Candidate Information
Booklet
IRC192059
Strangford Ferry Purser Department for Regional
Development (DRD), Transport NI
Completed Application Forms must be returned to HRConnect no later than 12 noon (UK time) on
Friday 23rd May 2014
Department for Regional
AnnexDBevelopment
15
Improving the quality of life for everyone
Communication between HRConnect and you
HRConnect will issue electronically as many competition communications as possible, you should therefore check your email account to make sure that you don’t miss any important communications in relation to this competition. There may, however, still be a necessity to issue some correspondence by hard copy mail.
Contents
Page
- Background
- 3
- Job Description
- 6
Person Specification Selection Process
11 14 18 25 26
General Information Annex A Nationality Annex B Civil Service Commissioners
BACKGROUND
The Department for Regional Development and its Arms Length Bodies maintain and develop infrastructure and services that are vital for everyone in Northern Ireland. The Department employs around 2300 people with a budget of £908m.
Our range of functions include:
• regional strategic planning and development policy; • transport strategy and sustainable transport policy; • provision and maintenance of all public roads; • public transport policy and performance; • certain policy and support work for air and sea ports; and • policy on water and sewerage services and management of the
Department’s shareholder interest in Northern Ireland Water.
The Department for Regional Development delivers its services through a Core Group and Transport NI a business area within the Department.
Further information on the Department can be found on our website
Or by writing to:- Strategic Planning Branch 4th Floor, Clarence Court 10-18 Adelaide Street Belfast BT2 8GB
Transport NI
Transport NI is managed by a Management Group, headed by a Deputy Secretary and supported by five Directors. Our headquarters is in Belfast with four geographically located Divisions, each headed by a Divisional Manager, based in Belfast, Coleraine, Craigavon and Omagh. The Divisions are supported by 2 in-house provider “units” Consultancy and Direct.
We are responsible for the planning, design, construction and maintenance of all roads in Northern Ireland together with the implementation of transportation measures in support of the Department’s sustainable transportation policy. Within the resources available, our key objectives are to:
• maintain the road infrastructure to keep it safe, effective and reliable; • improve the road network; • manage the road network to promote its safety and efficient operation; • deliver quality services for our customers and stakeholders in a fair and equitable way;
• operate to resource limits and deliver value for money; • support and motivate all our people to achieve our objectives safely and efficiently.
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Transport NI is structured into five functional Directorates as described below:
• Transport Projects; • Networks Services; • Engineering; • Corporate Services; and • Finance
Transport Projects is responsible for:
•••••••
Transport Planning and Modelling Belfast Rapid Transit project Park & Ride delivery programme. Active Travel Demonstration projects E-car/Plugged in Places Enforcement of Moving Traffic Offences New Rathlin & Strangford Ferries
Network Services is responsible for:
• Maintenance and operation of the public road network, including car parks, intelligent transport systems and street lighting systems;
• Improvement of the network, through local transport and safety
measures and major works on local roads; and
• Providing the point of contact for road users and their representatives
through our 24 local section offices and 4 Divisional Head offices
• Management of the DBFO contract through Public Private Partnerships
Engineering is responsible for:
• Development, co-ordination, review and updating of standards, policies and procedures and for the design and construction of roads;
• Delivery of a programme of Strategic Road Improvement schemes; and • Management of 3 discrete Business Units – Consultancy, the in-house engineering consultancy responsible for the design and construction of roads; Direct, the in-house direct labour force responsible for maintaining roads and winter service; and Engineering Services (ES) which is responsible for the development of transport planning practices and Health & Safety..
Corporate Services is responsible for:
• Strategic planning, performance monitoring, and Equity Agenda; • Programme of IT Projects for Transport NI; • Manpower modeling and Admin Savings; • Corporate Governance and Risk Management; • Secretariat; • Lands acquisition and management and subordinate legislation; and • The enforcement of on street and off street parking regulations.
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Finance is responsible for:
• Operation and development of management information and financial systems;
• Ensuring that all financial policies, procedures and systems meet
Government accounting guidelines;
• Management of the Departmental Claims Unit; and • Financial performance monitoring.
LOCATIONS
Our headquarters is in Belfast and we have 4 divisional offices in Belfast, Coleraine, Craigavon and Omagh, each headed by a Divisional Manager. Each division is divided into a number of sections that generally correspond to district council areas. Consultancy, Direct and Engineering Services have their headquarters in Downpatrick, Ballymena and Belfast respectively. The corporate and finance activities are mainly based in our headquarters.
Strangford Ferry Service
The Strangford Ferry is a car and passenger ferry operated by Transport NI Consultancy. The ferry runs every 15 minutes between Strangford and Portaferry every day except Christmas Day.
The first sailing is at 7:30am on weekdays, 8.00am on Saturday and 9.30 am on Sunday. The final sailing is 10:45pm, every day except Saturday when it is at 11.15. Weekday first and last times are subject to review.
There are 3 Ferry crews currently working a shift pattern of two evening shifts, followed by two morning shifts, followed by two days off. This shift pattern is currently under review. Each shift consists of one Shift Manager, one Skipper and the remaining crew of 4 being made up from Senior Pursers and Pursers. Two Ferry maintenance staff, two night watch persons, an Administrative Officer and the Ferry Manager (HPTO) are based in the Ferry Terminal in Strangford.
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JOB DESCRIPTION
There is currently 1 permanent post available. This competition may also be used to fill similar vacancies that may arise within 1 year of the interviews.
Salary
The salary for the post will be within the range £16,300 - £17,620. Progression within the pay scale will be in conformance with the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) annual pay review. Starting salary will be at the minimum of the scale. If the successful candidate is an existing civil servant, normal pay on promotion arrangements will apply.
These posts will attract an overall shift disturbance allowance of 10.5% plus an additional allowance for weekend working.
Pensions
The NICS offer all employees an attractive pensions package. Further details of this can be found on page 16 of this booklet.
Progression
There are opportunities for career development and prospects for promotion throughout the NICS under normal promotion arrangements.
Location
The post is located at the Strangford Ferry Terminal, Strangford, Co Down.
Hours of Work
The successful candidate will be required to work on a rota basis. This will include weekends and public/privilege holidays which will attract the appropriate rates of pay.
The times currently covered by each shift are as follows: Early Shift: Monday to Friday 07:00 – 15:15
Saturday 07:30 – 15:45 Sunday 07:25 – 15:15
Late Shift: Monday to Friday 14:50 – 23:30
Saturday 15:20 – Midnight Sunday 14:50 – 23:30
The working pattern is an average of 37 hours per week, worked on a 6 day shift pattern of two late shifts, followed by two early shifts followed by two days off. Crew may be called on to occasionally work outside of scheduled working hours, there is also an on call arrangement in operation.
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Annual Leave
In addition to the usual public and privilege holidays (currently 12 per annum), there is an annual leave allowance of 25 days, increasing to 30 days after 5 years satisfactory service. Shift pattern may include public holidays, ferry crews would be expected to work these days but they would receive appropriate rates of pay and time off in lieu of that public holiday.
Medical Requirements
Prior to an appointment being offered, the successful candidate will be required to pass a medical check.
Training
Excellent training facilities are provided with both in-house and external courses and seminars being available. The successful candidate will be required to undertake and pass Personal Sea Survival, Basic First Aid and Basic Fire Fighting courses during their first 12 months in post.
Additional Information
Applicants wishing to learn more about the post before deciding to apply may
- telephone:
- Derek
- Pedlow
- 028
- 4461
- 8792
- or
If you have any questions about the competition process, you should contact HRConnect on 0800 1 300 330 or email: [email protected].
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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
To carry out ticket sales on board the ferry, ensuring the safety of colleagues and the public, and to assist with loading, de-berthing, mooring and passenger control when required.
The main duties of the post will include: Ticket Sales
• Carryout all ticket sales and cash handling procedures in strict accordance with the procedures issued by Ferry Management.
• Complete all paperwork in a clear and concise manner as required by
management.
• Be responsible for the ticket machine and use and maintain batteries
properly charged by facilities aboard the vessels and in the Terminal building.
• Report faulty ticket machines to the Shift Manager at the earliest
opportunity and record full details of the fault.
• Carry out any related duties which may be required from time to time
by Ferry Management.
• Report all problems concerning the safe and efficient operation of the
vessel and the sale of tickets to the Shift Manager.
Operation of the Ferry
• Assist the Shift Manager and other crew members in the day to day operation of the vessel including de-berthing and mooring. Assist with passenger control, withdrawal of service procedures, etc. and any other general duties required for the care of the vessels and the safe and efficient operation of the service.
• Assist with the supervision of the loading, off-loading and carriage of all
vehicles and passengers to ensure that all loading and off-loading procedures are carried out in a safe and efficient manner and in accordance with Maritime and Coastguard Agency requirements and instructions, and procedures issued by Ferry Management.
Participate fully in safety drills as required by management. Retain and be familiar with all safety instructions and operational procedures issued from time to time by Ferry Management and put these into practice as the situation demands.
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ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applicants must, by the closing date for applications have:
1. At least 2 GCSEs at grades C or above which must include English
Language and Mathematics.
AND
2. Experience of working with or on, either seagoing or inland waterway, commercial craft (this could include any or all of the following: passenger, cargo/freight, fishing, workboats or pilot vessels [either sailing or motorised vessels]).
Applications will also be considered from applicants with relevant formal qualifications considered by the selection panel to be of an equivalent or higher standard to those stated.
Relevant or equivalent qualifications: give the type of qualification and date awarded (the date awarded is the date on which you were notified of your result by the official awarding body). If you believe your qualification is equivalent to the one required, the onus is on you to provide the panel with details of modules studied etc so that a well-informed decision can be made.
SHORTLISTING CRITERIA
In addition applicants should be aware that after an eligibility sift, should it be necessary to shortlist candidates to go forward to interview, the following shortlisting criteria will be used:
• Experience of dealing with the public in a work related environment.
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Please note: ° You should ensure that you provide evidence of your experience in your application form, giving length of experience, examples and dates as required.
° It is not sufficient to simply list your duties and responsibilities. ° The panel will not make assumptions from the title of the applicant’s post or the nature of the organisation as to the skills and experience gained.
° If you do not provide sufficient detail, including the appropriate dates needed to meet the eligibility criteria, the selection panel will reject your application.
° ONLY the details provided by you in your application form (the employment history and eligibility criteria) will be provided to the selection panel for the purpose of determining your eligibility for the post.
° The panel may decide to interview only those applicants who appear, from the information available, to be most suitable in terms of relevant experience and ability.
° Further information on the Core Competences for this grade can be
accessed through www.nicsrecruitment.gov.uk
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
CORE COMPETENCES
The Core Competence Framework, which is grade specific, describes what people need to do in order to be effective at work. It is not enough to just have the knowledge and skills to do our jobs. Competence is about what people actually do, it is about how you apply or demonstrate the knowledge and skills whilst carrying out your tasks. Demonstrated competence is observable and measurable.
Strangford Ferry Purser is analogous to AA in the NICS. Further information on the Core Competences for this grade can be accessed through
INTERVIEW CRITERIA
In addition to satisfying the eligibility criteria and shortlisting criteria applicants will also be expected to display the following qualities and skills at interview:
1. Services and Resources
A good knowledge of customer care issues. The ability to plan and organise workloads to meet standards and deadlines.
Marks Available: 20 2. People
The ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships including working as a team member.
Marks Available: 20 3. Information and Communication
The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Marks Available: 20 Total Marks Available: 60 Overall Pass Mark: 36
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COMPETENCE BASED INTERVIEWS
Selection panels will design questions to test the applicant’s knowledge and experience in each of the above areas and award marks accordingly.
INTERVIEWS
It is intended that interviews for this post will take place in Rathkeltair House, Downpatrick during week commencing 23rd June 2014.
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INTERVIEW GUIDANCE FOR APPLICANTS
If this is your first experience of a competence-based interview, bear in mind that it does not require you to:
• Talk through previous jobs or appointments from start to finish; • Provide generalised information as to your background and experience; or
• Provide information that is not specifically relevant to the competence
the question is designed to test.
A competence-based interview does however require you to:
• Focus exclusively, in your responses, on your ability to fulfill the competences required for effective performance in the role; and
• Provide specific examples of your experience in relation to the required
competence areas.
In preparation for the interview you may wish to think about having a clear structure for each of your examples, such as:
• Situation – briefly outline the situation; • Task – what was your objective, what were you trying to achieve; • Action – what did you actually do, what was your unique contribution; • Result – what happened, what was the outcome, what did you learn.
The panel will ask you to provide specific examples from your past experience in relation to each of the competences. You should therefore come to the interview prepared to discuss in detail a range of examples which best illustrate your skills and abilities in each competence area. You may draw examples from any area of your work / life experiences.
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SELECTION PROCESS
The Merit Principle
In accordance with the Office of the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Code, appointments to the NICS are made under the ‘merit principle’, where the best person for any given post is selected in fair and open competition.
Further information on the Civil Service Commissioners can be found at
Making your application:
The application form is designed to ensure that applicants provide the necessary information to determine how they meet the competition requirements and the eligibility/shortlisting criteria.
Guidance for Applicants
• The space available on the application form is the same for all applicants and must not be altered.
• We will not accept CVs, letters, additional pages or any other
supplementary material in place of or in addition to completed application forms, unless it is specifically requested in the application form and candidate information booklet, eg an organisational chart.
• Should an organisational chart be required this must be submitted to
HRConnect by the closing date for applications.
• Applicants must complete the application form in either typescript font size
12, or legible, block capitals using black ink.
• Applicants must not reformat application forms. • Information in support of your application will not be accepted after the closing date for receipt of applications.
• HRConnect will not examine applications until after the closing deadline; • Do not use acronyms, complex technical detail etc. Write for the reader who may not know your employer, your branch or your job.
• Write down clearly your personal involvement in any experience you
quote. Write “I” statements e.g. I planned meetings, I managed a budget, I prepared a presentation. It is how you actually carried out a piece of work that the panel will be interested in.
• The examples you provide should be concise and relevant to the criteria.
This is very important as the examples which you provide may be checked out at interview and you may need to be prepared to talk about these in detail if you are invited to interview. It is your unique role the panel are interested in, not that of your team or division.
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Application Form Submission
• Please refer to the Candidate Information Booklet before completing an application.
• All parts of the application form must be completed by the applicant
before this application can be considered. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• All applications must be received by the advertised closing date. Late
applications or applications received by fax or by email will not be accepted. Applicants using Royal Mail should note that 1st class mail does not guarantee next day delivery. It is also the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that sufficient postage has been paid to return the form to HRConnect. HRConnect will not accept any application where they are asked to pay any shortfall in postage.
• Only the employment history, eligibility and shortlisting sections will be
