Hamilton House Mabledon Place London WC1H 9BD
Telephone 020 7388 6191 Fax 020 7387 8458
General Secretary Christine Blower
Deputy General Secretary Kevin Courtney
September 2014
Dear Applicant
PRINCIPAL OFFICER –CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT – BAND 3
JD REF: EED25
Thank you for your interest in the above permanent position of Principal Officer – Curriculum and Assessment based at National Union of Teachers’ Headquarters, Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9BD.
The following documents form part of this Job Pack:
Application Form and Acknowledgement Card
Job Description and Person Specification
Details for submission of application
NUT Information Sheet
Summary of Conditions of Service and salary
The Union's Equal Opportunities Employment Policy Statement
Completed application forms must be returned to reach the Personnel Section, National Union of Teachers, Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9BD by no later than midday 25thSeptember 2014.
Due to the response rates we receive, we are only able to write to those applicants who are placed on the shortlist for interview. We also regret we are unable to provide feedback to applicants who are not shortlisted for interview.
If you have any general enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact the Personnel Section on 020 7380 4747, in the first instance.
Yours sincerely
CHRISTINE HURLEY
Principal Officer – Personnel
Resource Management
JOB DESCRIPTION
TITLE:PRINCIPAL OFFICER – CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT
GRADE:BAND 3
DEPARTMENT:EDUCATION AND EQUALITIES –
ADVICE, POLICY AND CAMPAIGNS
LOCATION:HAMILTON HOUSE
RESPONSIBLE TO:HEAD OF EDUCATION
ROLE OF DEPARTMENT
The Advice, Policy and Campaigns Department is responsible for developing Union policy and for ensuring the Union’s effectiveness in advising and supporting members, campaigning and communicating on educational, equalities and employment matters, over the whole range of the Union’s membership from early years to further and higher education.
GENERAL DUTIES
The General Secretary has overall responsibility for the management and administration of the Union and all assistant secretaries and staff work under her or his general direction. The Senior Solicitor has overall responsibility for legal aspects of the Union's work. The departments of the Union are headed by Assistant Secretaries or senior members of staff who have supervision of the staff of their departments and are responsible for the management of staff and their effective deployment to allow the Union to respond to and initiate activities in the most dynamic way.
Principal Officers are directly responsible to an Assistant Secretary or other senior employee or above as their head of department.
Principal Officers are responsible to Assistant Secretaries/head of department and above for assisting in providing advice on Union policy development, implementation and promotion of policies and activities. Under the direct of their head of department, Principal Officers have day-to-day managerial and administration responsibilities for areas of work within their departments. Principal Officers may be called upon by their head of department from time-to-time to deputise in his or her absence.
Broad responsibilities are allocated to particular Principal Officers in their departments. Principal Officers are also expected to co-operate and liaise with other departments. Assistant Secretaries other than the head of department, to whom a Principal Officer is directly responsible, may have policy responsibilities in areas of a Principal Officer's work. Principal Officers will have a functional relationship with those Assistant Secretaries.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The post holder will work under the direction of the Head of Education and Equalities and the overall oversight of the Assistant Secretary.
The post holder will provide leadership, direction and oversight to PA and CA post holders in relation to their work activity and may be required to line manage PA post holders for personnel and related purposes as necessary.
Advice, policy and campaigns
Be responsible for work in relation to the curriculum and assessment policy of the Union and other matters within the remit of the section, including:
- developing Union policy on these matters, including by preparing policy statements, briefings, commentaries and research papers;
- preparing advisory and campaigning materials for Union representatives and Union members;
- providing advice and support to the Union's regional structure, in particular relating to advice to members, local officers and others;
- providing general advice, guidance and information as required;
- conducting survey work, including analysis and report writing;
- preparing materials for Union training courses and similar events;
- maintaining records, databases and resource materials.
Hold specific and principal responsibility for work on curriculum and education policy in relation to the early years, foundation stage and all other key stages and forms of education including 14-19 education; and on examinations, qualifications, training and skills policy.
Hold special and principal responsibility for work on Union policy relating to both teacher assessment and system wide accountability measures including league tables, standardised testing and floor targets.
Hold specific and principal responsibility for work in relation to delivering the Union’s National Education Conference and for strategies to engage and organise members around, and through, education policy and campaigns.
Hold specific and principal responsibility for work in relation to school leadership, and the education policy, advocacy and campaigning aspect of the Union’s strategy to recruit, retain and support leadership group members.
Hold specific and principal responsibility for such other areas of work within the remit of the section as may be allocated from time to time.
Liaison with relevant colleagues
Be responsible for liaison and co-operation with colleagues in relevant departments to ensure education policy and campaigns support the Union’s strategy and priorities; for preparation of information, guidance and materials which enable Union representatives, officers and organisers to engage and activate members around education policy and campaigns; and to provide support as appropriate jointly with such relevant colleagues when co-ordinating publications for leadership group members.
Secretarial role for advisory committees and/or task groups
Be responsible for acting, as required, as Secretary to NUT advisory committees or project groups and related bodies for which the Department is responsible.
Organisation of conferences/meetings
Be responsible for oversight of organisation of conferences and meetings relating to the work of the section as required.
Representing the Union
Represent the Union as required at external meetings, courses and conferences, including attendance at NUT annual conference and other conferences.
Delivery of training
Be responsible for providing support to NUT training and organising activities in relation to areas within the remit of the section, including delivering Union training as required.
Other duties as required
Undertake such other duties appropriate to grade as may be allocated by the Head of Education and Equalities from time to time and, as the need arises, to deputise on behalf of the Head of Education and Equalities in her/his absence.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
- SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Essential Criteria
(a)Detailed and current knowledge of curriculum, assessment, examinations and qualifications policy relating to schools and colleges.
(b)Detailed and current knowledge of policy debates and evidence around teacher professionalism, initial teacher education and CPD relating to teachers in all phases.
(c)Ability to analyse and understand complex information and present ideas and options clearly and coherently, both in writing and orally.
(d)Detailed and current knowledge of policy on school leadership and priority issues facing senior leadership members.
(e)Ability to manage a team and to lead, develop and motivate colleagues effectively.
(f)Ability to influence and engage others through excellent writing and presentation skills.
(g)Ability to work under pressure and to identify strategic priorities and deliver on planned objectives.
(h)Ability to manage specific budgets and ensure a project is delivered within budget.
Desirable criteria
(a)Project management skills.
- QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION
Essential Criteria
(a)A good honours degree or equivalent qualification or knowledge gained through experience in the main areas covered by the post.
(b)A high standard of written English.
(c)Qualified teacher status.
- EXPERIENCE
Essential Criteria
(a)Recent and relevant experience of policy, advocacy or campaigns work on curriculum, assessment, examinations and qualifications education policy.
(b)Recent and relevant experience of policy, advocacy or campaigns work on initial teacher education and continuous professional development policy.
(c)Experience in drafting and editing written reports, guidance, surveys or campaign materials.
(d)A professional background in the education service.
Desirable Criteria
(a)Experience of developing training materials.
(b)Experience of planning and organising events and conferences.
(c)Campaign development skills.
(d)Experience as a senior leader in a school/college.
- SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Essential Criteria
(a)An understanding of and commitment to the NUT’s objectives to promote equality and oppose unfair treatment.
(b)Commitment to the trade union movement and to the general educational aims of the Union.
(c)Willingness to represent the Union at relevant external meetings and conferences (including residential conferences) and courses.
(d)Willingness to undertake commitments which may require evening and weekend work and/or stays away from home.
(e)A willingness to receive training appropriate to role.
SALARY AND OUTLINE OF CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
Annual Salary
Salary will be on our Band 3 scale. The salary scale below includes London Allowance of £4,767 per annum and a non-superannuable Luncheon Allowance (currently £888 per annum):
£50,271£51,447
£52,470
£53,610
Appointments are all made at the minimum of the scale, with incremental increases on the anniversary of appointment thereafter until the maximum of the scale is reached.
Salaries (for the calendar month) are paid by direct credit to the employee’s bank account on the 25th of each month (or the previous working day where the 25th falls on a weekend or holiday).
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
Location
Please note that this post is located in our NUT Headquarters, Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9BD.
Leave
The post attracts a basic annual leave allowance of 31½ days rising with service. In addition, the Union offers generous concessionary leave at Christmas and following some Bank Holidays.
Hours
The Union’s Headquarters’ Office opening hours are 9.00am to 5.15pm. However, some flexibility will be required as the role-holder will be required to attend events which may require stays away from home as well as occasional unsociable hours at evenings and weekends.
Healthy Living Allowance
Employees of the Union are able to claim a contribution of up to £15 per month towards approved health living activities, such as regular gym membership, exercise classes, etc.
Childcare Vouchers
After one year’s qualifying service, employees are able to claim assistance towards childcare costs for one child under the age of five years old.
Pension
The Union operates its own contributory, final salary pension scheme.
Equal Opportunities Employment Policy Statement
The Union is fully committed to equal opportunities in all its policies and practices, as set out in the EOEPs. All employees are expected to have an understanding of and commitment to the NUT’s objectives to promote equality and oppose unfair treatment.
GUIDANCE WITH OUR APPLICATION PROCESS
Completing the Application Form:
The whole of your application form and any additional information will be photocopied for the short-listing panel. Your form should therefore be typed or clearly written in black ink. Whilst additional sheets or supplementary information may accompany your application form, please note that CVs alone will not be considered.
The short-listing/appointments panel will assess applications against the criteria set out in the person specification for the post you have applied for. When completing the application form please ensure that you address these areas in your application, particularly the essential criteria, giving examples to demonstrate how you meet the criteria.
If you have downloaded a copy of the form from our website, you can complete this as a Word document, and email it back by the closing date specified for the job you wish to apply for to . Please ensure you complete the accompanying form confirming whether or not you have any unspent criminal convictions or cautions.
If you have received an application form in the post, please complete the form in black ink or type, and post back to the NUT Personnel Section, Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9BD by the closing date for the job you wish to apply for.Please ensure you add the job title and JD number (the job reference number).
Please note that we will not process or keep on file completed application forms or CVs which do not relate to a specific job advertisement.
We regret we are unable to write to those not successful at the shortlisting stage due to the volume of applications we receive. We are also unable to provide feedback to those who are not shortlisted for interview.
References and Health Clearance:
All offers of employment with the National Union of Teachers are made subject to receipt of satisfactory employment references, health clearance and evidence of right to work in the UK (as required by legislation).
References: Although it is not our normal practice, please note that references maybe taken up prior to interview. If for any reason you do not wish us to contact a referee prior to interview or a job offer, please indicate this clearly on the appropriate section of the application form.
Health Clearance: If you are offered a post with the NUT, you will be asked to complete an on-line, pre-placement BUPA health questionnaire. An offer of employment will only be confirmed once BUPA Occupational Health has completed their assessment and we have received confirmation from them of health clearance in respect of the role offered to you. Please note that the Health Questionnaires are totally confidential to BUPA Wellness Occupational Health Department.
Evidence of Right to Work in the UK: (as required by relevant legislation):All applicants offered a position with the NUT, will be asked to provide appropriate documentation to show that they have the right to work in the UK. We will copy and hold such evidence on the employee’s personnel file during the period of employment.
All employees are also required to complete a declaration form regarding Criminal Convictions – details are contained within the Application Form.
Interview expenses:
Candidates invited for interview will be able to claim reasonable travel expenses on the following basis: 2nd class return travel expenses from the candidate's home to the place of interview (rail/bus/coach). Please note that other expenses are not normally met. If you believe that you will incur some other expense in attending the interview, you should identify this and seek approval from the Personnel Section in advance of the interview.
Note car travel incurred in attending interviews:Please note, applicants choosing to use their own car to attend an interview for personal convenience may only claim the cheaper method of travel between the rail fare that would have applied to the journey (2nd class/concessionary rates) and the Union’s car mileage allowance, notwithstanding the actual means of travel.
Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form
We hope very much that you will complete and return the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form, which will be detached from your application on receipt in the office. We would wish to assure you that the form will be used purely for monitoring purposes.
December 2013
NATIONAL UNION OF TEACHERSEQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
EMPLOYMENT POLICY
1.INTRODUCTION
1.1The aim of the NUT's Equal Opportunities Employment Policy (EOEP) is to ensure that no member of staff or job applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, class, sex, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, age, and political or religious beliefs. The NUT agrees to an annual review of procedures to ensure that no particular group is placed at a disadvantage by conditions or requirements, which have a disproportionately adverse effect on them.
1.2The NUT believes that recruitment to the NUT's service should show awareness of differences within the community. The NUT recognises that members of groups discriminated against may possess experience and an awareness which could be used to the advantage of the NUT.
1.3Positive steps shall be taken to attract people with disabilities to apply for work with the NUT. The NUT shall, within resources available and with appropriate assistance/grants from the relevant Government agency as appropriate, provide equipment and/or adapt premises and equipment where reasonable, in order to meet this objective.
1.4The NUT agrees that members of disadvantaged groups should be actively encouraged including through the Union's Personal and Professional Development (PPD) Scheme to participate in the Union's Staff Training Programme, which will take into account any special needs of such groups in relation to their career development.
1.5The policy statement sets out clearly the NUT's commitment and approach to equal opportunities in employment. The NUT will implement the agreed procedures covering recruitment, advertising, selection and interviews set out in the document entitled Selection and Recruitment Procedures". The NUT will make this policy statement known to employees both present and prospective.
1.6The NUT recognises the importance of all those with responsibility for recruitment, selection and promotion within the Union having a clear understanding of the need to guard against the use of stereotypes in drawing up adverts, job descriptions or selection criteria. In particular, such employees will need to develop a clear understanding of the NUT's EOEP and its guidance on selection and recruitment procedures. The NUT will ensure that the training needs of such staff are considered within the Union's training programme for staff. In addition, all staff shall receive copies of the Union's EOEP policy and its Selection and Recruitment Procedures.