Administrative Support Officer
Information for applicants
April 2016
Contents
§ Introduction by the CEO of River Nene Regional Park
§ Copy of advertisement
§ Recruitment and selection process
§ Introduction to the Nene Valley Landscape Partnership Scheme
§ Job description
§ Person specification
§ Summary of Terms and Conditions
§ Application form and guidance notes (separate attachment)
April 2016
Dear applicant
Thank you for the interest you have shown in the post of Administrative Support Officer.
The River Nene Regional Park (RNRP) is a Community Interest Company that works in partnership to deliver sustainable outcomes across the Region.
A partnership, led by the RNRP, has been successful in a Stage 1 Landscape Partnerships bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund. This post is an exciting opportunity to support the Project Team through the development of a stage 2 Heritage Lottery Bid.
The next 12 months will see a refinement of the Stage 1 Bid to develop a robust and fully costed plan for implementation in 2017.
The River Nene Regional Park is a small, multidisciplinary team that will continue to work with the schemes Project Development Manager and the broader partnership to ensure the successful delivery of the Stage 2 Bid.
Please read the details in this information pack carefully, and if you feel you can offer the relevant skills, approach and experience, I look forward to hearing from you.
I wish you success with your application.
Yours sincerely
Kathryn Hardcastle
Chief Executive Officer
River Nene Regional Park
Project Administrative Support Officer
Salary: £14,523 - £19,281 (pro rata)
The River Nene Regional Park is looking for an enthusiastic individual to join their team. An opportunity has arisen for a part time Administrative Support Officer to help in the development of a Heritage Lottery Funded (HLF) Landscape Partnership stage 2 bid.
In November 2015 the ‘Nenescape’ Landscape Partnership Scheme (NLPS) was
awarded a HLF stage 1 award to develop important heritage projects across the Nene Valley which will bring new and existing communities together to explore, value and protect this dynamic landscape.
The role will be based at the River Nene Regional Park offices in Kettering but will require travel across the Nene Valley. The role requires an average of 16-20 hours a week and offers flexible working. The role also includes occasional weekend and evening work.
This post is offered as a part time fixed term contract for 12 months.
For an informal discussion on the role, please contact Amanda Johnson at the River Nene Regional Park, on 07715 659832 or at
Application packs are available to download at www.riverneneregionalpark.org or request a copy via email
The closing date is 9am on Tuesday 3rd May 2016
Interviews will be held on Monday 9th or Tuesday 10th May 2016
Recruitment and selection process
All applications must be made on the forms provided and submitted to the River Nene Regional Park Office by 9am on Tuesday 3rd May 2016.
Contact details are:
River Nene Regional Park
The Business Exchange
Rockingham Road
Kettering
Northants
NN16 8JX
t 01536 526438
e
RNRP will only accept applications from candidates completing the relevant Application Form in full. CVs will not be accepted in substitution for completed Application Forms.
Short listed applicants will be invited for interview on Monday 9th or Tuesday 10th May 2016. Interviews will be held at East Northamptonshire Council, Cedar Drive, Thrapston, Northants, NN14 4LZ. An offer will be made to the successful candidate shortly after this.
Any unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings must be disclosed to the RNRP. However, amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and are not subject to disclosure to employers, and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found at the Disclosure and Barring Service website.
You must also be able to demonstrate that you have the right to work in the UK, and that you have the qualifications listed in your application.
You are advised not to resign from your present employment until any offer of employment has been confirmed.
Introduction to the Nene Valley Landscape Partnership Scheme
The Vision for the River Nene
The Nene Valley is a beautiful part of middle England, extending for around 35 miles between Northampton and Peterborough. It provides an oasis of tranquillity within an area of rapid housing growth
The countryside has a quintessentially English character and embraces exquisite country houses, wonderful gardens and countless historic curiosities. The River Nene, an under-utilised natural asset with a diversity of habitats, makes the valley one of the most important inland localities in England for a range of wildlife including kingfishers, herons, otters and dragonflies.
Throughout history, the area has also been of vital importance to the country’s industries, including being a centre for the leather and shoe industry. Today the economy of the area is characterised by small and medium sized businesses covering a wide range of sectors - with surviving boot and shoe factories.
Our vision for this area, shared by the Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership, local Councils and Voluntary Sector partners, is for the Nene Valley to develop a flourishing economy that creates opportunities for visitors and residents to enjoy outdoor activities whilst protecting our unique countryside.
The Nene Valley LPS
Our project focuses on the transition of the Nene Valley from a working landscape to a recreational space with significant historical and wildlife interest, which must coexist alongside a large, increasing human population; modern industry and agriculture. Our vision is for new and existing communities to come together to explore, value and participate in their dynamic landscape, moulding their own place in history.
Combining organisations with varied focuses; the environment, heritage, community, business and many more, this project is distinctively different to other projects running in the Nene Valley. Building on existing relationships between organisations, we will be educating each other throughout the course of the project and creating opportunities for further partnership working.
Through a series of projects, under three themes, we will achieve a well-managed, understood and appreciated landscape that tells tales of times gone by; inspires a sense of adventure; is easy to explore, rich in wildlife, and resilient to the pressures of ongoing population growth.
The projects are as follows:
Theme 1 – Listen to the past
· Memories of the past – collecting memories and recreating the sounds of past industries.
· Settlers of the Nene Valley - journeys made by settlers and the skills they brought with them.
· Squires and Spires - why are churches so visible and what did their architects bring to the valley?
· From Nen to Neen - the history and usage of the two different pronunciations of the word ‘Nene’.
Theme 2 – Explore the now
· Improving the visitor experience through better access and interpretation.
· Protecting and enhancing heritage sites.
· Enhancing existing infrastructure to enable more people to access the river and allow those on the river to understand their surroundings.
· Celebrate the area’s unique assets through an annual Nene Valley Festival.
Theme 3 – Securing the future
· Reduce threats to and negative impacts on heritage securing a sustainable future for the Valley.
· Zonation plan for to identify how recreational opportunities can be appropriately managed.
· Engaging communities in understanding the history of fishing in the Nene Valley.
· Connecting habitats along the Nene.
· Improving biodiversity and protecting / restoring heritage features.
· Tackling illegal metal detecting.
Why this project must happen now
There is a critical risk to the Nene Valley’s heritage in the very near future. Communities in the area are experiencing high levels of urban growth (Northamptonshire is the largest housing growth area outside of London), which will impact on the local landscape. This project, if undertaken now, will work to proactively protect and enhance the landscape.
European rural funding programmes EAFRD and LEADER and coming on line through the Local Enterprise Partnerships in the autumn. A Landscape Partnership project at this time would be able to take best advantage of all the opportunities these present.
For more information
Please feel free to contact Amanda Johnson at or 07715 659832 for any further information you require about the Nene Valley Landscape Partnership Scheme
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Post: / Administrative Support OfficerTeam: / Nenescape LPS
Location: / River Nene Regional Park Offices, The Business Exchange, Rockingham Road, Kettering, Northants, NN16 8JX
Hours: / Average of 16-20 hours per week (flexible working offered).
Salary / £14,523 - £19,281 (pro rata) (skills dependent)
Responsible to: / Project Development Manager
Overall Purpose of the Job:
To support the Project Development Manager and Interpretation and Community Engagement Officer in delivery of the outputs for the Landscape Partnership Scheme Development Phase.
To support the Project Development Manager and Interpretation and Community Engagement Officer with ongoing monitoring and reporting of financial information to key stakeholders and the HLF.
To support and administer processes related to the funding application for HLF and the Executive Team.
Main Duties:
· Provide support and input to Project Development Manager and Interpretation and Community Engagement Officer on project development matters relating to preparation of HLF Stage 2 funding application.
· Monitor all expenditure and income using spreadsheets, and reconcile with the Project Development Manager and Interpretation and Community Engagement Officer as required. To assist in the completion of monitoring and reporting forms in line with HLF requirements.
· Prepare and dispatch purchase orders and process invoices.
· Take responsibility for keeping accurate records of all receipts / payments for external grants.
· Attend meetings as necessary to provide information on project finances.
· To act as support for the Project Development Manager and Interpretation and Community Engagement Officer organising meetings, diary management, dealing with telephone enquiries, maintaining and updating records.
· Maintain administrative information systems to include contacts, record keeping and information management and storage.
· Contribute to the development, monitoring and review of work as required to ensure the highest standards of service.
· Health & Safety: Observe RNRP policies at all times including the Health & Safety Policy, undertake Risk Assessments for sites and activities, COSHH assessments and adherence to Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy and Volunteering Policy.
· Equal opportunities: To work at all times within the RNRP’s Equal Opportunities Policy and to promote equal opportunities.
· To carry out any other duties which fall within the broad spirit, scope and purpose of this job description.
· The post holder must be available to work flexibly, including occasional evening and weekend working, for which time off in lieu will be given.
· An element of this job will include lifting and carrying heavy objects.
We expect you to carry out your job responsibilities in an environmentally aware manner, ensuring as little damage to the environment as possible. Our aim is to ensure all resources are utilised effectively and efficiently. You will be expected to apply ‘sound value for money’ principles in undertaking purchasing or supply of goods and services.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Post Title: / Project Administrative Support officerCRITERIA
/ ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE /1. Education, Qualifications and Training / Good standard level of education with at least 5 GCSEs or equivalent / NVQ in Business Administration or equivalent
2. Experience Requirements / Experience of working in a busy office, supporting the
administration requirements of a small team.
Experience of using computer systems to include word processing, databases, spreadsheets desk top publishing and website management.
Some experience of Facebook, Twitter and the ability to assist with website population
Ability to co-ordinate meetings, attend and take minutes. / Experience of working in, or with, the public, private and third sectors
3. Skills and Abilities / Excellent oral and written communication skills
Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office or a similar suite of ICT packages
Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team and be flexible, open to ideas and willing to share skills with others
Ability to develop and sustain effective working relationships
Ability to schedule meetings, taking and distributing minutes.
Able to produce accurate written work and financial figures. / Ability to work under pressure and effectively manage changing work priorities
Strong organisational and motivational skills
A sound understanding and experience of budget and
cash flow planning and control.
4. Other / Able to deliver a flexible approach to working hours to ensure effective public service delivery.
Confident communicator on the telephone, email and in person.
Demonstrates diplomacy, tact and sensitivity
Demonstrates a strong commitment to equality and social inclusion
A flexible approach to work and a capability to work to deadlines with drive and enthusiasm. / Sound judgement and a mature, pragmatic and flexible approach
Strong personal motivation.
Knowledge of RNRP, Landscape Partnerships or Heritage Lottery fund projects.
Keen interest in and commitment to wildlife, heritage and environmental issues
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Map showing Nenescape Landscape Partnership Boundary
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Summary of Terms and Conditions
This summary is given as a guide and is not intended to form part of a contract of employment.
Salary
Salary: £14,523 - £19,281
Contract
This post is offered as a part time fixed term contract from May 2016 for a period of 12 months.
Hours of Work