Job Description and Person Specification Template

Application Pack
Wales Committee Member (Ref: CM10)
We are seeking to fill a number of vacancies that will arise during the
course of 2017.
Contents of Pack:
 Role Description and Person Specification
 Guaranteed Interview Scheme Declaration
 Application Form
 Information for applicants and recruitment team contact details
 Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
 Guidance information for applicants
 Equal Opportunities Form
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is Great Britain’s national
equality body and has been awarded an ‘A’ status as a National Human Rights
Institution (NHRI) by the United Nations.
Our job is to help make Britain fairer. We do this by safeguarding and
enforcing the laws that protect people’s rights to fairness, dignity and respect.
As a statutory non-departmental public body established by the Equality Act
2006, the Commission operates independently. We aim to be an expert and
authoritative organisation that is a centre of excellence for evidence, analysis
and equality and human rights law. We also aspire to be an essential point of
contact for policy makers, public bodies and business.
We use our unique powers to challenge discrimination, promote equality of
opportunity and protect human rights. We work with other organisations and
individuals to achieve our aims, but are ready to take tough action against
those who abuse the rights of others.
We live in a country with a long history of upholding people’s rights, valuing
diversity and challenging intolerance. The Commission seeks to maintain and
strengthen this heritage, while identifying and tackling areas where there is still
unfair discrimination or where human rights are not being respected.
In Wales our focus is on making the most of the opportunities presented by
devolution and the distinctive equality and human rights agenda.
The Wales Committee, chaired by June Milligan, the Wales Commissioner,
provides informed, impartial and balanced perspectives on a range of sensitive
and complex issues. Committee members need to understand the social,
economic and legal context relating to the Commission’s work in Wales and be
able to apply this to inform the priorities of the Commission in Wales. They are
responsible for:
 Overseeing and guiding the work of the Commission in Wales;
 Advising the Commission on how its policies and programmes affect
people living in Wales
 Contributing to implementation of the Commission’s strategic plan,
 Advising the Welsh Government on all matters relating to Equality and
Human Rights legislation in line with our statutory obligations deriving
from the 2006 Equality Act.
The Committee ensures that the Commission delivers its functions in a
manner appropriate to Wales and that the Commission can learn from the
Welsh experience of equality and human rights. Committee members support
the Wales Commissioner in delivering on those functions delegated to the
Wales Committee.
Further information about the Commission can be found at our website:
www.equalityhumanrights.com
Could you be an EHRC Wales Committee Member?
What Committee Members have said about the role:
“Membership of the Wales statutory committee offers an excellent opportunity
to debate issues about equality and social justice, to influence the direction of
one of the UK's main "thought-leading" bodies and to help develop a distinct
voice for Wales. It is about making a difference.”
“Wales Committee has been the way in which I have been able to support the
EHRC's pioneering work in enabling faith community leaders to hold
constructive conversations with representatives of the organisations focused
on issues around sexual orientation. Working with the Wales staff and fellow
committee has also been huge fun.”
“I'd never imagined that I would have an impact on influencing the equality and
human rights agenda in Wales until I became a member of the Wales
Committee. Meeting like-minded people from diverse backgrounds has been
inspirational and I'm certain that we are working towards a Wales at ease with
itself.”
“Being a Committee member provides a unique opportunity to make new
contacts, develop your personal skills and engage in interesting and thought
provoking debate on current equality issues, whilst ensuring that the work of
the EHRC is relevant and responsive to the needs of the people of Wales.”
Equality and Human Rights Commission Application Pack - Welsh Committee Members
How the Wales Committee operates
The Committee places a great importance on engaging with, listening to and
learning from people across Wales. The Committee holds four meetings a
year and at its quarterly meetings it meets with stakeholders. It meets with
senior leaders to build a community of interest amongst leaders in Wales on
equality and human rights. The Committee meets separately with grassroots
organisations and equality practitioners. At these meetings the Commission
brings people together to hear about the experience of people across Wales,
listen to what they think the Commission should prioritise and informs our
forward work programme.
Outside of these events members act as ambassadors for the Commission
and there a numerous opportunities to represent the organisation, attend and
speak at relevant conferences and provide advice to staff on projects.
Each Committee member will be expected to commit to 12 days per year
to the role. Committee members will be remunerated at £250 per day plus
reasonable expenses, as agreed by the Commission.
Role Description
Wales Committee members’ responsibilities include:
 Supporting the Wales Commissioner and her interaction with the EHRC
Board and Chair of the Commission
 Contributing to the process of advising the Welsh Government about
equality and human rights law and its potential effects
 Contributing to the development of the GB Strategic Plan, to ensure that
the Wales context is reflected
 Approving and monitoring the Wales business plan;
 Overseeing the development of policy and strategic priorities in Wales
and their delivery by staff
 Representing the Commission in Wales including stakeholder and
community engagement
 Engaging with other EHRC committees.
Appointments will be between 2-5 years, subject to annual performance
appraisal.
Committee members will be expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct for
Commissioners and Conflicts of interest Guidance set out in Part 5 of the
Commission’s Governance Framework.
Equality and Human Rights Commission Application Pack - Welsh Committee Members
Wales Committee – Values and Behaviours
As a group the Wales Committee takes pride in being aspirational, inclusive,
practical and challenging, influential and persuasive.
An important part of the role of the Committee is to be Ambassadors for the
Commission, sharing our evidence; championing good practice and bringing
people together to listen, learn and to amplify the voice of those less often
heard.
We will be looking for these qualities in new members.
Wales Committee Members – Person Specification
This is the experience you need to be a committee member along with some
additional skills and knowledge that would be desirable. In your written
application please tell us how your experience and skills meet the criteria and
show how you demonstrate the Wales Committee’s values and behaviors.
Key Experience – Please demonstrate your:
1. Commitment to, and understanding of, the context of the equality and
human rights agenda across Britain and particularly in Wales.
2. Practical understanding of the social, economic, cultural and legal context of
Wales including its institutions and government.
3. Understanding of and a commitment to working in partnership and engaging
with a wide range of stakeholders in Wales. Some experience of
stakeholder engagement will be needed.
4. Experience of developing strategic priorities.
5. Understanding of and commitment to good governance.
Additional abilities, skills and knowledge - Ideally you will have:
 Worked in Wales in one of more of the following fields: equality and / or
human rights issues, social policy, legal, financial, business, public service
delivery, media or voluntary / community sector
 Experience of public speaking or representing an organization, or
community group
Equality and Human Rights Commission Application Pack - Welsh Committee Members
Requirements of the Committee as a whole
All Committee members must demonstrate a commitment to the Nolan seven
principles of public life: Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability,
Openness, Honesty & Leadership.
In appointing Committee Members we will wish to reflect diversity including:
 Linguistic ability – Welsh and/or community languages
 Covering the regions of Wales
 Sector of experience – private, public, voluntary
Please make this clear in your responses to the questions in section 2 of your
application.
Equality and Human Rights Commission Application Pack - Welsh Committee Members
Applicant ref (Office Use Only)
Section 1 - Personal Details
Title:
Mr ☐
Mrs ☐
Ms ☐
Miss ☐
Dr ☐
Other ☐
Surname
Forename(s)
Any other name used
Current home address (including postcode)
Telephone number
E-mail address
National Insurance number
Nationality and Immigration Status
Nationality at birth
Present nationality
Have you possessed any other nationality or citizenship?
Yes / No
If yes, please specify:
Are you subject to immigration control?
Yes / No
If yes, please specify:
Are you lawfully resident in the UK?
Yes / No
Are there any restrictions on your continued residence in the UK?
Yes / No
If yes, please specify:
Are there any restrictions on your continued freedom to undertake
employment in the UK?
Yes / No
If yes, please provide details:
Applicant reference:
(office use only)
Rehabilitation of Offenders
Do you have any convictions that are unspent under the Rehabilitation of
☐ Yes
Offenders Act (1974)?
☐ No
If yes, please provide further details:
Welsh language ability
Please highlight the relevant skill level below:
Understand
Speak
Read
Write
Community language ability
Please list languages and highlight the relevant skill level below:
Understand
Speak
Read
Write
Equality and Human Rights Commission Application Pack - Welsh Committee Members
Applicant reference:
(office use only)
References
Please note referees will be contacted only once you have accepted a
provisional offer, by returning this form you are giving your permission to
contact the referees at the stated time.
We require a minimum of two satisfactory references.
 Relatives must not be used
Referee 1
Full name
Occupation
Full address (Including country if overseas
Email address
Telephone number (Including dialling codes)
Referee 2
Full name..
Occupation
Full address (Including country if overseas)
Email address
Telephone number (Including dialling codes)
Vacancy Details
Vacancy title
Wales Committee Member
Vacancy reference
CM10
Where did you see this post advertised? Please highlight:
Civil Service Jobs
Job Centre
EHRC website
Equality and Diversity Forum
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn
Other (please state below):
Equality and Human Rights Commission Application Pack - Welsh Committee Members
Applicant reference:
(office use only)
Section 2 - Application Questions
Please tell us about the contribution you think you can make to the work of the
Commission as a Wales Committee member.
The examples you give can be taken from any aspect of your life that you
consider most relevant, however we would recommend that you use an
example of a recent event, ideally within the last 2/3yrs, wherever possible.
Please address each criterion using a maximum of 200 words. Any words over
200 will not be considered in the scoring of the application form.
This needs to explain the part that you played and the conclusion or outcome
you brought about. (Please see application guidance for further details).
1. Commitment to EHRC Purpose
Please demonstrate your commitment to, and understanding of, the context of
equality and human rights agenda across Britain and particularly in Wales.
Tell us about a time when you have clearly demonstrated your
understanding of, and commitment to equality and human rights.
Prompt: How important is it to be inclusive? Max. 200 words
Equality and Human Rights Commission Application Pack - Welsh Committee Members
Applicant reference:
(office use only)
2. Understanding Wales
Please demonstrate your practical understanding of the social, economic,
cultural and legal context of Wales and how its institutions and government
works.
Tell us about what you think are the most useful levers for change in
Wales for the Commission and why.
Prompt: Could you give us an example of doing this in practice? Max. 200
words
Tell us about what you think are the most useful levers for change in
Wales for the Commission and why.
Prompt: Could you give us an example of doing this in practice? Max. 200
words
Equality and Human Rights Commission Application Pack - Welsh Committee Members
Applicant reference:
(office use only)
3. Partnership and Networking
The Wales Committee is strongly committed to working in partnership and to
amplify the voice of people. Please demonstrate your understanding of, and a
commitment to, working in partnership and engaging with a wide range of
stakeholders in Wales.
Tell us about a time when you have built relationships with key partners
to achieve a common goal.
Prompt: How can the Committee amplify the voice of those not often heard
including the different communities and/or regions of Wales. Max 200 words
4. Developing Strategic Priorities
Please demonstrate your experience of developing strategic priorities. The
Wales Committee can’t do everything so often has to take difficult decisions on
what work to prioritise.
Tell us about a time when you have had to make a strategic choice about
priorities and how you went about doing that.
Prompt: How do you decide what action will have the greatest impact? Max.
200 words
Equality and Human Rights Commission Application Pack - Welsh Committee Members
Applicant reference:
(office use only)
5. Good Governance
Wales Committee members are committed to good governance. Please
demonstrate your understanding of and commitment to good governance.
Tell us why you think being on a Committee is different to being a
member of staff.
Prompt: How have you provided challenge when you felt something was going
wrong in an organisation. Max. 200 words
Equality and Human Rights Commission Application Pack - Welsh Committee Members
Applicant reference:
(office use only)
Declaration of Interest
Do you have any business or personal interests that might be relevant to
the work of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and which could
lead to a real or perceived conflict of interests were you to be appointed?
Yes / No
If yes, please specify:
Declaration
 I declare that the information given on this form is correct.
 I understand that, if appointed, any false information later revealed may
invalidate any subsequent contract of employment.
 Any data relating to you will be treated in the strictest confidence. It will
be held and processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
All data relating to unsuccessful candidates will be securely retained for
12 months after which it will be destroyed. If you do not consent to your
data being held for this period you must notify The People Team of this
in writing with this application.
Signature
Print name
Date
Please return completed application forms by the specified deadline to:
Email: [email protected]
Post: The People Team, 3rd Floor, Equality and Human Rights Commission,
Arndale House, Manchester, M4 3AQ
Equality and Human Rights Commission Application Pack - Welsh Committee Members
Applicant reference:
(office use only)
Section 3 - Monitoring Information
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is committed to treating all
applicants equally based on their merits regardless of age, disability, gender,
gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion or sexual
orientation. By completing this section of the application will assist us in
monitoring our efforts towards achieving an inclusive and diverse workforce.
Equal Opportunities
What is your gender?
☐ Male
☐ Female
☐ Prefer not to say
Is your present gender the same as the one assigned at birth?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Prefer not to say
Are you married or in a civil partnership?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Prefer not to say
☐ 16 – 24
☐ 25 - 34
☐ 35 – 44
☐ 55 – 64
☐ 65 +
☐ Prefer not to say
Age
☐ 45 - 54
How would you describe your national identity?
☐ British
☐ Scottish
☐ Welsh
☐ Northern Irish
☐ English
☐ Other
☐ Prefer not to say
What is your ethnic background?
White
☐ English
☐ Scottish
☐ Welsh
☐ Irish
☐ Gypsy/Irish Traveller
☐ Northern Irish
☐ Any oher white background
Mixed
☐ White and Asian
☐ White and Black
☐ White and Black African
☐ Any other mixed background
Equality and Human Rights Commission Application Pack - Welsh Committee Members
Applicant reference:
(office use only)
Asian or Asian British
☐ Indian
☐ Pakistani
☐ Bangladeshi
☐ Chinese
☐ Any other Asian background
Black or Black British
☐ African
☐ Caribbean
☐ Any other Black background
Other ethnic group:
☐ Arab
☐ Any other ethnic group
☐ Prefer not to say
Do you consider yourself to be disabled?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Prefer not to say
What is your sexual orientation?
☐ Heterosexual
☐ Bisexual
☐ Other
☐ Gay / lesbian
☐ Prefer not to say
What are your religious beliefs?
☐ Buddhist
☐ Sikh
☐ Christian
☐ Hindu
☐ Other
☐ No religion
☐ Jewish
☐ Muslim
☐ Prefer not to say
Do you have caring responsibilities?
☐ Primary carer of a child or children (under 18)
☐ Primary carer of a disabled child or children
☐ Primary carer of a disabled adult (18 and above)
☐ Primary carer of an older person (65 and above)
☐ Secondary carer
☐ None
☐ Prefer not to say
Equality and Human Rights Commission Application Pack - Welsh Committee Members
Applicant reference:
(office use only)
Section 4 - Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS)
The Equality and Human Rights Commission operates a guaranteed interview
scheme for anyone with a disability as defined in the Equality Act 2010 (EA). If
you apply under this scheme you must demonstrate in section 2 of the
application for employment that you meet the minimum criteria for the role.
You will then be invited to the interview for the position.
I consider myself to have a disability as defined under the Equality Act
(2010) and want to apply under the GIS scheme
Yes / No
Assistance at Selection Stage
To support us in minimising barriers in our recruitment process and to help us
implement our equal opportunities policy effectively, please let us know if you
need any particular assistance during the selection stage:
☐ Induction loop
☐ Keyboard for written tests
☐ Someone with you at the interview (e.g. speech facilitator)
☐ Car parking
☐ Wheelchair access
☐ Assistance in and out of a vehicle
☐ Accessible toilet facilities
☐ Other, please specify:
If you have equipment of your own which you would like to bring to help you to
compete on equal terms either at the interview or in an assessment, please
give details below:
Equality and Human Rights Commission Application Pack - Welsh Committee Members
Applicant reference:
(office use only)
Declaration
 I declare that the information provided in this section is correct
 I understand that, if appointed, any information which is falsely declared
and is later revealed may invalidate an appointement made to the role of
Committee Member
Signature
Print name
Date
Contact Information
Thank you for expressing an interest the Equality & Human Rights
Commission.
If you have any further queries or questions please contact us on one of the
following:
E-mail:
Telephone:
Website:
[email protected]
0161 829 8240
http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/about-us/jobs/
Closing date: 11:59am, 3 January 2017
Interview dates: 8 February 2017
We will not be able to consider any applications received after the closing
date.
Equality and Human Rights Commission Application Pack - Welsh Committee Members