LEGAL SERVICES SUPPORT UNIT MANAGER – Initial 18-month period
Assignment to
Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI)
17th October 2016
To:
HR Managers in each ETB
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HR Managers are requested to bring this to the attention of all staff within their organisations. Please
note that the closing date is 31st October 2016.
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Expressions of interest are sought from officers for assignment to the post of ETBI Legal Services
Support Unit (LSSU) Manager. The assignment, which will cover the LSSU Manager role is a temporary
resource for a period of 18 months (with a review at this point) and will be responsible for establishing
an ETB Legal Services Support Unit based in ETBI.
General Information
 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) are statutory bodies which were established on 1st July 2013
under the Education and Training Boards Act 2013 to replace the Vocational Education Committees
(VECs) and to take on an enhanced role in the delivery of training.
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The Act created a new structure that better positions the sector to support the evolution of service
delivery in schools and in delivering further education and training where ETBs have a strong
relationship with SOLAS, the further education and training authority.
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There has been a major transformation of the ETB sector as a result of the Education and Training
Boards Act 2013. ETBI has played and will continue to play a key role in supporting the ETB sector
during this period of change and transformation.
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The Department of Education and Skills supports the ETB sector through the ETB/SOLAS Programme
Board and its Project Management Office. The ETB/SOLAS Programme Management Office (PMO)
manages a range of projects detailed in the ETB/SOLAS Programme Plan aimed at ensuring the
structures and systems within the ETB Sector will enable it to deliver on the challenges faced by the
Sector over the coming years. The plan includes shared payroll and financial services for the ETB
sector.
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The Legal Services Support Unit Manager will play a key role in supporting the establishment of the
unit in ETBI. The successful candidate’s administrative headquarters will be at ETBI, Piper’s Hill,
Kilcullen Road, Naas, Co. Kildare but the appointee may be required to work from other locations.
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LEGAL SERVICES SUPPORT UNIT MANAGER – Initial 18-month period
Job Specification
The role of the Legal Services Support Unit (LSSU) Manager will include the following:
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Support the compliant and effective procurement of legal services across the ETB Sector
Provide legal advice to ETBs and to ETBI
Collate management information to inform budgeting, and resourcing requirements
Share learning and support a standardised approach across the Department of Education and
Skills and the ETB sector.
Effect cultural change in the use of external legal services across the ETB Sector
Account for the work of the LSSU to the Legal Services Management Group (LSMG) and to ETBI
1. Support the compliant and effective procurement of legal services across the ETB Sector
 To establish the design and management of the programme of work required to deliver the ETB
legal services procurement framework through collaboration and consultation with the other
members of the LSSU Team, other members of ETBI management team, ETBs and OGP
 To support the tendering process attaching to the procurement of legal services across the ETB
sector
 To implement the use of the procurement framework once in place
 To support the ETBs in challenges as they arise in relation to the use of the procurement
framework
 To direct and manage the work of the Grade V and Grade III staff assigned to the LSSU
 To monitor and report on framework usage/compliance to the LSMG
 To work with all stakeholders to ensure effective contract management acting as escalation
point for contract management issues
2. Provide legal advice to ETBs and to ETBI
 To ensure a system of recording is in place for all queries received by the LSSU
 To introduce a standard template for requesting case information from ETBs
 To support and provide legal advice to ETBs as required
 To provide guidance to ETBs arising from judgements or other outcomes to legal issues within or
outside of the Sector.
 To report to the LSMG on the nature and complexity of cases being taken in an appropriate and
anonymised format
 Provide legal advice to ETBI on specific matters of legal concern
3. Collate management information to inform budgeting, and resourcing requirements
 To establish the mechanisms required to collate management information including
o Data to inform budgeting and resourcing measurement
o Benchmarking of current and ongoing costs being incurred by the sector relating to
- Legal fees
- Case settlement
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LEGAL SERVICES SUPPORT UNIT MANAGER – Initial 18-month period
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- Payment of court awards
o Data provided from the framework members on the procurement framework
o Data on issues that arise at ETB level that do not require legal advice but are recorded on
the Client Relationship Management System in the LSSU
Introduce a client relationship management system that will assist a high quality customer focus
from all staff in the LSSU
Ensure all staff comply with the recording and reporting of information as required by the LSMG
and ETBI
To establish the mechanism to track and report on progress of the overall implementation of the
Legal Services Strategy
To identify trends in the sector that may be addressed by training or other measures
4. Share learning and support a standardised approach across the Department of Education and
Skills and the ETB sector
 To liaise with the ETBs, DES, and other key stakeholders to establish areas of risk
 To work with ETBs to ensure a common understanding of the Legal services strategy and how it
will support ETBs
 To develop protocols for information sharing on legal issues between the LSSU and ETBs
 To make presentations and to represent the LSSU at relevant events (e.g. national and regional
conferences, ETBI Fora etc.)
 To ensure collaboration and utilisation of the LSSU as it is intended in the strategy
 To ensure outcomes/decisions of relevant cases within or outside of the ETB Sector are
communicated in an appropriate and anonymised format to the sector
 To engage with the External Staff Relations area and other areas of the Department of Education
and Skills as appropriate
5. Effect cultural change in the use of external legal services across the ETB Sector
 Provide information/briefing sessions for ETBs to provide an understanding of the role of the
LSSU
 Engage directly with ETBs on a regular basis
 Establish a point of contact for legal matters in each ETB
 Arrange regular training by internal/external providers to support ETBs in moving from requiring
legal opinion to having processes in place to avoid a requirement for legal opinion
 Support individuals in making decisions that may not require a legal opinion if due process is
followed
 To undertake measures approved by the LSMG where data analysis carried out by the LSSU
suggests that such measures can or should be taken by the LSSU with suppliers or with the
Sector
6. Account for the work of the LSSU to the LSMG and to ETBI
 To produce reports on a quarterly basis providing the LSMG and ETBI General
Secretary/Assistant General Secretary with an update on the progress being made
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LEGAL SERVICES SUPPORT UNIT MANAGER – Initial 18-month period
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To produce such other reports in relation to the operation of the Unit as the ETBI General
Secretary/Assistant General Secretary or LSMG may require.
To undertake such other work as may be approved by the LSMG
To be answerable in a collaborative manner to the ETBI General Secretary/Assistant General
Secretary
To report on matters of policy, strategy and implementation to the LSMG
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LEGAL SERVICES SUPPORT UNIT MANAGER – Initial 18-month period
Competencies Required for the Role:
Team Leadership
 Works with the team to facilitate high performance and takes responsibility for the delivery of
agreed objectives
 Addresses performance issues if they arise
 Provides clear information and advice as to what is required of the team
 Strives to develop and implement new ways of working effectively to meet objectives
 Leads the team by example, coaching and supporting individuals as required
 Places high importance on staff development, training and maximising skills and capacity of team
 Is flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change
Analysis and Decision Making
 Gathers and analyses information from relevant sources, whether financial, numerical or
otherwise weighting up a range of critical factors
 Takes account of any broader issues and related implications when making decisions
 Uses previous knowledge and experience in order to guide decisions
 Makes sound decisions with a well-reasoned rationale and stands by these
 Puts forward solutions to address problems
Management & Delivery of Results
 Takes responsibility and is accountable for the delivery of agreed objectives
 Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time
 Structures and organises their own and others work effectively
 Is logical and pragmatic in approach, delivering the best possible results with the resources
available
 Delegates work effectively, providing clear information and evidence as to what is required
 Proactively identifies areas for improvement and develops practical suggestions for their
implementation
 Demonstrates enthusiasm for new developments/changing work practices and strives to
implement these changes effectively
 Applies appropriate systems/processes to enable quality checking of all activities and outputs
 Practices and promotes a strong focus on delivering high quality customer service, for internal
and external customers
Interpersonal and Communication Skills
 Builds and maintains contact with colleagues and other stakeholders to assist in performing role
 Acts as an effective link between staff and senior management
 Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues
 Projects conviction, gaining buy-in by outlining relevant information and selling the benefits
 Treats others with diplomacy, tact, courtesy and respect, even in challenging circumstances
 Presents information clearly, concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing
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LEGAL SERVICES SUPPORT UNIT MANAGER – Initial 18-month period
Specialist knowledge experience and self-development
 Has a clear understanding of the roles, objectives and targets of self and team and how they fit
into the work of the unit and Department/Organisation and effectively communicates this to
others
 Has high levels of expertise and broad Public Sector knowledge relevant to his/her area of
work
 Focuses on self-development, striving to improve performance
Drive & Commitment to Public Sector Values
 Strives to perform at a high level, investing significant energy to achieve agreed objectives
 Demonstrates resilience in the face of challenging circumstances and high demands
 Is personally trustworthy and can be relied upon
 Ensures that customers are at the heart of all services provided
 Upholds high standards of honesty, ethics and integrity
Eligibility
Essential Requirements
The successful candidates will:
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Currently be an employee in an ETB/ETBI
Have experience in the operating of a centralised support unit and managing people
Have an understanding of corporate governance practices including ability to demonstrate a strong
understanding of accountability and governance requirements of public bodies
Have a minimum of 5 years’ experience working in a legal setting and providing legal advice
Demonstrate the capacity to work as part of a senior management team, developing and
implementing strategic plans and organisational policies and procedures
Demonstrate the ability to maintain confidentiality and to handle sensitive issues
Demonstrate the ability to use ICT to communicate and to manage data effectively across a large
stakeholder base
Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills including the ability to work effectively with a broad
range of internal and external stakeholders
Demonstrate that they possess the skills/competencies identified as being important for the role.
These include:
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Team Leadership
Analysis and Decision Making
Management and Delivery of Results
Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self-Development
Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values
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LEGAL SERVICES SUPPORT UNIT MANAGER – Initial 18-month period
Conditions of Assignment
1. The successful candidate must be in a position to take up duty without undue delay on assignment
to ETBI for a minimum period of 18 months.
2. At the end of the 18-month period, a review of the of the unit will take place and a decision will
be made based on the review to continue the operation of the LSSU or not
3. At the end of the 18-month period if the unit will no longer exist, the individual will return to
his/her organisation.
4. While on assignment to ETBI, the officer will continue to have access to promotional opportunities
in his/her organisation and to other competitions for which s/he is eligible.
5. In the event of the officer’s service with ETBI not being satisfactory during the period of
assignment, the officer will be returned to his or her organisation.
6. The officer will report to ETBI General Secretary/Assistant General Secretary
To Apply
1. Applications must be made by e-mail to [email protected] no later than 5.00 p.m. on 31st
October 2016 and should comprise–
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A comprehensive CV clearly showing your relevant achievements and experience in your
career to date, and
A short (i.e. no more than 2 pages) cover letter/personal statement outlining why you wish
to be considered for the assignment and where you believe your skills and experience meet
the requirement of the position as ETBI Change Programme manager
A completed and signed EOI Form (see below)
2. If you do not receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your application within two working days
of applying, please contact Aoife O’Rourke.
3. If the numbers applying for the position are such that it would not be practical to interview
everyone, it may be decided to shortlist candidates and call to interview only those who appear to
be the most suitable for the position. It is envisaged that interviews will take place week
commencing 7th November 2016.
4. HR Departments in ETBs will be informed of any member of staff who has applied for an
assignment to this role. In addition, the relevant HR Manager will be required to certify that a
candidate has worked well in his or her present post, has been satisfactory in general conduct and
in respect of sick leave prior to the candidate being offered a position.
5. For additional information about the position, you may contact –
Aoife O’Rourke, [email protected]
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LEGAL SERVICES SUPPORT UNIT MANAGER – Initial 18-month period
Expression of Interest (EOI) Form
Expression of Interest in ETBI Legal Services Support Unit Manager role from _________________
ETB to ETBI
Section 1 - Details of the post for which Expression of Interest is invited
LEGAL SERVICES SUPPORT UNIT
MANAGER
Post title
Description of Role This role will report to the General Secretary/Assistant General
Secretary of ETBI with a project reporting responsibility to a project steering group. The
role will lead the implementation of the Legal Services strategy, whilst managing the unit
and ensuring targets and objectives are reached (see role profile for further detail).
Grade at which post is salaried
Grade VII (DES CL 36/2013)
Section 2 - Personal Details (please complete in Block Capitals)
Name
Current Grade
Title of current post
Date of Appointment
Section 3 - Eligibility Details
Are you currently employed in training functions?
Yes/No
Are you employed in administrative duties?
Yes/No
Are you an Instructor or Tutor delivering courses?
Yes/No
Are you a Teacher or SNA?
Yes/No
Are you employed in any other position within a school setting?
Yes/No
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LEGAL SERVICES SUPPORT UNIT MANAGER – Initial 18-month period
Section 4 - Certification by employee
I certify that the information which I have supplied above is true and correct.
Signature of Employee
Date
Staff should note that a deadline of 5.00 p.m. on 31st October 2016 has been placed for the receipt
of EOIs and accompanying Curriculum Vitae and cover letter (as outlined above) via email to the
address below:
Aoife O' Rourke, [email protected]
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