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Document Title
04/10/05
Head Of Policy & Business Management
Creation of Research Assistant (Majority Group) Post
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Additional information:
Authorised By
Designation
Date
Jim Lamond
Head of Policy & Business Management
05/10/05
For Office Use Only:
Library Reference
Date Received
Bulletin
180/05
17/10/05
Oct05
REPORT TO:
Members’ Library Service
MEETING DATE:
BY:
Chief Executive
SUBJECT:
Creation of Research Assistant (Majority Group) Post
1
PURPOSE
1.1
This paper proposes the creation of a part time AP3 Research Assistant
post to support the Leader and Majority Group until April 2007.
2
RECOMMENDATIONS
2.1
The proposal to create a new part-time Research Assistant post
contained within this report is in accordance with the powers delegated to
the Chief Executive and other relevant officers under the Scheme of
Delegation. Council is asked to note the contents of this report.
3
BACKGROUND
3.1
The Council Leader, and Majority Group have identified a need for
additional support in carrying out Council-related activity. It is therefore
proposed to create a part-time fixed contract post of Research Assistant.
3.2
A job outline and person specification are attached.
3.3
Members will recall that the Majority Group was previously supported by
a Political Research Assistant who was employed under Section 9 of the
1989 Local Government & Housing Act, which specifically allows for the
creation of posts of an overtly political nature.
3.4
That post-holder left the Council February 2004, since which time the
post has been unfilled but remains part of the approved establishment.
As part of the report proposals this permanent post will be deleted.
3.5
It is important to stress that the proposed post will not operate under the
auspices of the 1989 Act, but will be a “mainstream” member of staff.
Normal recruitment, selection, conditions of service etc will apply.
3.6
Given the prospect of change in political arrangements in May 2007, it is
proposed that the post operate under a fixed term contract, running until
Monday 30 April 2007. The post-holder will also be part-time, working 14
hours per week.
4
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
4.1
The creation of this post will support the Council Leader and Majority
Group in matters directly related to the Council’s functions, thereby
making them more effective in carrying out these duties.
5
RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
5.1
Financial - The estimated cost of this post for the duration of the contract
will be £14,400. Although the report proposals enable the deletion of the
former Political Research Assistant post from the establishment there is
currently no budget provision against this post as the post was frozen as
part of the Division’s efficiency savings. Given the fixed term nature of the
post it is now proposed that the costs be met from the Chief Executive’s
departmental reserve.
5.2
Personnel - An additional part time (0.4fte) post of Research Assistant
graded at AP3 is created for the period up until end of April 2007. The
existing full-time post of Political Research Assistant is deleted from the
establishment.
5.3
Other – none.
6
BACKGROUND PAPERS
6.1
None
AUTHOR’S NAME
BRIAN DUNCAN
DESIGNATION
Corporate Policy Manager
CONTACT INFO
7366
DATE
4th October 2005
[email protected]
JOB OUTLINE
Post Title:
Department:
Workplace:
Immediate Supervisor:
Research Assistant (Majority Group)
Department of Chief Executive
Haddington House, Haddington
Corporate Policy Manager
PURPOSE OF JOB
The postholder will provide research and information support to the Council Leader, and other
members of the Majority Group on matters directly related to the Council’s functions.
MAJOR TASKS
1. Provide briefings for Leader/Majority Group on issues of importance to East Lothian, and/or
which are directly related to the Council’s functions
2. Draft speeches/speaking notes and presentations for Majority Group Members
3. Maintain an awareness of Scottish / UK / European political developments which may impact on
the Council
4. Maintain an awareness of policy developments and initiatives within East Lothian Council
5. Attend Majority Group meetings as required
6. Work with Democratic Services colleagues to ensure the efficient and effective running of the
Haddington House office
7. Work with colleagues in Policy Development to ensure an effective interface between the
Majority Group, and management
8. Support the Corporate Policy Manager and Head of Policy & Business Management in delivering
the wider Division’s goals.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR STAFF
The post has no line management responsibilities.
RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS
Educated to Degree standard.
SKILLS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Familiarity with the Scottish political scene, and current issues facing local authorities/public sector
Highly developed Communication skills (inter-personal and written)
Numeracy
Comfortable working in a computerised environment, skilled in IT applications (eg MS Office)
JOB TITLE
BUSINESS GROUP
BUSINESS UNIT
:
:
:
RESEARCH ASSISTANT (MAJORITY GROUP)
POLICY & BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
POLICY DEVELOPMENT
CRITERIA
1.
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Y
Educated to degree level
HNC
2.
Y
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
Previous experience of Local Govt
3.
Y
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/COMPETENCIES
Familiarity with current debates and issues facing Scottish councils
Y
Highly developed communication skills (written and oral)
Y
Numeracy
Skilled in IT applications (eg M/S Office)
4.
Y
Y
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Ability to work under minimal supervision
Y
Ability to manage workload, meet deadlines
Y