Further Particulars
This document includes information about the role for which you are applying and the information you
will need to provide with the application.
1. Role Details
Vacancy Reference:
8696
Job title:
Policy and Public Affairs Manager
Reports to:
Director, Wales
Salary:
£37,012 - £44,166 per annum depending on
qualifications and experience
Terms & Conditions:
Academic Related and Support Staff
Grade:
Grade 8
Duration of post:
Permanent
Working hours:
Full-time - 37 hours per week
Location:
The Open University in Wales, Cardiff
Closing Date:
12 noon 24 January 2013
Type of application form accepted:
Full Application Form
Number of Referees required:
3
Unit recruitment contact:
Michele Looker
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November 2009
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2. Summary of Duties
The postholder has responsibility for planning and managing the University’s public affairs
activities, and being a lead contributor to its policy work, in Wales, including;
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Raising awareness of the Open University’s work and contribution in Wales using a
variety of communication channels
Preparing responses to consultations by government and other bodies
Monitoring, researching, consulting and contributing to matters of public policy,
particularly as they relate to higher education, economic and skills development and
lifelong learning
Managing communications with the Welsh Government, media and other key
stakeholders,
Raising awareness of part-time student issues
Contributing to and supporting the development and implementation of of the Open
University in Wales strategic plan including in the areas of employer engagement,
widening access, marketing and other projects, partnerships and collaborations
Planning and management of profile-raising public events, requiring occasional evening
and weekend work
Supporting the wider public affairs and policy work of the University at UK level, working
with the Communications Office and its Government Relations section
Note: All members of staff in The Open University in Wales are required to participate in the
smooth running of the office, cover for which is a key requirement in maintaining service
standards within the national centre.
Specific tasks:
i.
Reporting to the Director of the OU in Wales, contribute to the development and
implementation of the strategic plan for the Open University in Wales, including
environmental analyses, and use as a base to promote key priorities/messages to
external and internal stakeholders.
ii.
Be responsible for producing an annual communications and public affairs plan directly
linked to the strategic objectives of the Open University in Wales
iii.
Monitor, research and contribute to matters of public policy in all areas of relevance to
the Open University in Wales, taking the lead on responses to Government and
parliamentary and HEFCW consultations, including the development of new legislation
in the National Assembly, and to other bodies ensuring effective contributions from key
internal stakeholders are incorporated.
iv.
Develop and manage the University’s communications with the Welsh Government, the
National Assembly, Parliament, other policy makers, media and key stakeholders in
Wales, raising awareness of the Open University’s unique role, its contribution to Welsh
higher education, and issues for part-time students.
v.
Proactively contribute to the Directorate’s work with other institutions and bodies to
identify and advance a common agenda on part-time issues, including in the areas of
marketing, widening access and employer engagement.
vi.
Brief politicians, senior policy-makers and parliamentary researchers as appropriate,
seeking to input to their education policy. Develop and implement a campaign, utilising
social media where appropriate which seeks to influence political manifestoes prior to
Assembly and Parliamentary elections. Build an evidence base to support campaign
plans.
vii.
Manage and maintain good relations with Welsh media and with public affairs officers
and departments in HEFCW, Higher Education Wales, the Welsh Government and other
universities and seek opportunities for joint working and collaboration.
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January 2010
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viii.
Contribute to and support the development of key strategies of the Open University in
Wales’, including the overarching strategic plan, strategies for widening access,
employer engagement and partnerships and collaboration.
ix.
Be responsible for delivering major public events, working closely as appropriate with
Marketing staff Development Officers, Faculty staff and other colleagues in Wales.
x.
Draft speeches for the Director of the OU in Wales and other senior staff, including the
Vice Chancellor
xi.
Advise on, plan and implement communications strategies using a variety of
communications channels including social media to raise the profile of the Open
University in Wales in the devolved political and funding environment and to explain the
consequences for the Open University.
xii.
Develop and maintain an information pack for the Open University in Wales, a regular
newsletter and the website of the Open University in Wales, and produce other briefing
materials as required.
xiii.
Maintain close working relationships with the Open University Communications Office
and its Government Relations section and with staff responsible for policy and public
affairs work at the Open University in Milton Keynes, in Scotland and Ireland.
xiv.
Contribute to, and assist the Director for Wales and other senior officers of the University
in their work on, the UK-wide External Relations Strategy Group
xv.
Manage and develop the external affairs contact information database for the Open
University in Wales.
General Responsibilities:
i.
Have responsibility for the deployment and planning of resources as they relate to the
staffing and operations of the area. Specifically, maintain the Public Affairs budget and
produce quarterly reports
ii.
Contribute to policy development through membership of relevant committees and/or
working groups
iii.
Support and participate at the Degree Ceremony in Wales, held annually
iv.
Recruit, select, appoint, induct, manage, develop, appraise/monitor staff in accordance
with equal opportunities polices, fair selection procedures, institutional guidelines and
employment regulations
v.
Implement the University’s Equal Opportunities policies
vi.
As a member of Student Services UAP staff, the post holder may be required to work at
residential schools for up to two weeks in any period of twelve months.
vii.
Any other duties as may be determined by the Director, Wales or Assistant Directors.
However, please note that offers of appointment to the University are subject to acceptance of
the condition that the University reserves the right to make changes to the post holder’s duties
and to require them to work in other areas of the University and to be subject to any special
conditions applying in those areas in furtherance of the University's objectives.
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January 2010
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3. Person specification
EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS/KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED
Essential
Desirable
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A degree or equivalent qualification
A relevant professional qualification and/or evidence of
updating
Significant relevant work experience, including liaison with
the political and policy environments
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Some management experience
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Recent or current relevant experience either within adult
further or higher education or related field
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Understanding the needs of adult (distance) learners
particularly within the context of part-time supported open
learning
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Proven experience in
promotions and publicity.
marketing,
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A thorough awareness of the external environment and
government policies in Wales and the wider UK, with special
reference to higher education and lifelong learning
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communications,
Skills in use of social media in communications, public affairs
and campaigning
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Good understanding of the Welsh post-16 education sectors
and of devolved agencies and institutions
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including
the drafting of policy reports and responses, speech writing,
presentations and public speaking, and the ability to meet
tight deadlines
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Excellent organisational and motivational skills
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Awareness of the legal and cultural significance of the Welsh
Language in Wales
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The ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh or
a willingness to undertake Welsh language tuition.
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Willingness to work some evenings and weekends
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Understanding of, as well as commitment to, Equal
Opportunities practice
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Willingness to undertake some travel around Wales and on
occasions outside of Wales
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4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working
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January 2010
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5. About the unit/department
The Open University in Wales is responsible for delivery of core services to students and
enquirers right across the country. It is funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for
Wales and serves approximately 11,000 students and 320 Associate Lecturers, and offers
tutorials at locations across Wales.
Our Cardiff office is the base for 62 members of staff. The Open University in Wales is
structured as follows:
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the Director for Wales and 3 Assistant Directors with overall responsibility for the
management and oversight of the work of the Open University in Wales, including that
delivered by faculty staff based in Wales;
around 18 academic staff, managers and coordinators of Faculties and Schools – these
report jointly to the Director, Wales and the Dean of their Faculty/School;
18 Student Services Managers working closely with faculty staff to ensure the successful
delivery of services to students, enquirers and Associate Lecturers across all activities;
2 Widening Access Development Officers, an 1 Employer Engagement Development
Officer, 1 Corporate Development Manager, Wales working closely with Directorate to
enhance the Open University in Wales contribution to the widening access, employer
engagement and collaborations agenda in Wales;
4 policy and public affairs and marketing staff.
around 21 support staff, including Directorate Assistants, Faculty Assistants, Associate
Lecturer Services staff, and Office and IT Services staff.
The Open University is committed to sustaining a powerful and visible presence in Wales,
working closely with other educational providers and organisations to offer high quality parttime higher education opportunities via distance learning. It has a Wales-specific formal
strategy that seeks to deploy to best effect the benefits of the OU’s UK and global reach whilst
at the same time meeting the needs of learners in Wales and the policy priorities of the Welsh
Government and HEFCW. The University has a Welsh Language Scheme and provides a
bilingual service in its dealings with the public and its students. The University is committed to
working with the Welsh Government and the Funding Council in meeting the economic, social
and cultural needs of the Wales. This is an exciting time to join the University, as it works to
develop further its work in the fields of widening access, employer engagement and
partnership and collaboration activities, whilst providing a high quality learning experience for
its students.
Staff are involved in planning and organising large-scale operations, using new technology to
produce materials and information, and effective management of resources to produce and
deliver services to schedule. All staff are concerned with the maintenance and improvement of
our high standards of support to individual students and have a strong customer service ethos.
Important issues currently facing the University include student recruitment and retention in the
increasingly competitive higher education environment. Student Services is reviewing its
learner support model and during the next few years, there are likely to be changes to the
patterns and mechanisms for supporting students. It is therefore important that staff are
flexible in their approach to work and the duties that they undertake.
The Open University in Wales operates within a framework of policies and procedures laid
down by the University’s senior management and committees. It sets and implements policies
and reviews its activities through the Open University in Wales Committee and several other
working groups and teams, of which the formal ones include representation from students and
Associate Lecturers.
The Open University in Wales is located at 18 Custom House Street, Cardiff. This is a five
minute walk from Cardiff Central train and bus stations. Given its city centre location there is
no parking available but there are numerous NCP car parks nearby, some of which are
available at a reduced rate.
For further information on Open University in Wales, and on the University, please see
The Open University in Wales’ website at www.open.ac.uk/wales
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January 2010
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6. How to obtain more information about the role or application process
If you would like to discuss the particulars of this role before making an application please contact
Rob Humphreys, Director on 02920 262719 or email [email protected].
If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Michele Looker,
Assistant Director (Planning and Resources) on 029 2047 1019 or email [email protected].
7. The application process and where to send completed applications
Please ensure that your application reaches the University by: 12 noon 24 January
2013.
Post it to:
Name/Job title:
Miss Alison Deering, Directorate Assistant (HR)
Address:
The Open University in Wales
18 Custom House Street
Cardiff
Post Code:
CF10 1AP
Or e-mail your application to: [email protected]
8. Selection process and date of interview
The interview panel will be chaired by Rob Humphreys, Director Wales.
The other members of the interview panel will be:
John D’Arcy, Director, The OU in Ireland
Cerys Furlong, Assistant Director (External Strategy)
Tracey Marenghi, Marketing Manager Wales
The interview date is to be advised.
The selection process for this post will include a presentation to the interview panel.
We will let you know as soon as possible after the closing date whether you have been
shortlisted for interview. Further details on the selection process will also be sent to shortlisted
candidates.
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
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January 2010
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