Human Resources
Information for Candidates
Introduction to Tamworth Borough Council
Tamworth covers an area of 3095 hectares and has a population of approximately 75,000, having expanded rapidly during the last 20 years. Located in the extreme south-east of Staffordshire, any high vantage point offers good views of four neighbouring counties – Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands in addition to Staffordshire itself.
Tamworth presents an interesting mixture of the old and the new, equally well known for its Norman Castle, famous Saxon Mint and Tamworth Pigs as for its’ ‘expanding town’ image catering for the over spill from the Birmingham conurbation and its varied industrial profile.
The town has excellent leisure facilities for all age groups, Tamworth Leisure Island which comprises Snowdome Fitness Centre and Snowdome; fishing on Borrowpit Lake; Strykers Pleasure Bowl; the Castle Pleasure Grounds with a bowling green, floodlit tennis courts and an outdoor events programme; a 10 screen cinema; a 349 seat theatre in the Assembly Rooms; Bannatyne’s Health Club; extensive shopping facilities including weekly town centre markets and a library.
The Corporate Management Team, led by the Chief Executive, undertakes the overall management and co-ordination of the Authority. This is supported by an Executive Director and 6 Directors covering the following services:
· Housing
· Environmental Health & Regulatory Protection
· Street Scene
· Planning
· Sports Development
· Community Safety and Development
· Property Maintenance and Management
· Human Resources and Payroll
· Performance & Corporate Relations
· Customer Services
· Finance
· Revenues
· Internal Audit Services
· Benefit Services
· ICT Services
· Democratic and Election Services
· Community Wardens
· CCTV
Tamworth Borough Council has an attractive set of terms and conditions and implements a fair job evaluation process. In doing this we have introduced attractive holidays, flexible working, health care and other working conditions packages to make Tamworth Borough Council a modern, forward thinking employer.
Recruitment
Policy
The Council’s policy is to select individuals on the basis of their merits and abilities in relation to the job vacant. Posts are advertised both internally and externally to ensure access for all potential candidates.
Diversity and Equality
Tamworth Borough Council is committed to providing high quality services to all our customers regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
Tamworth Borough Council aspires to a diverse workforce, which has the skills and understanding to achieve our goals by the provision of a quality service, responsive to individual and community needs. We are committed to ensuring that all people are treated fairly and without unlawful discrimination.
You are requested to complete the detachable Personal Details Form which is used to monitor adherence to the Equal Opportunities policy. This information does not constitute part of the selection process.
Disabled Candidates
The Council has adopted a positive policy for the employment of disabled people and has been awarded with the “two ticks positive about disabled people” symbol.
Disabled applicants who demonstrate on their application form that they meet the criteria listed on the person specification are guaranteed an interview.
The Council endeavours, whenever possible, to make reasonable adjustments for short listed candidates who have special needs as a result of disability. Any special requirements should be clearly indicated on your application form.
It is the policy of the recruitment team that all correspondence will be by email. It is therefore essential that you check your emails regularly when in the process of applying for vacancies.
In the event of exceptionally high levels of response, we reserve the right to close the post before the date stated above in order to prevent the number of applications received being unmanageable. You are advised to submit your completed application form as soon as possible to have the best chance of being considered.
Your Application Form
Please read the guidance notes, job description and person specification carefully before completing the application form in type/black ink. You need to relate your experience and achievements to the post for which you are applying. Remember to consider any skills gained through voluntary activities and leisure interests in addition to work related abilities.
Do not enclose evidence of qualifications or references at this stage.
Please note that any information given on a CV will not be considered.
Acknowledgement and Advice of Progression
If you require confirmation of receipt of your application, please address and stamp the enclosed postcard and return it with your form, this will then be returned to you.
If you do not hear from us within 28 days regarding the position you have been unsuccessful.
Selection Process
It is the Council’s policy that the recruitment process will involve a formal interview and other job related tests. Full details will be given to the short listed candidates.
Appointment
All appointments are subject to:
· Receipt of two satisfactory references, at least one of which should be your current or most recent employer if you are not in employment.
· An acceptable medical clearance from our Occupational Health Advisor. Successful candidates are asked to complete a questionnaire and may be required to undergo a medical examination at the Council’s cost.
· Evidence of qualifications required for the post.
· Appropriate vehicle licence and insurance checks for essential car users.
· Nationality checks.
· Disclosure & Barring Service checks (DBS) where appropriate. Some Council appointments are exempt from the provision of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Candidates are advised not to resign from their current post until the above are obtained.
All new employees have to demonstrate satisfactory progress during a 6 month probationary period.
Feedback
Any candidate who has been advised that an application has not been successful and would like further feedback may telephone Human Resources, who will arrange for the appropriate Manager to provide additional details.
Complaints
Any concerns or complaints concerning the way in which an application has been dealt with should be referred in writing to the Head of Organisational Development. A response will be given within 14 working days.
General Information
No Smoking Policy
The Council discourages smoking for health and safety reasons, this includes the use of e-cigarettes.
However, there are designated smoking areas outside Council work areas where employees are permitted to smoke, in their own time, subject to local constraints.
Trade Union Membership
The Council believes in the principle of collective bargaining. All agreements relating to terms and conditions of employment are settled both nationally and locally with the recognised Trade Unions.
Conditions / Benefits
The terms and conditions of employment, which apply to specific posts, are detailed in an individual’s appointment letter and statement of particulars.
General conditions and benefits are as follows:
Hours of Work
Full time staff are contracted to work 37 hours per week.
Holiday Entitlement
In addition to 8 statutory holidays, the basic entitlement for full time permanent employees is 26 days each full calendar year. This entitlement increases to 31 days after 5 years continuous local government service.
Relocation
All permanent personnel who decide to relocate to the Tamworth area on commencing employment may, subject to certain criteria, be eligible to receive a contribution to the expenses involved e.g. lodging allowance, disturbance allowance, removal costs. Details are available from Human Resources.
Essential Car User Allowance
Other members of staff who are required to provide a vehicle in relation to their post qualify for an ‘Essential Car User’ allowance.
Recruitment advertisements will normally specify where these apply.
Pension Scheme
You will be automatically admitted to the Local Government Pension Scheme. For further details of the contributions and benefits available please contact the LGPS on 01785 278222 or visit www.staffspf.org.uk
Car Loan
Car Loan facilities at very competitive rates of interest are available to all permanent staff after 12 months service.
Job Sharing
The Council is pleased to consider applications for Job Sharing for suitable posts.
Health scheme
All permanent or temporary employees who have completed 6 months probationary period are entitled to join a fully funded corporate health care scheme. All staff also have access to a confidential counselling service.
Flexible working
In order to maintain a work life balance Tamworth Borough Council operates a flexible working framework.
Additional Information
Additional information on specific conditions or any matter relating to employment with Tamworth Borough
Council is available on request from Human Resources.