving Licence*** your email address will be forwarded to the • Access NI Assessment Centre provider for the purposes of administering the Assessment Centre. * Please note that the Council’s Occupational Health provider, Health Unsuccessful Matters, will be provided with your email If you have been unsuccessful at any stage address for the purposes of conducting in the selection process you may, if you wish, the Pre Employment Health Assessment. receive feedback on your applications and/or performance. ** Evidence of original qualifications, which were part of the Employee Appointment of Reserve Candidates Specification, must be provided to HR The Council may appoint reserve candidates before appointment is confirmed. Failure in order of merit. This means that if the to provide this evidence may result in an successful candidate fails to take up the post offer being withdrawn. to which they were appointed, or a similar 20 Chief Executive Application Pack

Local Government Reform Information (RPA)

This information is designed to inform Organisational Design you about a matter currently affecting The structure of the new organisation has employment within Newry, Mourne and been designed and is being implemented; Down District Council, known as Local however this is likely to take some time to Government Reform. complete. As with all new organisations the Council may need to make changes to the It is important that you are aware of this design of the organisation in order to deliver issue if you are considering applying for or it’s services in the most efficient and cost- accepting a job within the Council. effective way.

Background Job Descriptions The Review of Public Administration (RPA) Whilst job descriptions are compiled for the was launched by the Northern Ireland various functions within the organisation Executive in June 2002 with the remit it is expected that roles will evolve and of reviewing the arrangements for the transform in line with on-going changes. accountability, development, administration Employees will therefore be expected to be and delivery of public services in Northern flexible and adaptable to meet the changing Ireland. needs and requirements of the organisation, and duties and responsibilities may vary One element of RPA is Local Government without changing the purpose of the job or Reform under which Northern Ireland’s level of responsibility. 26 District Councils amalgamated into 11 larger “super Councils”. The implementation Contacts date of RPA was 1 April 2015 and on that If you have any queries in relation to this date Newry and Mourne District Council document and wish to speak to a member and Down District Council merged to form of the HR Department please call 0300 013 Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. 2233. www.newrymournedown.org 21

Key Recruitment Dates

Employees/applicants are asked to note that the proposed timetable for the recruitment or this post is as follows:

Monday 3 June 2019, 12noon Closing date and time

Tuesday 4 June 2019 First Shortlisting date

Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 June 2019 Assessment Centre It is anticipated that stage 1 of the selection process (assessment centre) for this position will be held on these dates. Candidates will be invited to attend on one date only.

Monday 17 June 2019 Second Shortlisting date

Monday 24 June 2019 Interview It is anticipated that stage 2 of the selection process (interview) for this position will be held on this date.

This schedule above may change for operational reasons. The Council is under no obligation to accommodate applicants who are not available on scheduled selection dates; however, will endeavour to do so taking account of business needs and operational requirements.

Other Information

Key Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Corporate Publications

Corporate Plan 2015-2019

Community Plan

Financial Statement 2017/2018

Performance /nmdcouncil

@nmdcouncil

0300 013 2233 (Council) 0300 200 7830 (Planning) [email protected] www.newrymournedown.org

Oifig an Iúir Oifig Dhún Pádraig Newry Office Downpatrick Office O’Hagan House Downshire Civic Centre Monaghan Row Downshire Estate, Road Newry BT35 8DJ Downpatrick BT30 6GQ

Ag freastal ar an Dún agus Ard Mhacha Theas Serving Down and South Armagh