Hamilton House Mabledon Place London WC1H 9BD
Telephone 020 7388 6191 Fax 020 7387 8458
www.teachers.org.uk
General Secretary Christine Blower
Deputy General Secretary Kevin Courtney
June 2015
Dear Applicant
TEACHER AND INFORMATION EDITOR – BAND 3 – ADVICE, POLICY AND CAMPAIGNS DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATIONS AND CAMPAIGNS SECTION
JD REF: SC13
Thank you for your interest in the above permanent position of Teacher and Information Editor in the Communications and Campaigns Department of the National Union of Teachers. The following documents are enclosed for your information:
Application Form and Acknowledgement Card
Job Description and Person Specification
Information about the NUT
Details for submission of application
Summary of Conditions of Service and salary
The Union's Equal Opportunities Employment Policy Statement
If you wish to apply for this position, please note that the closing date for completed application forms is midday Wednesday, 24 June 2015.
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
Business Services Department
JOB DESCRIPTION
TITLE: ‘THE TEACHER’ AND INFORMATION EDITOR
GRADE: BAND 3
DEPARTMENT: ADVICE, POLICY AND CAMPAIGNS
LOCATION: HAMILTON HOUSE
RESPONSIBLE TO: HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS AND CAMPAIGNS PROMOTION
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.
The Education and Equality section deals with educational issues in all phases and sectors, including related matters such as teacher training, and equality issues relating to students. The Employment and Equal Rights section deals with employment and equal rights for teachers and oversees many elements of the Union's legal services to members in these areas, and includes the AdviceLine based in Doncaster which deals with first line advice and support to members in relation to inquiries about employment matters in particular. The Pay, Conditions and Bargaining section deals with national bargaining with employers, bargaining support for negotiators and policy work on pay, conditions, pensions and health and safety.
The Communications and Campaign Promotion section deals with the NUT’s communications, supporting the work of APC and other NUT departments, through communications channels including the NUT website, social media channels, printed publications, e-communications and video work.
The Teacher and Information Editor post is one of three senior communications posts, reporting directly to the Head of Communications and Campaign Promotion and thence to the Assistant General Secretary and General Secretary. The three communications Principal Officers (two Principal Officers Communications and the Teacher and Information Editor) work closely and collegiately together on communications to further the NUT’s campaigns, to recruit new members to the NUT and to encourage existing members to become more active in the Union. The Principal Officers Communications have first-line responsibility for planning, design, preparation, production and distribution of documents and for the development and maintenance of the NUT’s website and strategic development of digital communications (in liaison with colleagues). The Teacher and Information Editor has first-line responsibility for The Teacher magazine and for providing editorial guidance to colleagues.
It is envisaged that the post holder will spend approximately 50 per cent of their time on activities relating to The Teacher and its supplements and 50 per cent of their time on wider editorial matters.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
1. To be responsible, under the direction of the Head of Communications and Campaign Promotion and overall oversight of the Assistant Secretary, Advice, Policy and Campaigns, for providing editorial guidance to colleagues working on Union communications for print, website or email publication, to ensure that communications are appropriate to the various purposes and audiences for which the Union writes.
2. To liaise and co-operate with staff at Headquarters and regional/Wales offices under the direction of the Head of Communications and Campaigns Promotion and the overall oversight of the Assistant General Secretary - Advice, Policy and Campaigns, on the content of such Union communications and to assist in the co-ordination of the preparation of material.
3. To work closely with Principal Officers across the Advice, Policy and Campaigns Department and, in particular, with the Principal Officers - Communications and the Web Content Editor in the Communications Section, to ensure a consistent Union message.
4. To be responsible, under the direction of the Head of Communications and Campaign Promotion and overall oversight of the Assistant General Secretary - Advice, Policy and Campaigns, for editing the Teacher magazine. This will include activities relating to the planning, management, editing, writing, production, distribution, budgeting and online presence of The Teacher and its supplements. The postholder will be expected to manage the layout and design process.
5. To manage The Teacher and Information Team, and the relationship with freelance contractors and others commissioned to provide services for the magazine. To manage relationships with suppliers, including printers and distribution agencies.
6. To work as part of a team ensuring that magazine content meets NUT strategic objectives. To commission agreed articles, features, photographs, illustrations and other materials for inclusion in The Teacher, under the direction of the Head of Communications and Campaigns Promotion and overall oversight of the Assistant General Secretary - Advice, Policy and Campaigns, from staff and freelance specialists as necessary.
7. To be responsible, under the direction of the Head of Communications and Campaign Promotion, for reporting to the Communications Sub-Committee and for responding to the priorities identified by the Sub-Committee.
8. To secure the effective and profitable deployment and sale of advertising space in The Teacher magazine and in any other identified forums.
9. To undertake other duties appropriate to grade as may be allocated by the Head of Communications and Campaign Promotion from time-to-time.
10. To attend conferences and meetings, including Annual and Special conferences, as necessary for the effective delivery of the duties of the post.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
1. SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Essential Criteria
(a) A clear understanding of the Union’s policy and campaigning objectives and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, within NUT structures, to translate these into excellent communications.
(b) Ability to provide editorial input and guidance to colleagues working on Union communications for print, website or email publication, to ensure that communications are appropriate to the various purposes and audiences for which the Union writes.
(c) The skills and experience to manage projects, including the ability to manage multiple projects to tight deadlines.
(d) The ability to manage a team and to lead, develop and motivate other colleagues effectively.
(e) Ability to plan and manage all aspects of production of the NUT magazine, including news and feature writing, use of photographs, design and page make up, proof correction and pre-press production. The postholder will be expected to manage the layout and design process.
(f) Ability to sub-edit and, if necessary, re-write other people’s copy.
(g) Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present issues in plain English, tailored to the audience, avoiding technical jargon and coach other staff in these skills when necessary.
(h) Ability to prioritise work, think independently and make decisions within departmental guidelines and recognised constraints.
(i) Excellent time management skills. The ability to work under pressure, to identify strategic priorities and deliver on planned objectives.
(j) The ability to manage a substantial budget.
(k) Good inter-personal skills when communicating with fellow members of staff, the Union’s members, outside agencies and the general public.
(l) Interest in and knowledge of education and current affairs.
(m) Ability to use relevant specific software and Microsoft Office packages necessary for the performance of the role.
Desirable Criteria
(a) Knowledge/understanding of software such as Adobe InDesign or QuarkXPress and Adobe Photoshop.
2. 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.
3. EXPERIENCE
Essential Experience
(a) Experience of working as a professional journalist or editor at an appropriate level, including: experience of news and feature writing; researching, commissioning and selecting photographs and illustrations for publication; sub-editing; proof reading; and clearing pages for press.
b) Experience of working to deliver strategic priorities in an organisation with complex structures.
Desirable Criteria
(a) Experience of working in or for the trade union movement.
4. SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Essential Criteria
(a) Understanding of and firm commitment to the aims of the trade union movement.
(b) Willingness to attend Annual Conference, special conferences and other NUT events as required, involving stays away from home.
(c) An understanding of and commitment to the NUTs objectives to promote equality and oppose unfair treatment.
(d) A willingness to receive training appropriate to the role.
Desirable Criteria
None.
29 April 2014
Reviewed June 2015
SALARY AND OUTLINE OF CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
Annual Salary
Salary will be on our Band 3 scale as below.
£45,510£46,707
£47,751
£48,915
All appointments are made at the minimum point of the scale and therefore basic commencing salary will be £45,510 per annum. A London Allowance (currently £4,863 pa) will also be payable giving a total of £50,373 pa. Increments are paid on the anniversary of appointment to the post until the maximum of the scale is reached.
A non-superannuable luncheon allowance currently £912 is payable in addition to the above salary.
In accordance with the Conditions of Service, salaries 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 based in our Headquarters.
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 9.00 am to 5.15 pm.
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 or scan/email it 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 may be 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 before commencing employment. 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.