CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
BOARD MEMBER: VALUATION TRIBUNAL SERVICE
Closing date for applications is: 11pm on Friday 30 June 2017
Applications should be submitted via
Alternative format versions of this candidate information pack are available on request from the DCLG Recruitment Team at .
Overview
Contents / PageIntroduction / 3
About the Valuation Tribunal Service (VTS) / 3
About the Valuation Tribunal England (VTE) / 3
The VTS Board / 4
Job Description / 4
Person Specification / 5
Outline Terms and Conditions / 5
Selection Process / 6
Indicative Timetable for the Appointment / 7
How to Apply / 7
Appendix A - The Seven Principles of Public Life / 9
Appendix B - Political Activity Questionnaire / 10
Appendix C - Other Relevant Information Declaration / 11
Appendix D – Diversity Monitoring Form / 12
Appendix E - Guaranteed Interview Scheme / 15
Appendix F - Conflicts of Interest / 16
Appendix G – References / 16
Appendix H – Advertisement Publicity Survey / 17
1. Introduction
The Secretary of State for the Department for Communities and Local Government is seeking to fill a vacancy for a Non-Executive Board member on the Valuation Tribunal Service Board. The appointment will formally commence as soon as possible. The appointment period will be for 3 years.
Those who serve on the boards of public bodies play a vital role in the life of this country, whether by improving the delivery of public services or providing independent advice to Government. Many people from a wide range of backgrounds across the whole of the UK participate in public life by being members of the boards of public bodies. They are involved in making decisions that develop, shape or deliver government policy and public services.
This information pack sets out the requirements for the Board member’s position along with information on the work of the Valuation Tribunal Service, the Valuation Tribunal for England, and the appointment process.
2. Role of the Valuation Tribunal Service (VTS)
The Valuation Tribunal Service is an executive non-departmental public body of the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). It was established under the Local Government Act 2003 to provide administrative support, procedural advice and central direction to the Valuation Tribunal for England. It has a strong corporate identity and clearly delegated powers and responsibilities.
The VTS employs around 80 staff and is able to encourage the spread of best practice across the organisation, leading to better public service delivery.
3. Aims & Objectives of VTS
· To support the Valuation Tribunal for England in the administration of a fair, efficient and accessible appeals system by providing guidance and supporting the recruitment, induction and integration of new members.
· To drive continuous improvement of performance and efficiency across all aspects of the organisation.
· To enhance the quality and consistency of service to all stakeholders.
· To work in partnership with the sponsor Department to support policy development.
· To build capacity and capability in the staff with continuous learning and improvement.
· To operate with financial and organisational initiative and efficiency.
4. Role of the Valuation Tribunal for England (VTE)
The Valuation Tribunal for England is an administrative tribunal set up by statute to hear appeals concerning local taxation matters. The majority of appeals concern the valuation of commercial properties for non-domestic rates and domestic dwellings for council tax. Members of the Valuation Tribunal for England sit in panels of 2 or 3 across England to hear appeals. Apart from the President and Vice Presidents, members are unpaid lay people who receive training and are given support to undertake their role.
5. The VTS Board
The Board comprises of a Chair and members appointed by the Secretary of State for the Department for Communities and Local Government (“Secretary of State”). There are currently 7 members including the President of the Valuation Tribunal for England who is an ex-officio member of the Board. The founding legislation for the VTS, the Local Government Act 2003, requires there to be service members’ majority on the VTS Board. Service members are Board members who are VTE Chairmen who sit on hearing panels.
The Board ensures that effective arrangements are in place to provide assurance on risk management, governance and internal control as per the framework document that exist between VTS and DCLG.
The Board is specifically responsible for:
· establishing and taking forward the strategic aims and objectives of the VTS, consistent with its overall strategic direction and within the policy and resources framework agreed with DCLG;
· ensuring that the Secretary of State is kept informed of any changes which are likely to impact on the strategic direction of the VTS Board or on the attainability of its targets, and determining the steps needed to deal with such changes;
· ensuring that any statutory or administrative requirements for the use of public funds are complied with; that the Board operates within the limits of its statutory authority and any delegated authority agreed with DCLG, and in accordance with any other conditions relating to the use of public funds; and that, in reaching decisions, the Board takes into account guidance issued by DCLG;
· ensuring that the Board receives and reviews regular financial information concerning the management of VTS; is informed in a timely manner about any concerns about the activities of VTS; and provides positive assurance to DCLG that appropriate action has been taken on such concerns;
· demonstrating high standards of corporate governance at all times, including by using the independent audit committee to help the Board to address key financial and other risks;
· appointing, with the Secretary of State’s approval a Chief Executive (who is also the Accounting Officer) and, in consultation with DCLG, set performance objectives and remuneration terms linked to these objectives for the Chief Executive which give due weight to the proper management and use and utilisation of public resources.
6. Job Description - Non-Executive Director Board Member – VTS
Salary - £5,694 per annum for 20 days per annum
The members have an overall responsibility to ensure that the VTS fulfils its statutory functions. The role will involve:
· Attending Valuation Tribunal Service (VTS) Board meetings and contributing to discussions about strategy and policies. Monitoring and reviewing performance of the VTS.
· Taking an active role in development of the VTS’ future strategy and its Corporate and Business Plans, through which the framework of VTS objectives and targets is established and their budget is set.
· Supporting the VTS Chair in ensuring the development of improvements to Valuation Tribunal for England’s customer service delivery.
· Assisting in the implementation of policies and systems to discharge the VTS’s statutory responsibilities. Board members may be required to be a champion for a particular policy area leading on discussions at strategic level and be involved in the promotion of that policy within the Service or externally.
· Board members may be required to chair or be a member of a VTS established committee or sub-committee. As a public appointee, successful applicants will also be expected to observe the OCPA 7 principles of public life (highlighted on page 8).
7. Person Specification
Essential Criteria:
1. Sound understanding of corporate governance, accountability and regulatory frameworks
2. Ability to drive through the development of strategy
3. Evidence of the ability to monitor and review objectives
4. Financial and/or IT experience
5. Excellent communication and influencing skills
Desirable Criteria:
6. Knowledge of how government and public bodies work
7. Experience of developing a customer focussed environment
8. Outline Terms and Conditions
Position: / Board member - Valuation Tribunal ServiceNumber of Posts: / 1
Location: / The location of the HQ for the Valuation Tribunal Service is at 2nd Floor, 120 Leman Street, London, E1 8EU. Board meetings are customarily held at this location. You will be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable travel and subsistence costs at the same rate as members of Tribunal staff.
Commencement of appointment: / It is anticipated that the appointee would take up post as soon as possible.
Period of Appointment: / Appointment will be for up to three years (with the possibility of renewal).
Time Commitment: / 20 days per annum.
Remuneration: / The remuneration for a Board member is £5,694 per annum.
Reasonable travel costs will be reimbursed.
Eligibility: / Both Civil Servants and non-Civil servants are able to apply.
To be eligible for employment you will need to be either a UK national or a national of another European Economic Area Member State, or a Commonwealth citizen, or have the right to work in the UK. Swiss nationals are also eligible. In addition, if you have dual nationality you will be eligible as long as one of the nationalities meets the requirements.
*Note: The term of office for all Board members may be subject to the outcome of the DCLG’s triennial review of the Valuation Tribunal Service and Valuation Tribunal for England to be published soon.
9. Selection Process
The Panel will consist of:
1. Chris Megainey, DCLG Deputy Director for Council Tax - Panel Chair.
2. Eleanor Cannell, Deputy Director, Partnership and Delivery Unit DCLG - DCLG Panel member.
3. Bob Lane, Board Member, Ebbsfleet Development Corporation - Independent member.
4. John O’Shea, Interim Chair, The Valuation Tribunal Service - Representative of Organisation.
Shortlisting
The recruitment panel will determine which candidates’ best demonstrate that they have the specified qualities and experience. These candidates will be invited for interview. It is essential that you give full but concise information/evidence relevant to the criteria for the appointment. Reasonable expenses for attending interviews will be reimbursed, and will be paid in accordance with DCLG’s Travel & Subsistence policy.
Candidates who are invited to interview for this post will be requested to provide the names and contact details of two referees who will provide references regarding their suitability for the role. It would greatly assist the process if all candidates could ensure that references can be obtained swiftly in the event that they are invited to interview.
Interviews will be held at 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF (dates TBC).
Potential Conflicts of Interest
All candidates will be asked to declare conflicts of interest as early as possible in the process. As with any public appointment, it is important that the highest possible levels of probity and integrity are maintained. To that end, all candidates are required to give details of any business or other interests or any personal connections which, if you are appointed, could be misconstrued or cause embarrassment to the Valuation Tribunal Service or its parent Department, DCLG.
Further Information
If at any stage, you would like further information on the role, please contact Mr John O’Shea, Acting Chair of the Valuation Tribunal Service at or on 0774 990 8336.
Complaints
If at any time during the appointments procedure you have reason to question your treatment, you should first address your concerns to the administration team (by email: or by post: ALB Partnership Team, Department for Communities and Local Government, 1st Floor NE, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF
If after investigation by the Department, you remain dissatisfied, you may take your complaint to the Commissioner for Public Appointments, who operates a Complaints Procedure. Complaints should be lodged within 12 months of the appointment being made. Please see Your Guide to making a Complaint about a Public Appointments Process on the Commissioner’s website at: http://publicappointmentscommissioner.independent.gov.uk/what-we-do/complaints-and-investigations/
The Department for Communities and Local Government is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity and that all our systems and processes are fair, open and objective. We endeavour to promote this approach in those with whom we come into contact. We are responsible for ensuring that the highest principles of equal opportunities policy are put into effect. The department provides equal opportunities and we make no distinction between people on grounds of their race, ethnic or national origin, age, religion or belief, sex, marital status, disability, part time status or sexual orientation.
10. Indicative Timetable for Appointment
Date / Action3 April / Advert published
30 June / Closing date
August TBC / Notifications issued to those selected for interview and to unsuccessful applicants
Late September (dates TBC) / Panel Interviews
November (TBC) / Provisional appointment start date
11. How to Apply
All candidates are required to complete and submit the following:
1. A copy of your CV (no more than 3 pages).
2. A covering letter explaining how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role (no more than 3 pages) – please refer to the person specification.
3. Political Activity Questionnaire (Appendix B) - This questionnaire enables the monitoring of political activity of candidates for a public appointment, insofar as it is already in the public domain. Neither activity nor affiliation is a criterion for appointment (except where statute dictates specific representation).
4. Other Relevant Information Declaration Form (Appendix C) - Any appointee to a Public Body could find that matters or incidents which previously attracted no attention could become matters of public interest once the person concerned holds a public appointment.
5. Diversity Monitoring Form (Appendix D) – The Department for Communities and Local Government is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and welcomes applications from candidates irrespective of race, age, disability, gender, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, transgender or working patterns. Please complete this form and return it with your application. Please note the form will not be treated as part of our application. The data will be treated in the strictest confidence, and will be used for monitoring and statistical purposes only.
6. Guaranteed Interview Scheme – only if applicable (Appendix E) - The Department for Communities and Local Government uses the guaranteed interview scheme to help widen opportunities for disabled people. Applicants with disabilities who meet the criteria stated in the person specification as assessed by the panel and submit a completed 'Guaranteed Interview Scheme' form will be guaranteed an interview.