Guidance Notes for Job Applicants

Position: Yorkshire and Humberside Planning and Branch Development Officer

Closing date for applications: Noon on 31 March 2011

Interviews will be held on: Thursday 14 April 2011

To make your application, you will need to complete an application form. These guidance notes should help you complete your application.

Supplementary documents to these guidance notes are the role profile, the application form and an equal opportunities form. Please ensure you have all these documents. If you have any questions that are not answered by the attached information do please contact Matthew Johnson, Human Resources Manager on 020 7981 2863.

Returning your application form

If you would like to apply for this post please return your completed application form by:

email to:

or

by post to:Sandra Farrington

Human Resources

Campaign to Protect Rural England

128 Southwark Street

London

SE1 0SW

Quoting reference:PBD

Please ensure that your application form reaches us by noon on the closing date as late applications will not be considered.

Only successful applicants will be contacted.

We strongly recommend you read the following information before completing your application form.

Conditions of Service

Salary scale: / We expect the starting salary to be in the range £17,513 - £20,390 (this is pro-rata to £29,189 - £33,984 for a full-time staff member. The starting salary will normally be at the bottom of the range, however a higher starting salary may be offered where an individual has exceptional levels of relevant experience.
Hours of work: / 21 hours per week. Hours and days to be agreed with individual and CPRE.
Some evening and weekend work is required, time off in lieu is provided, and there will be travel around England.
Place of work: / Normal place of work will be from your home address.
There will be regular travel around the Yorkshire and Humber region and occasional travel to other regions and our National Office in London.
Holidays / 25 working days per year increasing by 1 working day per year up to a maximum of 30 working days, plus bank holidays and 3 ‘privilege’ days per year for full-time staff. Part-time staff receive a pro-rata proportion of holidays, bank holiday and privilege days.
Probationary period: / The post will be subject to a 26 weeks probationary period.
Pension: / CPRE offer a group Personal Pension Policy with Aviva. CPRE will contribute to this policy monthly at a rate of 6 per cent of current salary. CPRE will start making contributions to this from the beginning of the third month immediately following the start date.
Arrangements can be made for personal monthly contributions to your Pension Policy, such contributions being deductible from salary. These can start from the beginning of the third month immediately following start date.
Notice: / During the probationary period, 4 weeks notice of termination of employment is required from employer or employee.
After satisfactory completion of your probationary period, 13 weeks notice of termination of employment is required from employer or employee.

CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England)

CPRE is one of the longest established and most respected environmental groups, influencing policy and raising awareness ever since we were founded in 1926. We’re a registered charity and pressure group which campaigns for a sustainable future for the English countryside, a vital but undervalued environmental, economic and social asset to the nation. We highlight threats and promote positive solutions. Using in-depth research, reasoned argument and well targeted lobbying we seek to influence public opinion and decision-makers at all levels.

We want a beautiful, tranquil and diverse countryside that everyone can value and enjoy; a working countryside that contributes to national well being by enriching our quality of life, as well as providing us with crucial natural resources, including food.

We’ve grown over the years and now have about 60,000 members and supporters. There are eight regional groups, 43 county branches covering each EnglishCounty and over 200 district groups.

The regional groups and county branches vary markedly in their size and effectiveness. Regions and branches are generally interested in a wide range of conservation and environmental policy issues. They often focus on land use planning but may also play an active role in relation to transport, landscape, agriculture and the future of rural communities.

CPRE's National Office staff of about 50 undertake policy, campaigning, recruitment, fundraising, promotional and media work; help develop and advise CPRE's regions, branches and district groups, and service CPRE's membership and supporters.

There is much scope for building consensus for, and implementing, shared campaign objectives at national, regional and local levels and finding new ways to reach out to the interested public and involve them in our campaigns for the countryside.

You can find out much more about us from our website,

The Planning and Regions team is responsible for leading the organisation’s work on a wide range of issues including planning, housing and transport policy. We also work closely with the regional staff to help ensure we are influencing decision-makers at all levels. Much of our work focuses on improving the quality of the built environment in both rural and urban areas and using, and improving where necessary, the land-use planning system in order to protect and enhance the English countryside.

Completing the application form

We want to help you to fill out the application form as effectively as possible, so please:

  • Examine the role profile, and analyse how your skills, knowledge, skills and expertise match those set out in this section of the role profile. Don’t forget to consider experience you have gained outside work through voluntary experience or leisure interests.
  • Ensure you complete all sections of the form clearly so that it may be photocopied. CVs will not be accepted. This ensures that we receive the same type of information from all applicants.
  • Attach additional information up to a maximum of 4 sides of A4 paper if you are unable to fit all your details in the space provided on the form. Please note if you enclose more than this we will only consider the first 4 sides. Additional sheets should be clearly marked with your name and title of post for which you are applying. At this stage you should not attach examples of your work (unless it is specifically requested) or open references, as these will not be considered or returned to you.
  • The section headed “Experience” is an important part of your application and should be used to tell us how you think you meet each of the criteria listed in the “knowledge, skills and expertise” section of the role profile. If you fail to do this you are unlikely to be short-listed. You should pick out specific examples from your past experience which clearly demonstrate you possess the particular skills, knowledge or experience required in the person specification. It is not sufficient merely to state that you possess the skills, or that you feel you can do the job. It is important that you provide as much relevant information as possible.
  • Decisions about short-listing will be based solely on the information you provide on your application form. We cannot make assumptions about your skills and abilities, even if you already work for CPRE, or are otherwise known to us.

Short-listing and Interview Process

CPRE’s recruitment and selection procedure is based on equal opportunities best practice. The aim of the procedure is to select the applicant whose skills, knowledge and experience most closely match the requirements of the post as set out in the role profile.

After the closing date, applications are normally shortlisted byat least two people and an assessment made on how each applicant meets the criteria in the knowledge skills and expertise section of the role profile. Applicants who appear to meet these requirements most closely will be invited for interview.

The interview panel is normally made up of three people. The purpose of the interview is to allow us to ask questions to expand on the information you have provided on your application form, so we can make a judgement on the extent to which you meet, or exceed, the selection criteria for the post. We aim to do this objectively and fairly, and the questions we ask will be specifically aimed to test the selection criteria in the Role Profile ‘Knowledge Skills and Expertise’ section and ‘Requires ability to’ section.

In order to provide us with as much information as possible about each candidate’s abilities, we may ask you to carry out an exercise or presentation of some kind. You may be asked to either prepare this beforehand, in which case you will be sent details prior to the interview date; or to carry out the exercise on the day of the interview.

The panel will keep a record of their assessment of each candidate so their reasons for their decisions are clear and justifiable. Candidates will be informed of the outcome of their interview as soon as possible.

We hope this information is useful in enabling you to make an effective application.

March 2011

Role profile

Role title: Planning and Branch Development Officer (Yorks and Humber) / Reports to:Regional Chair
Department: Policy and Campaigns / Communication and Branch Development / Band: C
Purpose of role: Lead source of expertise for branches on Planning matters.Advise and support branch development including profile-raising, membership recruitment and assisting in events and meetings.
Dimension: / Required to do: / Requires ability to:
Developing solutions /
  • Work with nominated branches to assist in the recruitment and training of active volunteers to meet CPRE’s future needs.
  • Contribute to national campaigning and policy work.
  • Promote volunteering best practice to the branches.
  • Improve communications between branches within the region. This could include Regional website, and production of a Regional Newsletter.
/
  • Find solutions to complex issues.
  • Challenge and influence the views of others
  • Generate new ideas to make CPRE more effective.
  • Develop new methods and channels of communication.

Decision-making /
  • Provide guidance on Government policy on planning matters and its implications for CPRE branches through briefings and seminars.
  • Monitor the progress of the establishment of the Region’s LEPs, and advise branches on how to engage with them.
  • Provide guidance to volunteers based on internal policy and best practice.
  • Decide on approaches and opportunities to maintain and develop capacity of branches.
/
  • Operate within an agreed budget.

Planning and delivery /
  • Assist and advise branches on effective campaigning skills.
  • Organising and delivering training/workshop sessions. This will include regional events organised by National Office.
  • Lead on branch development activities within the region. This will include assisting in the recruitment of key trustee and Branch roles.
  • Provide support for regional group and regional chair.
  • Represent CPRE at external meetings when required.
  • Assist branches in publicising the work of CPRE branches including assisting in organising events and meetings.
/
  • Manage multiple priorities and time appropriately.
  • Take responsibility for delivery of project/work stream.
  • Manage and monitor progress and deliver across a range of projects/work streams, managing resources and priorities to ensure delivery.
  • Checks work of others against CPRE standards.

Communications /
  • Facilitate the sharing and use of best practice across the branches.
  • Influence branches, relevant stakeholders and key decision makers.
  • Liaise with National Office Planning Team to ensure consistency across CPRE and share relevant information between National Office and the region.
  • Coordinating/communicating with the NO development team regarding development activities/ initiatives, branch recruitment and problems/concerns about branches.
  • Lead in the provision of policy, planning advice and information including the interpretation of planning law to CPRE branches.
  • Assist in better communications between branches and National Office and branches.
/
  • Apply strong written and oral communication, influencing, and facilitation skills.
  • Make specialist/technical information clear.
  • Handle sensitive information and issues with tact and discretion.
  • Adapt messages and approach for different audiences.
  • Manage diverse opinions with care and diplomacy.
  • Be confident and competent with senior branch and regional contacts.

Working relationships / Works with:
  • branch volunteers and staff, regional and district group volunteers and staff, stakeholders and key decision makers, trustees, external consultants, national office; campaigns, policy planning and development staff.
/
  • Work collaboratively with others across the organisation.
  • Influence internal and external contacts.
  • Build important external relationships and network of contacts.

Developing people /
  • Responsible for developing, training, motivating and coaching staff and volunteers in branches within the region.
  • Work with branch staff and volunteers to develop their knowledge of planning law and regulations.
/
  • Provide informal and formal support and guidance to branch volunteers and staff.
  • Motivate and develop others.

Knowledge, skills and expertise
Technical, specialist or professional
  • A planning qualification or relevant work experience.
  • Understanding of the UK planning system.
  • Knowledge of CPRE policy and campaigning areas relevant to planning issues.
  • Microsoft office.
  • Experience in Capacity building working to improve voluntary groups.
  • Planning and delivery or facilitation of training.
  • Knowledge of Volunteer Management.
  • Keeps up to date with changes in the UK planning system and regional/sub-regional environment.
/ Organisational skills
  • Excellent organisation and administrative skills.
  • A track record of working collaboratively.
  • Research and analyse complex information summarising it clearly & succinctly.
  • A track record of team building and motivating and enthusing others.
  • A track record of high levels of self motivation in a stand alone role.
  • A track record of creating a network of contacts and influencing others.
  • Willing to travel extensively and attend meetings in evenings and weekends.

March 2011


Application Form
Planning and Branch Development Officer
(Yorkshire and Humber)
Personal Details
Surname / Forenames
Address
Telephone No. (day) / (evening)
Mobile Phone / Email Address
Education and Training
Name and Address of Schools/Colleges/Courses attended / Dates / Examinations taken and results obtained
(with Grades)
From / To
Employment (most recent first)
Name and Address of Employer / Dates of Employment / Position held and duties undertaken
(please include salary details) / Reason for leaving
From / To
Experience
Please describe how you meet each of the criteria listed in the Knowledge, skills and expertise section of the role profile, using examples from any paid, voluntary or other activities you have undertaken:

You may continue on separate sheets (up to 4 pages)

Referees

Please give details of two referees (to include present or most recent employer where applicable).

PLEASE COMPLETE IN BLOCK CAPITALS

Name / Name
Position / Position
Address / Address
Tel. No. / Tel No.
Relationship / Relationship
If successful, when could you take up this appointment? / If you have any long-term health issues or a disability please indicate:
  • whether you would need CPRE to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process (including adjustments to the interview and any selection exercise).
  • whether your health/disability would affect your ability to undertake a significant part of the job.

The help us with our recruitment analysing please state where you saw this post advertised (name and date of publication if possible).
N.B. You will be required to provide documentation (passport) to verify work eligibility in the UK if you are shortlisted for this position.
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge the above information is correct.
Signed / Date

Please e-mail your completed application form to or send to:

Job Ref. PBD

Sandra Farrington, Human Resources, CPRE, 128 Southwark Street, SE1 0SW

CPRE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY

CPRE is committed to a policy that seeks to provide equality of opportunity for all sections of the community regardless of sex, race, ethnic origin, colour, religion, marital status, age, sexual preference or disability. This section of the application form will enable CPRE to monitor the effects of this policy. Completion is voluntary and will not affect your application.

This information will be treated in the strictest confidence and will be separated from your application form prior to shortlisting.

Your Name:
Position applied for: / ………………………………………………………………………
……… Planning and Branch Development Officer (Yorkshire & Humberside) ……

I would describe my ethnic origin as:

Black - Afro/Caribbean origin
Black - African origin
Asian origin
White - European origin including UK
Other*
If other please specify / ………………………………………………………………….

* Other - persons originating from countries not included in the above categories or persons whose parents are of differing origins, who do not choose to classify themselves elsewhere.

Sex

Male
Female
Where did you see the advertisement for this post? / ……………………………………