POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER FOR LANCASHIRE

Transcription

1 NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD POLIC AND CRIM COMMISSIONR FOR LANCASHIR Public Affairs Officer Salary: 30,081 to 33,363 per annum 37 hours per week Ref: S132/Q14 Closing date: 4.00pm Monday 16th June 2014 Do you have a thirst for policy and current affairs? Do you have experience of working in a policy environment and a track record of successfully building relationships, working with and influencing policy makers? Then we want to hear from you. Working within the office of Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner, the post holder will play a key role in delivering high-quality, compelling and effective policy and public affairs work that supports the Commissioner to deliver the vision and ambitions of the police and crime plan, and to exercise his enabling role in providing better joined-up services to the people of Lancashire. Working alongside the Police and Crime Commissioner and Head of Public Involvement; the post holder will help focus our public affairs, policy and research activities on the debates shaping policing and community safety at a local, regional and national level. A seasoned professional with a track record in public policy or current affairs; you will have experience of working with politicians and helping to influence decision making. This role requires the ability to adapt to continuously changing demands of a busy public office. To find out more and about how to apply, please visit Completed application should be returned either via to policestaffrecruitment@lancashire.pnn.police.uk or post to Recruitment & Selection Team, Lancashire Constabulary, Police Headquarters, PO Box 77, Saunders Lane, Hutton, Preston PR4 5SB. All successful applicants will be subject to Vetting clearance. Applicants should note that there is a minimum UK residency criterion of three years for recruitment vetting purposes in line with national recommendations. Please note this post is politically restricted. NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD

2 NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD OFFIC OF POLIC & CRIM COMMISSIONR JOB DSCRIPTION Post Public Affairs Officer Location Lancashire Accountable to Head of Public Involvement Grade LC 9 PURPOS OF TH JOB: To work alongside the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Head of Public Involvement to deliver compelling and effective policy and public affairs work that supports the vision and ambitions of the police and crime plan. MAIN RSPONSIBILITIS Support the development and implementation of a public affairs strategy to raise the profile of the PCC with key stakeholders. Act as the principal liaison between the PCC, the public involvement team and key stakeholders at a local, regional and national level including Ministers, Senior Government officials, Council leaders, Councillors, Chief xecutives and Chief Officers Directors and senior staff from relevant agencies within Lancashire. Build relationships to support policy goals, maintaining and developing links with Government think tanks, academics and others in the political space to influence policing policy. Develop public affairs activity to help influence changes in policy, practice, attitudes and/or behaviours to support the delivery of the police and crime plan Analyse information sources produced by Government departments, Hansard, non-government organisations (NGOs) and think tanks nsure that up-to-date, relevant and insightful policy and public affairs analysis is informing organisational priorities, services and business development Carry out research and analysis into local, regional, national and international issues as required, and ensuring the PCC is made aware of any relevant matters Compile summary reports/briefings/submissions/ policy insights and advice to the NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD

3 NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD Commissioner Prepare oral and written briefings for the senior management Represent the PCC at meetings as required Plan and deliver stakeholder and public involvement activities inclusive of conferences, events, public meetings and community engagement activities Represent the PCC through various activities including external presentations, publications, delegations and other profile raising opportunities as identified to key stakeholders NOT: This is a politically restricted post (see attached guidance) Appointment to this post is subject to Management Vetting This job description forms part of the contract of employment of the person appointed to the post. It reflects the major tasks to be carried out by the post holder at the present time and should not be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It also identifies a level of responsibility at which the post holder will be required to work. In the interests of effective working, the major tasks may be reviewed from time to time to reflect changing needs and circumstances. Such reviews and other consequential changes will be carried out in consultation with the post holder. The post holder will be also required to carry out such other duties and requirements, at the same or lower responsibility level associated with this post, as may be determined from time to time to be within the general scope of the post and in response to the requirements of the Police and Crime Commissioner. This role will be reviewed 6 months after implementation, in line with performance management and operational requirements. NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD

4 PRSON SPCIFICATION Short-Listing Criteria Qualifications A recognised qualification in, politics, government or public administration, economics; history, law; social policy or social administration or demonstrable relevant experience NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD ssential/ Desirable (/D) Assessment Method (How it will be measured whether a candidate meets the criteria) Application form/production of Certificates Post graduate qualification D Application form/production of Certificates vidence of Continuing Professional Development D Application form/production of Certificates / Production of CPD Record Knowledge/xperience Knowledge and understanding of the local, regional and national political landscapes Proven track record of working with and influencing decision makers within the political and policy making environment xperience of producing excellent written and oral communications, including concise policy briefings, reports, and presentations. xperience of managing a complex programme of work in a changing environment; including prioritising workloads, and managing long-term, complex projects. xcellent analytical skills including the ability to grasp issues quickly and to proactively analyse and communicate policy/political change. NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD

5 NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD xperience of delivering an innovative and creative public affairs programme Strong working knowledge of public policy and policy making processes across the political system Previous experience of undertaking research to influence policy or organisational business goals Previous experience of working within a political party, MP, government department or nongovernment organization (NGO)or think tank xperience of working within policing, criminal justice, community safety, and/or with victims Skills/Abilities Ability to communicate confidently and effectively with stakeholders, senior politicians, the media, lobbyists, constituents. Ability to represent the Police and Crime Commissioner appropriately at meetings involving the Constabulary, Criminal Justice and Community Safety agencies and engage in constructive dialogue and joint working with partnership agencies Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with a range of audiences xcellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to influence others and deliver projects Ability to deliver speeches and presentations Ability to work as part of a team or on own initiative Ability to consider the external environment and assess the impact that this has on the internal environment D D Application/Interview /Assessment Centre NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD

6 NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD Ability to keep up to date with local, regional and national matters and with an strong interest in politics and current affairs Physical Requirements Demonstrate a good attendance record* Other Commitment to qual Opportunities and Diversity in the workplace Must be willing to work flexible hours when required to meet the demands of the service Commitment to delivering the objectives of the OPCC Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends Ability to travel across Lancashire and/or periodic national travel as and when required Application Form/ Pre employment checks Interview Interview Interview Interview Last Updated: April 2014 NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD

7 NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD APPLICATION FORM GUIDANC The information supplied in the application form is the basis for considering your initial suitability for the role which you are applying. 1. This form will be marked by the department and the information you supply will determine whether you will be short listed for further consideration. 2. nsure that you meet all of the essential criteria as you will be ineligible to apply if you do not. 3. You do not need to meet all of the desirable criteria as it is not essential for the role. 4. Your application form will be marked against the criterion on the candidate specification that are to be evidenced at Application Form 5. You should record your evidence under the Personal Attributes section of the Application Form. 6. You should structure the Personal Attributes section with a heading for each essential criterion. The evidence you provide under each heading should NOT exceed 150 words. 7. You should provide 1 example for each essential criterion. 8. Applications may be typed or hand-written (but legible). 9. The examples that you provide should be relevant, demonstrating your ability in the area. 10. You should try to use an example within the last 2 years. 11. Statements saying that I am good at or my supervisors say I am good are not appropriate. The following structured approach may assist you: Set the scene When and what is the example about? What was the scenario situation that you faced? Task What did you identify needed to be done? What were you tasked to do? What was your role? Action approach What did you do? Why? Were there options? Why did you select that particular course of action? Result How did it go? Was it successful? Why? With hindsight, would you have done things differently? NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD

8 NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD 12. The STAR format above provides you with a structure to provide your best examples, demonstrating that you have the qualities required to perform the role. 13. If you are able evidence the desirable criteria that are to be identified on Application Form then record this in the same format. 14. If there is an essential criterion under the heading Qualifications or Other ensure that you demonstrate this in the Personal Attributes section. 15. Read the guidance notes at the back of the application form prior to completing the form. 16. Make sure that you have completed your education and employment history in full as references will be sought to cover a 3 year period should you be successful in your application, and a conditional offer has been made and accepted. 17. If you have a disability, ensure you record it clearly on the form. A hard copy of the application form needs to be sent to the Human Resources Department with a signed declaration by the set closing date. If you are unable to submit the hard copy on time contact the department to fax or in the first instance. ance notes for completion o Form Guidance notes for completion of this Application Form Guidance notes for completion of this Application Form Please provide full contact details so that we can contact you, if necessary, regarding your application. Where qualifications are a requirement for the post you are applying for you, will be requested to produce examination certificates if recommended for appointment. You are asked to provide details of employment covering at least the last 10 years. Include full-time and part-time work and answer the questions in each of the columns. NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD

9 NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD Once a conditional offer has been made and accepted references will be sought from employers/schools/colleges/universities covering the last 3 year period. A reference authorisation form will be sent to you to indicate your consent for us to contact the referees. Police Forces must ensure that only eligible candidates are offered employment. To be eligible for appointment you must be a British Citizen or a member of the C or other states in the A (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein). Commonwealth citizens and foreign nationals are also eligible but only if they are resident in the UK free of restrictions and are able to prove this through production of the appropriate documentation. Should your application be progressed you will be required to complete and bring with you to the assessment centre or interview, a Vetting Form and a Nationality and Immigration Status Form, as well as your passport and/or other documents verifying your identity, nationality, employment eligibility and residency qualification. You need only complete this section if the post you are applying for requires the ability to drive as outlined as an essential requirement on the candidate specification for the role. Please note that if you are required to drive as part of your duties your personal motor vehicle insurance policy must cover you for business use, and you may be asked to evidence this. Applicants for police staff posts with a maximum grade of LC8 or above, must declare any outside employment or financial interests that they hold, which include: The holding of any office or employment for hire or gain (other than as a member of the Constabulary) or carrying on any business; Your spouse, civil partner, co-resident partner or any other co-habitee or relative living with you keeping a shop or similar in the area of the police service in question; You, your spouse, civil partner, co-resident partner or other co-habitee or relative living with you holding, or having a financial interest in any licence or permit relating to liquor licensing, refreshment houses or betting and gaming or the regulation of places of entertainment in the area of the police service in question. Police staff applying for posts with a maximum grade of LC8 or above, may be allowed to undertake outside employment or to have financial interests provided that it does not conflict with nor could it be seen to be detrimental to the Constabulary s interest;; or in any way weaken public confidence in the conduct of the Constabulary. Staff applying for posts with a maximum grade of LC7 or below, are recommended on a voluntary basis, to inform the Constabulary of any form of outside employment or financial interest that they hold. NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD

10 NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD What can hold up the process? Your application will be processed as quickly as possible, however, these are some of the more common reasons for holding up applications: Failure to complete all parts of the application form or to sign the declaration; Delays in obtaining references from referees. Your co-operation can help avoid delays. NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD

11 NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS GUIDANC FOR APPLICANTS INTRODUCTION The provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (xceptions) Order 1975 provides that the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 shall not apply to the police service and applicants are therefore required to declare: All convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings Binding over Driving Offences (including details of any relevant disqualification) Fixed Penalty Notices Any involvement with the military authorities on disciplinary matters (whether involving courts martial or not) Involvement in a criminal investigation (whether or not this has led to a prosecution) or association with criminals. CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS 1. Applications will not be accepted from those who have been convicted or cautioned for a serious arrestable offence such as: Treason Murder Manslaughter Rape Kidnapping Incest/intercourse with a girl under 13 Buggery with a person under 16 or a person who has not consented Hostage taking, hi-jacking or torture Involvement in espionage, terrorism, sabotage or any actions to overthrow/undermine parliamentary democracy by political, industrial or violent means or association (past or present) with any organisation advocating such activities Death by reckless driving Firearms offences Racially motivated or homophobic offences. 2. Applicants are likely to be rejected if they have been involved in any of the following (unless there are exceptionally compelling circumstances): Offences involving serious violence or injury including Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)* Offences involving unsolicited violence towards others Unlawful possession of weapons, firearms or going equipped to steal Gross indecency Acts of indecency Abuse or neglect of children Public order offences involvement in riot, violent disorder, affray, causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress Interference with the Administration of Justice or the investigation of offences NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD

12 NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD Burglary Offences which involve elements or acts of dishonesty, corruption, substantial financial gain or serious loss to anyone including theft, fraud and deception Serious involvement in drugs including possession of a Class A drug (heroin, morphine) or more than one Class B drug (amphetamines) and/or supplying drugs of any kind Reckless or Dangerous Driving within the last ten years One offence of drink driving or drunk in charge or drugs driving within the preceding ten years More than one offence of drink driving or drunk in charge or drugs driving Other serious motoring offences such as convictions within the last five years of driving without insurance, failing to stop after an accident or driving whilst disqualified More than three endorseable traffic convictions (including fixed penalties) within the last five years (for offences on different dates) Two or more convictions for regulatory offences such as failure to renew vehicle excise licence within the last five years. Any offence committed as an adult or juvenile which resulted in a prison sentence (including custodial, suspended or deferred sentence and sentences served at a young offenders institution or community home) Cautions (including reprimands and final warnings) for recordable offences within the last five years Juvenile convictions within the last five years for any recordable offence Any recordable offence other than listed above within the last five years. NB: A recordable offence is any offence held on the Police National Computer as specified in the National Police Records (Recordable Offences) Regulations Anyone with such convictions who wishes to apply to join Police & Crime Commissioner for Lancashire must, before completing the application form, write to the following address giving full details including the exceptionally compelling circumstances. A decision will then be made regarding whether or not an application will be accepted and you will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible: Human Resources & Payroll Recruitment & Selection Police Headquarters PO Box 77 Saunders Lane Hutton Preston PR4 5SB * Applicants should note that historically the infliction of a minor injury would lead to a charge of ABH. The criteria for charging in such events has changed with the result that such a minor injury would now attract a charge of common assault and would not necessarily lead to the rejection of a candidate. Any applicant with such a conviction should write in to the above address giving full details of the offence for consideration as to whether an application would be accepted. NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD

13 NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD 3. An applicant s age at the time of an offence and the aggravating circumstances surrounding the offence will all have a bearing in the following cases: Drunk and Disorderly no more than one offence and only after 2 years have elapsed following a caution or 3 years have elapsed following a bindover / conviction Minor drugs offences or substance abuse no more than one offence and only after 2 years have elapsed following a caution or 3 years from conviction Common Assault no more than one offence as a juvenile and only after 2 years have elapsed from end of bindover / conviction. 4. Where relatives and/or associates of an applicant are found to have unspent convictions or cautions for recordable offences, the following will be considered: The likelihood that the applicant s performance and discharge of duty will be adversely affected e.g. through adverse pressure or a conflict of interests The nature, number and seriousness of the offences or involvement in criminal activity and the time over which these took place Whether the circumstances are likely to bring discredit to or embarrass the police service or police force. If you have any relatives or associates who have unspent convictions or cautions for recordable offences this may affect your vetting. Please provide full details of these individuals and any relevant information that may have a bearing on your application on a separate sheet and attach it to the completed application form. 5. Undisclosed Convictions Where it is suspected that an individual has failed to declare a conviction or caution, enquiries will be made to ascertain whether the conviction or caution is attributable to the individual. Where it is established that an individual has deliberately failed to disclose a conviction or caution his or her application will be rejected. 6. Outstanding charges and summonses Where an individual discloses an outstanding charge or summons the application will be put on hold until the outcome is known, at which time it will be considered in line with the above criteria. 7. HM Forces Serving members of the armed forces who are convicted of any criminal offence by a military tribunal will have any such offence recorded on the PNC. This will include any aspect of a conditional discharge. NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD

14 NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD What is a politically restricted post? Politically Restricted Posts Under the provisions of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (as amended) 1, all employees of the Police & Crime Commissioner, except for the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, are subject to restrictions on the political activities they are able to undertake e.g. political membership of a local authority. In addition, the Local Government Officers (Political Restrictions) Regulations 1990 specify certain other political activities which the holder of a politically restricted post cannot undertake such as canvassing. What activities are restricted? Where a post is politically restricted the holder shall not: Stand as a member of: a) The House of Commons; b) The uropean Parliament; or c) A local authority. 2 Act as an election agent or sub-agent for a candidate for Parliament, uropean Parliament or a local authority. Be an officer of a political party or of any branch of such a party or a member of any committee or sub-committee of such a party or branch if his/her duties as such an officer or member would be likely to require him/her: a) to participate in the general management of the party or the branch; or b) to act on behalf of the party or branch in dealings with persons other than members of the party or members of another political party associated with the party. Canvass on behalf of a political party or on behalf of a person who is, or proposes to be, a candidate for election to Parliament, uropean Parliament or a local authority. xemptions Under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, post holders cannot apply for an exemption. If you have any questions or would like any further information please speak to the Chief xecutive. 1 S.1 Local Government and Housing Act 1989 as amended by paragraph 200 of schedule 16 to the Police Reform and Social Responsibility (PRSR) Act 2011, with transitional provision in paragraph 20 of schedule 15 of the PRSR Act 2011 which exempts existing staff from such political restrictions). 2 Local Authority (defined in section 21 of the Local Government & Housing Act 1989) does not include a Parish Council. NOT PROTCTIVLY MARKD