Executive Director

Applicant Information

About the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness About the Executive Director Position Our Vision & Values Council Plan Council Objectives Partnership Working Management Structure Council Structure Job Description Key Duties & Responsibilities Person Specification Appointment Procedure Main Terms & Conditions of Employment About the Borough of

Barrow-in-Furness Barrow Borough Council is situated in south west residential districts but in Barrow, commercial and Cumbria on the edge of the Furness peninsula, industrial activity is restricted to areas along Walney projecting into the Irish Sea with Morecambe Bay to Channel, leaving the central, eastern and northern the south and the Duddon Estuary to the north. parts of the town untouched. The Borough is a geographically small, densely In terms of industry the BAE shipyard dominates the populated and urbanised local authority, very economy but there is growth in other sectors, such as different to any other Cumbrian district council. The the Walney Offshore wind farm which is the largest in resident population is currently 67,500 and the Europe and the Roosecote 49mw battery storage About the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness Borough area covers approximately 7,796 hectares. plant, one of the largest of its kind in the world. About the Executive Director Position The Borough has a coastline of 63km and has equally A Business Improvement District was set up in Our Vision & Values diverse built and natural environments; this includes September 2016. The aims of the group are to Council Plan 274 Listed buildings and 4 Sites of Special Scientific promote Barrow, to have busier shops and services, Interest; a very high concentration. to have brighter streets and buildings, and to boost Council Objectives the evening economy . The Travel to Work Area Partnership Working The main town is Barrow-in-Furness followed by reaches outside the Borough, with far more inward Management Structure Dalton-in-Furness and the parishes of Askam & Ireleth commuting than outgoing. This primarily but not and Lindal & Marton. Council Structure solely consists of employees working at the BAE Job Description shipyard. Travel connections are primarily road and rail, with Key Duties & Responsibilities motorway traffic coming through junction 36 of the The functional economic area of Barrow Borough Person Specification M6 to the A590, straight to Barrow-in-Furness. Council, South Lakeland District Council and Lancaster Appointment Procedure Barrow is only 20 minutes from the Lake District with City Council has been established as the Lancaster Main Terms & Conditions of Employment outstanding scenery on both road and rail routes. and South Cumbria Economic Region. Whilst the The Port of Barrow serves in an offshore support role economies of these areas have significant differences, as well as trading in other specialist cargoes and as a there are clear benefits from working together more cruise ship port. It is sheltered by the 10 mile closely on economic development and other expanse of Walney Island. emerging initiatives. An unusually high proportion of the workforce both lives and works within the Many towns are affected by industry intruding on combined area. 2 Continued ... Housing stock in the Borough is dominated by high density pre-1919 terraced properties which comprise 50% of the stock. The Council retains a Housing Revenue Account which has 2,600 dwellings. 58% of all properties in the Borough are in the lowest banding for council tax and 89% overall are within bands A to C. The Local Plan 2016-2031 is due to be approved in February 2019 and will guide decisions that improve the quality of life for everyone in the Borough and which protect and enhance the natural and built environment. Since 2010 the Council has experienced a 62% reduction in what was the Formula Grant. The challenge to eliminate the core deficit has been dealt with through the Budget Strategy. The Budget Strategy 2010-2016 eliminated £5m and the Budget Strategy 2016-2020 eliminates a further £2.7m; leading to the sustainable funding level determined by Government. The Council’s 2019-2020 General Fund revenue budget is £10.3m, and there are 230 full time equivalent employees across General Fund and the Housing Revenue Account. The Council’s housing maintenance, waste and street cleansing, and grounds maintenance services are outsourced. The Council Plan, priorities and objectives through to 2020 have been approved alongside the Workforce Strategy and Medium Term Financial Plan. The Council Plan recognises the financial and resource constraints of the Council and raises the importance of partnership working and influencing other organisations to achieve the Council’s vision. About the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness About the Executive Director Position Our Vision & Values . Council Plan Council Objectives

Partnership Working Management Structure Council Structure

Job Description Key Duties & Responsibilities Person Specification Appointment Procedure Main Terms & Conditions of Employment

3 About the Executive

Director Position

The Executive Director of Barrow Borough Council is a  Regeneration and the Built Environment position that incorporates the duties and  Democratic and Electoral Services responsibilities of a traditional Chief Executive and of an operational director. The Resources Directorate incorporates the following services: The position is designated Head of Paid Service with the statutory responsibility to manage the Council  Financial Services and Accountancy effectively, efficiently and economically.  Internal Audit There are two directorates; the Executive Directorate  HR About the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness incorporates the following services:  IT About the Executive Director Position  Corporate Support  Housing, including retained dwelling stock Our Vision & Values  Revenues and Benefits  Community Services Council Plan Council Objectives Partnership Working Management Structure Council Structure Job Description Key Duties & Responsibilities Person Specification Appointment Procedure Main Terms & Conditions of Employment

4 Our Vision & Values

The Council’s vision for the Borough is a healthy population with high aspirations, living in good quality housing with decent jobs in a diverse economy. Values and Behaviours

The Council’s values and behaviours framework, developed by our employees, reflect the Council and its vision. The behaviours are defined as “what colleagues see, hear and feel when the Council’s values are being displayed” such as respect, fairness, transparency and open-mindedness. About the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness About the Executive Director Position Community Focus Honesty & Integrity Our Vision & Values Council Plan We provide excellent services We do the right thing; are open for all customers and and confident to challenge and Council Objectives colleagues. be challenged. Partnership Working Management Structure Our Team Council Structure We all work together to achieve Job Description our shared vision and goals. Key Duties & Responsibilities ‘Everyone is a leader’. Person Specification Appointment Procedure Aim High Proud Main Terms & Conditions of Employment We encourage creativity and We celebrate who we are and embrace change. our achievements.

5 Council Plan

The Council Plan is the strategic document that guides  Developing the local economy to secure a long the Borough Council’s decisions on how much we term economic future for all our community; spend, what we do and how we do it. It covers the  A strong and vibrant town centre community; period 2017-2020. It is also a longer term strategy  Closing the gap on health inequalities; setting the broad direction for future plans.  Providing a greater choice of good quality housing Given the severe constraints on Council income it is and regenerating the oldest and poorest housing in necessary to think and act more like a business, drive the Borough. efficiencies from services, generate more income and support innovation and best practice within services. The Council has identified the following cross-cutting objectives to achieve efficient and effective services: About the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness About the Executive Director Position  Provide short and medium term financial stability in the General Fund by implementing the agreed Our Vision & Values 2016-2020 Budget Strategy; Council Plan  Measuring customer satisfaction with Council Council Objectives services; Partnership Working  Developing a more cost effective procurement Management Structure process by maximising the use of purchasing Council Structure frameworks; Job Description  Refreshing and implementing the Councils Key Duties & Responsibilities workforce strategy; Person Specification  Identifying opportunities to generate additional Appointment Procedure income; Main Terms & Conditions of Employment  Provide training and support for innovation and adoption of best practice within services and requiring managers to demonstrate this. In addition four thematic priorities have been identified as drivers to support the Councils vision: 6 Council Objectives

The main objectives identified as contributors towards the Councils priorities are set out in the Priority 3 - Closing the gap on health inequalities Council Plan and performance management framework.  Use of leisure facilities and amenities;  Activities to reduce health inequalities; Priority 1 - Developing the local economy to secure a long term economic future for all our community  Locality Health and Wellbeing Forum;  Council dwellings decent homes standard;  Regeneration of Waterfront Barrow which includes Marina Village;  Third sector strategy to improve health and wellbeing;  Infrastructure improvements;  Multi-agency pilot to provide early health About the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness  Business supply chain and skills for employment; intervention. About the Executive Director Position  Furness Economic Development Forum; Our Vision & Values  Lancaster and South Cumbria economic region. Priority 4 - Providing a greater choice of good Council Plan quality housing and regenerating the oldest and Council Objectives poorest housing in the Borough Priority 2 - A strong and vibrant town centre Partnership Working community Management Structure  Completion of the central renewal area; Council Structure  Leisure, cultural and retail offer;  Effective management of Council dwelling stock; Job Description  Evening economy;  Support special needs housing development; Key Duties & Responsibilities  Town centre masterplan;  Housing sites provision in the Local Plan; Person Specification Appointment Procedure  Town centre housing;  Enable older and disabled residents to remain in their homes; Main Terms & Conditions of Employment  Infrastructure;  Private sector housing standards.  Street cleanliness.

7 Partnership Working

The Executive Director brings strategic leadership to the Lancaster and South Cumbria Region both the Council and to the Borough. Elected collaboration on economic development initiatives. members play a key role in partnership working and influencing other organisations; it is the Executive The Executive Director will raise the Borough’s profile Director that engages the wider public sector, private and deliver the Council Plan through partnership businesses and the third sector. working by: The Council has no commercial partnership  Encouraging economic growth; arrangements. The main non-commercial  Improving infrastructure; partnerships are with the Furness Economic  Exploring collaborative working; Development Forum which is a public-private  Addressing health inequalities; partnership operating throughout the Barrow and  Promoting the area. About the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness Furness parliamentary area to support economic The Council expects the Executive Director to be able About the Executive Director Position growth; with joint membership (with South Lakeland to maintain good working relationships with partners Our Vision & Values District Council) of the Cumbria Local Enterprise and to forge new partnerships in response to Council Plan Partnership which is a private-public partnership emerging local priorities in order to be best placed to Council Objectives which provides a strategic lead on all activities manage change. contributing to the county’s economic growth; and Partnership Working Management Structure Council Structure Job Description Key Duties & Responsibilities Person Specification Appointment Procedure Main Terms & Conditions of Employment

8 Management Structure

The Executive Director is the Head of Paid Service and the operational director for housing, community services, regeneration and the built environment, and democratic and electoral services. The Director of Resources is the Section 151 Officer and the operational director for Financial Services and Accountancy, Internal Audit, HR , IT, Corporate Support and Revenues and Benefits. The Democratic Services Manager is also the Monitoring Officer.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR About the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness (Head of Paid Services) About the Executive Director Position Our Vision & Values DIRECTOR OF RESOURCES Council Plan (Section 151 Officer) Council Objectives Partnership Working Management Structure Council Structure

Assistant Assistant Assistant Democratic Job Description Director Director HR Accountancy Corporate Revenues Financial Internal Director Services Key Duties & Responsibilities Regeneration Community Manager & Services Support & Benefits Services Audit Housing (includes IT) & Built Services Monitoring Person Specification Environment Officer Appointment Procedure Main Terms & Conditions of Employment

9 Council Structure

The Borough is divided into 13 wards with 11 wards having 3 councillors, 1 ward with 2 councillors and 1 ward with 1 councillor as representation; making a total of 36 councillors. The Borough elected a Labour administration following the 2015 elections; the Council seats are Labour 26, Conservative 9 and Independent 1. There is an all-out election taking place in May 2019. The Council operates a modified committee system.

COUNCIL

About the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness About the Executive Director Position Our Vision & Values Council Plan Council Objectives Executive Licensing Executive Audit Planning Scrutiny Licensing Partnership Working Committee Regulatory Committee Committee Committee Committee Committee Management Structure Committee Council Structure Job Description Key Duties & Responsibilities Housing Licensing Sub- Management Person Specification Committee Forum Appointment Procedure Main Terms & Conditions of Employment

10 Job Description

responsibility for all officers. The Executive Director Post no: DIR002 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR leads the corporate direction of the Council’s ACCOUNTABLE TO: Management Board and its employees in order to deliver the Council’s services, manage change and  The Council ensure sustainability.  Leader of the Council The Executive Director supports elected members in RESPONSIBLE FOR: establishing the overall vision and strategic direction  Director of Resources for the Council, and is charged with delivering the  Assistant Director Regeneration and Built priorities and objectives in the achievement of the Environment vision. The postholder is responsible for the  Assistant Director Community Services operation of the Council’s services directly, through About the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness  Assistant Director Housing contracts, and for working in partnership with About the Executive Director Position business, government and the voluntary sector to  Democratic Services Manager Our Vision & Values deliver the Council’s vision and priorities.  Personal Assistant part-time x2 Council Plan The Executive Director is the Council’s principal Council Objectives advisor on strategic policy options and is responsible Purpose of the job Partnership Working for the provision of professional advice to all parties The Executive Director is the Head of Paid Service and in the decision-making process. Together with the Management Structure is required to fulfil the statutory responsibilities Monitoring Officer, the post holder is responsible for Council Structure required of this role; to manage the Council a system of record keeping for all the Council’s Job Description effectively, efficiently and economically. The decisions. Key Duties & Responsibilities Executive Director is effectively the Council’s head of Person Specification staff with the responsibility to propose to elected The Executive Director is in charge of the operation of members how the Council’s responsibilities should be the Executive Directorate and is the main point of Appointment Procedure organised and the numbers and grades of staff contact for the media. Main Terms & Conditions of Employment required to discharge them. The post is full-time at 37 hours per week, carries an The Executive Director manages the interface essential user car allowance, is based in Barrow Town between elected members and employees, Hall and is subject to a basic disclosure. supporting the democratic processes. The postholder has overall corporate management and operational 11 responsibilities; including overall management Key Duties & Responsibilities

1 Leadership: making sure that Barrow Borough 7 Health and Safety at Work: to oversee the Council is well led, and that staff and Councillors are discharge of the Employer's responsibilities associated supported to do the best job possible. Also, to provide with the safety, health and welfare of the Council's leadership, vision and strategic direction, having employees and the safety, health and welfare of responsibility for the overall management of the Council persons not in the Council's employment who may be Plan. placed at risk by the operations of the authority.

2 Direction: making sure that staff have a clear idea of 8 Strategy: to develop and implement Plans, Policies what they are doing and why, and ensuring that the job and Strategies to deliver the Council’s strategic is done. Ensuring that programmes and systems are in objectives and vision. place to meet priorities and project delivery; designate 9 Decision-making: to review and assess all material Assistant Directors to be accountable for quality and About the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness delivery. business decisions to ensure immediate and longer term implications, opportunities and risks are fully considered About the Executive Director Position 3 Advice: providing advice and assistance to all and align with the Council’s overall strategy. Our Vision & Values Councillors, in order to ensure that the political aims of Council Plan the Administration are put into action through the clear 10 Governance: to establish and monitor the Council’s Council Objectives and effective strategies. arrangements for risk, performance and contract management, and Codes of Conduct. Partnership Working 4 Partnerships: working, where necessary and Management Structure 11 appropriate, with other local organisations (public Meetings: to attend committees and other meetings Council Structure sector, private sector and third sector) to make sure of the Council and to represent the Council at other Job Description that the objectives of the Administration are achieved meetings as required. and put into action; to improve the lives of local people. Key Duties & Responsibilities 12 Services: the Executive Director is also in charge of Person Specification 5 dealing with staff issues fairly and the Executive Directorate which incorporates the Management: Appointment Procedure consistently, ensuring that spending is kept within following services: budget, monitoring levels of performance of staff, and Main Terms & Conditions of Employment making changes where necessary so the Council delivers  Democratic and Electoral Services its services and functions to the very best of its ability.  Regeneration and the Built Environment Division  Community Services Division 6 : to deal with matters concerned with Civic Matters  Housing Division civic and ceremonial occasions together with civic The main duties and responsibilities are set out as a hospitality. 12 guide; they do not define the full extent of the post. A Application C Certificate Person Specification T Test I Interview

Essential Method of i Selection Criteria Desirable Assessment

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Educated to degree level. E A C

2. Management qualification or completion of a recognised management development programme E A C

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

1. Significant experience in or a demonstration of the ability to lead the development of strategies E A I and initiatives, working with public, private and third sector partners to deliver key priorities About the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness About the Executive Director Position 2. Experience of participating and driving multi-sector partnerships and engaging and influencing a E A I T wide range of stakeholders Our Vision & Values Council Plan 3. A proven successful track record of leading, managing, planning, developing and operating at a E A I senior level within a multi-disciplined organisation Council Objectives Partnership Working 4. Strong evidence of implementing effective governance arrangements and financial management E A I Management Structure 5. Significant experience or demonstration of the ability to negotiate and influence at regional and E A I T Council Structure national level Job Description 6. An effective and credible communicator including effective organisational communication, E A I T Key Duties & Responsibilities negotiation and advocacy skills Person Specification 7. Adaptive interpersonal skills and an ability to engage councillors, managers, employees and E A I T Appointment Procedure external partners to deliver the Council’s vision and services Main Terms & Conditions of Employment 8. Significant experience in a management or decision-making role within a complex organisation at E A I a senior level

9. Significant experience in a management or decision-making role within the public sector, and an D A I awareness of the issues, pressures, influences and legislation facing local authorities

10. Ability to operate services and manage change within an environment of challenging finances and E A I T limited resources 13 Continued ... A Application C Certificate Person Specification T Test I Interview

Essential Method of i Selection Criteria Desirable Assessment

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE i

11. Proven business acumen and evidence of successfully leading large projects E A I

12. Able to analyse information, calculate risks, take appropriate action and make balanced decisions E A I

13. Able to set and achieve performance management standards that deliver employee engagement, E A I empowerment and continued skills development

14. Demonstrates high personal standards of honesty, fairness, professionalism and openness within E A I T About the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness the Council and with all stakeholders About the Executive Director Position 15. Ability to provide visible and supportive leadership and to foster a positive work environment E A I Our Vision & Values through empowering, enabling, motivating and developing others Council Plan 16. An understanding of the workings of local government and an awareness of the issues, pressures, D A I Council Objectives influences and legislation facing local authorities Partnership Working 17. Able to ensure that risks associated with Council services as a whole are effectively managed and Management Structure mitigated effectively, including the risk of fraud and corruption, protection of data and business E A I continuity Council Structure Job Description 18. Able to ensure compliance associated with the safety, health and welfare of the Council's employ- ees and the safety, health and welfare of persons not in the Council's employment who may be E A I Key Duties & Responsibilities placed at risk by the operations of the authority Person Specification Appointment Procedure 19. Knowledge of matters concerned with civic and ceremonial occasions together with civic hospitality D A I Main Terms & Conditions of Employment

As a local authority employee there is a requirement to respond to and to assist with the management of an emergency incident as defined by the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. These exceptional circumstances could be within or outside of normal working hours. This postholder is the strategic lead on all emergency planning issues ensuring that the Council’s legal duties are discharged and the Council plays an active role in protecting the local community. The role will include participating in training and responding to an emergency when declared. 14 Appointment Procedure

Applications Acknowledgements

Candidates are required to complete the Council’s All applications will be acknowledged by email on standard online application form which is available on receipt. our jobs portal: www.yourcumbriajobs.co.uk. Hard copies of the Application Form are available by email Closing Date request to [email protected]. CVs will not be accepted. All applicants are required to supply an email address to which pre-interview tests can be The closing date for submission of applications is sent. midnight on 4th March 2019. About the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness The appointment is being supported by our employ- On-line applications will automatically be submitted About the Executive Director Position via the link. Word versions of the application form ers’ organisation. If you would like an informal Our Vision & Values discussion about the post, please telephone: should be returned either to [email protected] or Council Plan Keith Power, Director, North West Employers to: on 07827 941 344. Council Objectives HR Department, Barrow Borough Council, Town Hall, Partnership Working Duke Street, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria LA14 2LD. References Management Structure Applications should be marked Private & Confidential Council Structure – Job Application. Job Description References will be obtained for the successful candidate prior to the written offer being made. Key Duties & Responsibilities Documentation/Eligibility Checks Person Specification References will be obtained from the current or most Appointment Procedure recent employer(s) covering 3 years employment Please note that, if you are shortlisted, you will be Main Terms & Conditions of Employment where possible. If the most recent employment is for required to bring with you to the interview your more than 3 years a character reference will be original certificates or other documentary evidence of sought in addition to the employer’s reference. qualifications obtained that are essential to this post, Please therefore provide referees to cover the above as stated on the person specification. We will also including contact numbers and email addresses. require a copy of each of these to be placed on file. 15 Continued ... Appointment Procedure

You should also bring evidence of your eligibility to Shortlisted Candidates work in the UK, such as a UK passport or full Birth Certificate, plus an original document containing your National Insurance number (as required by the Asylum Shortlisted candidates will be notified on the 12th and Immigration Act 1996). Further details will be March 2019 and invited to undertake online given if you are shortlisted. personality testing.

Assessment & Formal Interviews Interview Expenses

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a one-day Claims for expenses incurred to attend any assessment comprising a presentation and Q&A with assessment process or interviews should be submitted the Recruitment Panel and a panel interview on the About the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness on the Council’s ‘Interview Expenses Claim Form’ 25th March 2019. About the Executive Director Position which will be provided to shortlisted applicants. Our Vision & Values

Unreasonable refusal of an offer of appointment or Council Plan Recommendation to Full Council withdrawal of application may lead to expenses not Council Objectives being paid. The Recruitment Panel will make its formal Partnership Working recommendation to Full Council on the 28th March Management Structure 2019. Council Structure Long Listing Job Description Closing date 4th March 2019 Long listing will be undertaken by North West Key Duties & Responsibilities

Employers by assessment of a candidate’s application Long Listing from 5th March 2019 Person Specification against the person specification for the post and may Appointment Procedure involve a telephone interview; between the 5th and Shortlisting 11th March 2019 Main Terms & Conditions of Employment 8th March 2019. Assessment & Formal Interviews 25th March 2019

Confirmation by Full Council 28th March 2019

16 Main Terms and Conditions of Appointment

1. The conditions of service are those prescribed by the 8. The postholder will be subject to the political Joint Negotiating Committee for Chief Executives of restrictions contained within Part 1 of the provisions Local Authorities. of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. 2. The annual salary for the appointment will be 9. The successful candidate will be required to apply for £97,641. a Basic Disclosure. 3. The appointment is subject to three months’ notice in 10. The Council complies with the DBS Code of Practice on writing on either side. the Recruitment of Ex-offenders– further details are within the Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex- About the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness 4. The Council’s normal working hours are 37 per week. offenders and can be forwarded on request. However, the status of this post requires the About the Executive Director Position postholder to accept a high level of flexibility in the 11. The post attracts relocation expenses, subject to Our Vision & Values performance of the duties and responsibilities eligibility criteria, the main provisions of which are as Council Plan attached to the post. The postholder will, therefore, follows: Council Objectives be required to attend meetings and perform other  Reimbursement of 100% removal expenses, duties relating to Council business outside normal Partnership Working subject to the claiming Officer producing evidence office hours. The grade of the post takes account of Management Structure that the lowest of three quotes had been the requirement for working outside normal office accepted. Council Structure hours.  Reimbursement of legal, mortgage and estate Job Description 5. The annual leave entitlement is 32 days. One days’ agents' fees up to £4,000. Key Duties & Responsibilities annual leave will be required to facilitate full closure at Christmas. In addition, the postholder is entitled to  Disturbance allowance of £750. Person Specification a further eight public holidays as they occur, plus two  Lodging Allowance reimbursement of up to £125 Appointment Procedure local holidays, which are currently utilised to facilitate per week, up to a maximum of 26 weeks. Main Terms & Conditions of Employment closure during the Christmas period.  Reimbursement of the cost of one return journey 6. The successful candidate will be automatically home per fortnight, at either second class rail fare enrolled in the Local Government Pension Scheme or casual car mileage rate equivalent, whilst a administered by Lancashire County Council, at the second home is being maintained. Evidence of current contribution rate of 10.5% of salary. expenditure must be provided.  Paid resettlement leave of up to 2 days. 7. The post attracts an Essential Car User Allowance of 17 £1,239 per annum. Main Terms and Conditions of Appointment

About the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness About the Executive Director Position Our Vision & Values Council Plan Council Objectives Partnership Working Management Structure Council Structure Job Description Key Duties & Responsibilities Person Specification Appointment Procedure Main Terms & Conditions of Employment

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