Tynwald Commissioner for Administration

Information Pack

September 2017

Contents

Public Notice ...... 2

Introduction ...... 3

Recruitment Process ...... 4

Further information ...... 4

Person Specification – Commissioner for Administration ...... 5

Conflicts of Interest ...... 6

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Public Notice

Tynwald Commissioner for Administration

The Cabinet Office is seeking applicants for the position of Tynwald Commissioner for Administration.

This is a statutory role with responsibility for providing independent oversight and scrutiny of the administrative processes and decisions of public bodies in the . The functions and powers of the role are set out under the Tynwald Commissioner for Administration Act 2011.

The initial appointment will be for a period of one year, after which time a review of the role will be undertaken.

If you have the specific skills, enthusiasm and passion for outstanding public service, you may be ideally suited to this role.

Under the terms of the Act, the appointment will be made by Tynwald following a recommendation from a committee of three, comprising the Chief Minister, the Speaker and the Chair of the Public Accounts Committee.

A comprehensive information pack giving full details of the knowledge and skills required and an application form is available at:

https://www.gov.im/public-appointments

Application forms can be completed and submitted electronically via this webpage. If you would prefer printed versions of the information pack and/or application form, please contact the Cabinet Office, Government Office, Bucks Road, Douglas, IM1 3PN. Tel: 01624 685711 or email [email protected].

The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 29 September 2017 at 4.00pm.

Please note applications received by the Cabinet Office after this time will not be considered.

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Introduction

Background Information

The Tynwald Commissioner for Administration Act 2011 (‘the Act’) makes provision for the appointment and functions of the Tynwald Commissioner for Administration (‘the Commissioner’).

The Cabinet Office is seeking applications for appointment to this position.

The initial term of appointment will be for one year. A review will be undertaken at the end of the appointment period.

General Functions

The general functions of the Commissioner will be to investigate the actions and service failures of listed authorities, as stated under the Act. This role will bring a further degree of scrutiny and challenge to the work of the and other public bodies.

The Commissioner will be an officer of Tynwald and will undertake investigations, subject to directions given by Tynwald, in line with the Act.

Overview of the responsibilities of the Commissioner

The Commissioner has the duty to enforce the provisions as set out in section 7 of the Act.

Remuneration

Payment will be in line with that of a Legally Qualified Tribunal Chair which is based on £89.50 per hour for the time required to cover preparation, hearings and report writing. This will include any administrative support.

Time Commitment

The time commitment may vary significantly. As an initial assessment and based on a similar role it is anticipated this commitment may be equivalent to 10 hours per month.

Specialist skills, experience and qualifications

The Commissioner is required to have appropriate and extensive knowledge and experience of the laws of the Isle of Man; and will command the confidence of the public and Tynwald.

There is a requirement for the Commissioner to have a law degree or relevant equivalent qualification. The Commissioner should have experience of working in a legal or regulatory environment, and of ensuring compliance with legislative requirements. An ability to command trust and respect in dealing with contentious issues is required. Some experience or knowledge of the Isle of Man public service and its constitution, organisation and operation would be advantageous. The successful applicant will have the ability to objectively analyse and review complex issues, weigh-up conflicting opinions and identify appropriate actions for improvement.

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More detailed information relating to this role, including the powers and functions of the Commissioner, can be found in the Tynwald Commissioner for Administration Act 2011 at:

https://www.legislation.gov.im/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/2011/2011- 0013/TynwaldCommissionerforAdministrationAct2011_6.pdf

Copies of the Act can also be obtained from the Tynwald Library at Tel: 01624 625520

Recruitment Process

Interested applicants are invited to submit a completed application form, optionally accompanied by a curriculum vitae. Applications can be submitted electronically via the webpage: https://www.gov.im/public-appointments.

Alternatively applications can be submitted via email to [email protected] or by post to the Cabinet Office, Government Office, Bucks Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 3PN.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 29 September 2017 at 4.00pm.

Please note applications received by the Cabinet Office after this time will not be considered.

The recruitment process is as follows:

 All applications received will be assessed against the person specification (see page 5).

 Shortlisting and interviews will be undertaken by a ‘Selection Committee’, which will consist of the following members (as required under legislation):

Hon Juan P Watterson SHK (Chair of the Tynwald Management Committee)

Mr MLC (Vice Chair – Tynwald Public Accounts Committee) (on behalf of the Chair being Hon Juan Watterson SHK)

Hon MHK (Chief Minister)

 Short-listed applicants will be invited to attend an interview on 13 October 2017

 The Selection Committee is required to make a recommendation of appointment to Tynwald

 The decision to appoint will be made by Tynwald

 It is envisaged that the Commissioner of Administration will take up responsibility for the role in January 2018

Further information

Applications will be processed by the Cabinet Office.

If you wish to obtain information relating to the specific position, please contact The Speaker of the , Hon Juan Watterson, SHK.

Email: [email protected] or Tel: 01624 685500.

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Person Specification – Tynwald Commissioner for Administration

Criteria for selection

The following person specifications are essential:

 Applicants must have a law degree or relevant equivalent qualification

 Experience of having worked in a legal or regulatory environment

 Demonstrable experience of ensuring compliance with legislative requirements

 Ability to objectively analyse and review complex issues, weigh-up conflicting opinions and identify appropriate actions

 Undertaking investigations and reporting

 Sound judgement and decision making

 Excellent communication skills

 An ability to command trust and respect in dealing with contentious issues

 A commitment to ‘The Seven Principles of Public Life’

 A desire and commitment to contribute to the Government’s core purpose ‘to maintain and build on the Island’s high quality of life’

 The ability to manage a changeable workload in a well organised manner

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Conflicts of Interest

A guide for applicants

The Seven Principles underpinning public life are:

Selflessness Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or other friends.

Integrity Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.

Objectivity In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.

Accountability Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

Openness Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

Honesty Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

Leadership Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

All candidates who put themselves forward for public appointment must be able to demonstrate their commitment to the principles and values of public service.

It is important that the candidate’s commitment to the probity principle is tested and assessed at interview.

What is a conflict of interest?

Public Appointments require the highest standards of propriety, involving impartiality, integrity and objectivity, in relation to the stewardship of public funds and the oversight and management of all related activities. This means that any private, voluntary, charitable or political interest which might be material and relevant to the work of the Tynwald Commissioner for Administration must always be declared.

A conflict of interest arises when a member of staff might reasonably be perceived by a member of the public to be likely to be biased, partial, or otherwise personally interested in the outcome of dealings between citizen, business or organisation and the Government.

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There is always the possibility for real or perceived conflicts of interest to arise. Both are potentially a problem, as the perceived inference of a conflict may, on occasions, be as damaging as the existence of a real conflict.

It is important, therefore, that you consider your circumstances and identify any potential conflicts of interest, whether real or perceived.

What should I do if I think I have a conflict of interest?

You will find a section on conflicts of interest in the application form for you to complete. This asks you to consider and declare whether or not you have a real, or perceived, conflict. If you are unsure that your circumstances constitute a possible conflict, you should still complete this section, in order to give the Selection Panel as much information as possible.

If you are shortlisted for interview, the Selection Panel will explore with you how far the conflict might affect your ability to contribute effectively and impartially and how this might be handled.

What happens if I do not declare a known conflict, which is then discovered later?

Each case would be considered on its merit, but a view may be taken that by concealing a conflict of interest, you would be deemed to have breached the Seven Principles of Conduct Underpinning Public Life and your appointment terminated.

Areas where a conflict could arise

Conflicts of interest could arise in a variety of ways, however there are a number of main issues, which could lead to real, or apparent, conflicts of interest such as:

 Relevant outside financial or other interests  Relationships with parties/organisations which could lead to split loyalties, real or perceived;  Knowledge of emerging Government Policy which could give unfair personal advantage to individuals or groups with allied business interests – for example, access to privileged information eg trade secrets or commercially confidential information;  Perception of rewards for past contributions or favours;  Family relationships;  Area of residence;  Membership of some societies or organisations.

No one should use, or give the appearance of using, their public position to further their private interests, those of their families or organisations in which they may have an interest. This is particularly important, as it could raise considerable concern with the public and lead to media or other attention.

The above are examples only, so you should consider carefully your own circumstances to gauge whether or not a real, or perceived, conflict might exist.

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This document can be provided in large print or audio tape on request

This document can be provided in large print or audio format on request

Cabinet Office Government Office Bucks Road IM1 3PN tH IS

This document can be provided in large print or audio tape on request

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