Essential information for prospective employees
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Where tradition meets innovation “Helping you to make the right career choice; helping us page 1 to appoint the best person for the job ”
To obtain this publication in an alternative format – large print, on audio tape or in translation - please phone 01244 512047 or contact hrms.enquiries@ chester.ac.uk via email. This also applies if you do not have internet access and require any information referred to as appearing on a website. Completing your application
• Applications can only be accepted on the We are committed to ensuring University’s application form. that our recruitment process • Read the job description and person specification and provide responses to the information, so as is a positive experience for to ensure that your application is relevant to the post. The application form is the focus for the all concerned and will treat selection process, and will determine whether you are shortlisted.
you with fairness, keep you • Using examples as your evidence, pay particular attention to explaining how your informed and deal with your particular skills, abilities, qualifications and experience meet the essential and desirable questions honestly. In return, criteria for the post, as defined in the it is important that you follow supporting information. • Complete all sections of the application form these guidelines carefully in black ink. You may attach your CV, but it is not regarded as a substitute for any part of the when applying. form. Writing ‘Refer to CV’ on your application form is not sufficient. page 2
• If you need more space to complete all your details, please continue on a separate sheet and ensure that your name and the reference number for the post are clearly stated on all attached pages.
• Sign the declaration to certify that all the information given is correct. In doing so, you are consenting to the University storing and using the information you provide in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998. If you are not appointed, your application will be destroyed within 12 months. If you are applying for an academic or research vacancy, please include details of your publications or research interests.
• Post or fax your application. As the form requires your signature, we are currently unable to accept online applications.
• If you are successful, you will be joining a long-established community, prized for its friendly and supportive approach. You will be encouraged to bring to the University your ideas, energy and enthusiasm.
Please contact us if you have any enquiries about your application on 01244 512047 or e-mail [email protected] What happens next
Acknowledgement of applications – Due to the part of your application, to enable us to maintain our large number of applications we receive, we are responsibilities. Your information is kept confidential unable to acknowledge them. To ensure that we have and not used as part of the selection process. received yours, please enclose a stamped, self- Interviews – These will usually be conducted by addressed postcard. a panel and candidates may be asked to give a Closing date and selection process - Your presentation or take part in a selection test, which application should reach us no later than 12 noon on will be explained in the invitation letter. We will check the advertised closing date. To avoid delay, please that you have certificates for all the qualifications ensure that it has the correct postage. If you have not which you have stated in your application that you been called for interview within four weeks of this hold. You will also be asked to provide evidence of date, you should assume that your application has your right to work in the UK. Offers of employment been unsuccessful. The selection panel will shortlist are conditional upon a successful pre-employment candidates for interview, using the criteria on the health screening check. person specification. With a considerable number this References - Where asked, you should provide the may take several days. names and addresses of two people who have Disability - We guarantee to interview all applicants agreed to provide a reference for you. They must with a declared disability, who meet the minimum not be related to you and one must be your criteria as detailed in the job description and person present or most recent employer. Email addresses page 3 specification. Please refer to the above guidance would be helpful, wherever possible. We will usually when applying. Reasonable adjustments can be take up references for shortlisted candidates and made, if necessary, during the recruitment and will not make an offer of employment until they have selection process. If you require assistance, please been received. contact us on 01244 512047. Rehabilitation of Offenders - In accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, convictions will only be taken into account where they are considered relevant to the job. Certain posts require that you disclose any conviction, caution or binding over, including ‘spent’ convictions under the terms of the Diversity and equality - The University is ROA 1974 (Exemptions) Order and ROA (Exceptions) committed to promoting equality of opportunity for (Amendments) Order 1986. If so, this will be staff, students, stakeholders and members of the indicated in the job details and if you are successful local community. We aim to create an intellectual in your application for this post the University will community and workplace that respects, welcomes undertake a Criminal Records Bureau check. and promotes diversity and equality through: learning and teaching; research and scholarship; outreach; and other University activities and practices. No applicant should receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origins, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender, marital or parental status or political belief. We have a positive, legal duty to promote equality in respect of race, gender and disability and this duty is supported by a team of Diversity Advocates. The University’s annual Diversity Festival includes themed events, aimed at creating greater awareness among staff, students and the wider community. During the recruitment process, we do our best to ensure that all candidates are given fair and appropriate opportunities to demonstrate their abilities to do a job. Please complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form as About the University
Heritage and background In 2005, HM Privy Council conferred university status, empowering the new University of Chester to award its own taught degrees, and His Grace, The Duke of Westminster was installed as the Inaugural Chancellor on September 25, 2005. In 2007, HM Privy Council granted Research Degree Awarding Powers.
A modern working environment with a sense of history
The University of Chester remains a popular choice, with rising numbers of applicants, and has approximately 15,000 full- and part-time students at undergraduate, postgraduate and research levels. As an institution, the University We recruit from the United Kingdom and overseas, particularly the United States, India, China, Hong of Chester has been breaking Kong and Singapore, Japan, the Middle East, Russia, Greece and Finland and international study links are new ground since 1839, constantly evolving. page 4 when it was founded by such Within faculties, there is a portfolio of some 130 course combinations, ranging from Applied Theology pioneers as the great 19th- to Weight Management, covering business and management, health and social care, applied science, century prime ministers, arts and media, humanities, social sciences and law, education and lifelong learning. William Gladstone and the The original mission continues to inform University life and excellence in teaching remains an intrinsic Earl of Derby. part of today’s academic curriculum. As well as BEd, BA, BTh, BSc and LLB degrees and courses leading to master’s degrees, including It is one of the oldest English higher education the award-winning MBA from Chester Business establishments of any kind, pre-dating all but Oxford, School, a new range of foundation degrees (FDs) Cambridge, London and Durham, and was the first in has broadened the scope for students. FDs combine the country to be purpose-built for the professional conventional university study with learning at work training of teachers, guided by Christian values. and at this University have included the UK’s first FDs in Muslim Youth Work and Mortuary Science. In the 20th-century, the institution steadily expanded They exemplify our investment in widening access its student numbers and the variety and nature of to higher education and post-experience training, its courses. In 1910, it began its long and fruitful through partnerships with schools, colleges, association with the University of Liverpool. employers, the public sector and other organisations. The establishment of the School of Nursing and Degree supervision for MPhil and PhD awards is a Midwifery (now the Faculty of Health and Social Care) growing area of activity, through the Research and in the 1990s marked a particularly important stage in Knowledge Transfer Office. The emphasis is very much its diversification. on practical research that has economic, cultural and The new millennium has proved equally eventful. In social benefits for the region and beyond. Consultancy August 2002, responsibility was taken for the higher support provides imaginative, expert solutions to the education campus of Warrington Collegiate Institute. challenges posed across a variety of areas. The University is now the major provider of nursing, midwifery and social care education across Cheshire, Warrington, Halton and Wirral. Students gain practical experience at acute hospitals in those areas, as well as on campus, and, once qualified, can progress to advanced practice level.
Development of courses in Business and Management, Law, Criminology, Dietetics, Journalism and Advertising has further extended the University’s work and connections with industry, commerce and the professions. Millions of pounds are being invested in the accommodation and More information about the University’s strategic resources to underpin these initiatives. direction, is available in the Corporate Plan – visit: The University employs 1,400 people, from lecturers http://www.chester.ac.uk/news/plan.html and researchers and administrative and professional The most recent Annual Reports are online at: support staff to those in the main service areas, www.chester.ac.uk/news/annualreport and you including Catering, Housekeeping, Grounds and can read the latest news about the University by Gardens and Security. We pride ourselves on our visiting: www.chester.ac.uk/news/index.html friendly community and public-spiritedness.
About the Chester campus About the Warrington campus A few minutes walk from the city centre, the 32 acre This self-contained, 33 acre site has benefited from campus houses the institution’s original Victorian a £12 million investment programme, to enhance buildings, including a chapel built by the first students academic and social activities. page 5 and Senate House, once home to the early Principals. Improvements began with a facelift for the dining New-building projects have included: a £5 million base room and café bar, new floodlit all-weather pitch for the Faculty of Health and Social Care, complete with to complement existing sports facilities, and a clinical skills laboratories; a £2 million Students’ Union; new Students’ Union bar. A new, three-storey and the Binks Building, at the heart of the campus, which Business Centre, provides both teaching facilities provides lecture theatres and other teaching spaces, and expertise and support for local and regional office accommodation and language laboratories. companies. Major refurbishments have also been carried out to With the new Broomhead Library, learning the Chester Business School, biological and sports resources capacity has been trebled. It offers the science laboratories and the Best Building, which has first open-access computer suites in the UK to a counselling studio and interview rooms for Social offer users the flexibility of using Apple Mac or and Communication Studies and a soils laboratory and Windows software on the latest iMac equipment, map room for Geography and Development Studies. together with state-of-the-art library technology, a A fully-equipped sports hall, fitness suite, squash courts comprehensive catalogue of books, publications, and grass and all-weather pitches are accessible to staff. CDs, videos and DVDs and a combination of quiet study and sociable spaces. The largest auditorium, Molloy Hall, hosts major arts events and conferences. Home to the North West Media and Enterprise Centre, the campus has strong links with the Nearby, the English Department is situated in a Victorian broadcast organisations such as the BBC and ITV former vicarage, while History and Archaeology is in the Granada and other creative industries and operates 18th-century Blue Coat School, a listed building. its own radio station, Cat 1251 AM. Academic In addition to the main campus, the University has bought strengths also include Sport Development and Kingsway Buildings, a short distance away, with a multi- Health and Social Care. purpose performance venue, interactive newsrooms, Campus directions are available at: sound and video editing booths, performance, fine art, www.chester.ac.uk/contact/findus_warr.html photography and graphic design studios and teaching facilities for the Faculty of Arts and Media.
Campus directions are available at: www.chester.ac.uk/contact/findus_ches.html Developing our staff
The University actively encourages all staff to obtain further qualifi cations, skills and competencies, appropriate to their role and to their career, and we are committed to achieving the Investors in People award.
The following opportunities are offered for all staff:
• Career progression;
• European Computer Driving Licence IT skills training; page 6
• Induction and development programmes;
• Library, media and computing facilities, including hire of laptops and camcorders for personal use;
• Skills workshops, through an in-house development programme;
• Staff Development Week, held every April and September for all levels and disciplines;
• Support to achieve relevant further qualifi cations.
In addition, staff are invited to attend inaugural lectures, delivered by all newly-appointed and newly-promoted professors on topics which showcase their expertise.
Specifi c groups can also take advantage of:
• Management development workshops;
• Postgraduate programmes in higher education in- house and support for academic staff in acquiring Higher Education Academy membership;
• Staff Conference – an annual series of lectures and workshops for academic staff, with a keynote speaker, organised by the University’s Learning and Teaching Institute. Valuing our staff
We place a strong emphasis on supporting employees to manage a work/life balance effectively. In order to achieve and maintain the highest standards of student and customer satisfaction, we seek to recruit the highest calibre of staff and to recognise and reward their page 7 efforts in distinctive ways:
Employee Benefits • Annual leave - a generous allowance, • Occupational sick pay scheme; including two extra privilege holidays at • Parking – FREE, with a permit scheme in Christmas; operation; • Childcare e-voucher scheme through Busy • Pensions - membership of either the Local Bees (www.busybeesvouchers.com); Government Pension Scheme or the Teachers’ • Competitive salary and benefits package; Pension Scheme, both of which are based on final salaries; • Cultural activities – subsidised tickets for a range of events on campus, such as the • Special leave entitlements and dependants’ annual Science and Literature Festivals, leave, to help you cope with caring or attracting high profile speakers; emergency commitments;
• Environmental awareness – an Environmental • Trade unions – recognition agreements Task Force and Go 4 Green initiatives, with Unison and UCU for the purposes of together with an active involvement in the consultation and negotiation; UK’s first proposed carbon neutral village in • Work environment – pleasantly laid-out Cheshire; campuses, with award-winning landscaping; • Family-friendly policies; • Work/life balance initiatives, including a range • Free eye tests for staff who use display of flexible working options and opportunities screen equipment; for job share.
• Nursery facilities – University-run and Ofsted- inspected;
• Occupational maternity and paternity provisions; Health and well-being • Bike 4 Work scheme, through which staff can apply for an interest-free loan towards buying a bike if they intend to cycle to work;
• Catering facilities – award-winning menus, providing healthy and vegetarian options, with special dietary requirements taken into account;
• Health 4 Work – a pioneering, University- wide programme, run by Human Resource Management Services, in conjunction with the fitness suite, which focuses on raising awareness of physical, mental and personal health issues;
• Independent medical insurance – arrangements with Medicash, Healthsure and Healthshield, to support payment towards dental and optical care;
• Occupational health service, with access to page 8 confidential counselling;
• Sports and recreational facilities, including membership of the fitness suite and free use of the swimming pool at designated times;
• Staff Association - including an active walking club and other social and leisure events;
• Staff sports teams. About Chester The city of Chester is an intriguing mixture of ancient and modern and it is close to picturesque Cheshire villages and the mountains of North Wales.
Its origins as a Roman fortress 2,000 years ago can be most varied and exclusive shops outside London. seen in the well-preserved remains of the City Walls, There are regular meetings at the oldest recorded one of Britain’s last-surviving amphitheatres and a racecourse in England and the picturesque River Dee, Roman garden. Chester Zoo, Blue Planet Aquarium, and these and a Chester’s Medieval Cathedral is the magnificent calendar of festivals ranging from Literature, Science setting for the University’s twice-yearly Graduation and Music, to Food & Drink, bring international visitors. ceremonies and performances of the Chester Mystery Chester has also established itself as a business centre, Plays and the 15th-century Cross is the venue for public hosting offices for M&S Financial Services plc, HBOS proclamations by the city’s resident Town Crier. and Bank of America/MBNA Europe Ltd, among many The Tudor Rows – an upper tier of shops linked by a other national and multi-national companies. first-storey walkway, behind the half-timbered facades For more information about Chester, visit: of the famous ‘magpie’ buildings – are unique. www.chester.ac.uk/about/chester.html or The Victorian era saw another revival for the city, with www.visitchester.com/ the construction of its landmark Eastgate Clock, and the University of Chester, Chester Campus, Parkgate pedestrianised area underneath often attracts street theatre. Road, Chester CH1 4BJ Chester is a cosmopolitan city, with bars, restaurants Tel: +44 (0)1244 511000 Fax +44 (0)1244 511300 page 9 and clubs for all tastes and budgets and some of the [email protected] www.chester.ac.uk
About Warrington For centuries Warrington’s geographical position has given it strategic advantages in terms of transport and trade.
This dates from being a Roman crossing point over the Warrington’s Cultural Quarter is home to the River Mersey, to the construction of 19th-century navigation Pyramid Arts Centre and Parr Hall and there is a channels such as the Manchester Ship Canal and hosting multi-screen cinema at the Westbrook Centre. A Europe’s largest United States Air Force base until 1993. major attraction for younger visitors is the Gulliver’s World theme park. The advent of 20th-century ‘New Town’ status led to significant expansion in terms of service industries, The town centre offers shopping at the expanding particularly technology. Golden Square and an historic market, while on the outskirts there are the Gemini Retail Park, Birchwood Today, it is at the crossroads of the UK’s motorway, rail and Park and, half an hour away, the Trafford Centre. air networks, yet within easy reach of the Lake District and Peak District national parks. On the doorstep are beauty Warrington Wolves is one of the most prominent teams spots, such as Daresbury - Lewis Carroll’s birthplace, in rugby’s Superleague. Walton Hall Gardens and the Bridgewater Canal. For more information about Warrington and There is a strong educational tradition. The 18th-century Cheshire, visit: Warrington Academy included among its teachers www.chester.ac.uk/about/warr.html Joseph Priestley, who discovered oxygen. Warrington www.visitcheshire.com/ also opened the country’s first public library. University of Chester, Warrington Campus, Crab The Town Hall’s iconic golden gates were designed Lane, Warrington, WA2 0DB and built by James Gibbs, the architect who created Tel: +44 (0)1925 530000 Fax +44 (0)1925 530001 Oxford’s Radcliffe Library. [email protected] www.chester.ac.uk 10 page University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ