1. Covering Letter
  1. Background Information
  1. Job Description
  1. Person Specification
  1. Application form
  1. Equal opportunities monitoring form
  1. Protection of Vulnerable Adults Scheme – self declaration

Date:

Dear Applicant

Post of Manager – Motherwell & Wishaw Citizens Advice Bureau

Thank you for your enquiry about the above post.

You will find enclosed an application form together with a job description, person specification, equal opportunities monitoring form and PVG Scheme Self Declaration form. There is also some background information about the bureau.

In determining which applicants will be interviewed the Interview Panel will have regard to applicants who best fit the person specification so it is important that you to use this as a guide when completing the application form.

Interviews will be held on Tuesday, 29th May 2012 (afternoon and evening). If you have not received an invitation by Thursday, 24 May 2012 then unfortunately you have not been selected on this occasion.

In the interest of public safety, the successful applicant for this post will be asked to disclose criminal history information under the Protection of Vulnerable Adults Scheme.

We regret that we are unable to acknowledge receipt of completed application forms unless a stamped addressed enveloped is enclosed with your application.

We look forward to receiving your application by the closing date of Monday, 21st May 2012 at 5 p.m and we would ask that you provide a telephone number where we can contact you day and/or evening.

Yours sincerely

Maria-Claire Cushley

Chair

Board of Directors

Background Information – Motherwell & Wishaw Citizens Advice Bureau

Motherwell and Wishaw CAB is one of the longest running Citizens Advice Bureau operating in Scotland. It began working in the local community in 1942; was reconstituted and established its Motherwell office in 1970. It became a Private Company Limited by Guarantee in 1997.

Motherwell and Wishaw CAB is a highly innovative organisation that is at the leading edge of delivering effective, efficient, and high quality independent information and advice services.

The organisation operates across the geographical areas of Motherwell, Wishaw and Shotts and has successfully developed a range of core advice services along-side a variety of specialist support services. The bureau has a track record of developing new services in response to emerging needs, and is recognised as one of the main providers of quality advice services in the area.

Motherwell & Wishaw CAB’s core service is delivered from two full time advice centres, one located in Motherwell town and the other in Wishaw town. A part time service is delivered from the Healthy Living Centre in Shotts. The Bureau delivers a range of complementary, innovative projects, such as the Advice for Tenants and Residents Project (AFTAR) and the Money Advice Service, as well as the regional-wide Armed Services Advice Project (ASAP).

Trained volunteers provide the core service. With three basic training programmes being held each year, the Bureau has a high level of commitment to both recruitment and to developing its volunteers to provide an accessible service of excellence.

The Bureau is an SQA Accredited Assessment Centre, delivering SVQs in Advice and Guidance Level 3, SVQ Business Administration Levels 2 & 3 and A1/L&D9 Workplace Assessor Award and it is accredited under the Quality Scotland, EFQM Committed to Excellence award scheme.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and well motivated person with excellent leadership skills to lead the team of paid staff and volunteer advisers in a dynamic and industrious environment. Applicants for the post of Manager should be under no illusions as to the extent and range of the work involved in this challenging and interesting job.

The successful applicant will be responsible for the Bureau’s operational performance; have a good standard of education; experience in managing, supervising and training staff within a quality standards framework; track record of service development and excellent inter-personal and motivational skills.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Employer:Motherwell & Wishaw Citizens Advice Bureau

Job Title: Bureau Manager – Motherwell & Wishaw Citizens Advice Bureau

Line Manager: General Manager - Motherwell & Wishaw Citizens Advice Bureau

Responsible for:The efficient and effective operation of the core service and the line management of Paid and Volunteer staff engaged in the core services of Motherwell and Wishaw Bureau’s advice offices. To deputise for the General Manager in periods of absence

Status:Permanent

Hours:35 hours per week

Salary range:£24,500

Purpose of Job

The post-holder will be responsible for the day to day operation and administration of Motherwell and Wishaw Bureau’s core services delivered at its two main advice offices and outreach clinics through effective recruitment, training, support and deployment of volunteers. S/he will ensure that CAS’ recognised uniform quality standards in advice work are maintained and met at all times by implementing effective processes and procedures and by providing consultancy and support in all areas of advice work issues to Volunteer Advisers and paid Support Staff. The post-holder will help to identify and report on unmet advice needs of the community to support the General Manager in meeting those needs through service developments.

Main Duties

Volunteer Staff

  1. To maintain, support and develop, through consultancy and training, a team of volunteer advice workers to meet the service delivery and development needs of Motherwell and Wishaw Bureau.

The Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring that each advice session is adequately staffed with volunteer advice workers and session supervisors. Early identification of projected volunteer shortages will be necessary in order that steps can be taken to recruit and train new volunteers.

Basic, ongoing and advanced training for volunteers are an essential part of the job and the Bureau Manager will be responsible for the identification of training needs and, in collaboration with the Volunteer Support Workers / Co-ordinators, the production of a rolling programme of training in those areas.

As the Bureau’s SQA Centre Contact, the Bureau Manager will be responsible for the co-ordination, delivery and, in collaboration with the General Manager (SQA Centre Manager), for the development of SVQ Advice & Guidance Level 3; SVQ Business Administration Levels 2 & 3 and A1/L&D9 Workplace Assessor Awards.

Line Management of Support Staff

  1. Responsible for the co-ordination of work-loads and support and supervision in line with forward job plans of paid staff under their line management.

The postholder will be required to carry out annual performance appraisals in line with Bureau policy and in the required format for staff managed.

Communication

  1. To ensure that all office information is up-to-date and volunteers and staff are kept informed.

Advisernet is continuously updated and it will be the responsibility of the Bureau Manager to ensure that advisers are kept aware of changes in in-house procedures and practices and major legislative changes.

Quality Standards

  1. To maintain uniform advice standards and contribute to their development. Will support the retention and continuous development of the Bureau’s quality standards awards.
  • CAS Membership Quality Audit Standards
  • OISC
  • Scottish National Standards in Advice Giving
  • SQA accredited centre status.
  • Healthy Working Lives, Bronze Award + Mental Health Commendation
  • Quality Scotland, EFQM, Committed to Excellence

The service operates uniform quality standards in advice giving and CASTLE case recording and it will be the responsibility of the Bureau Manager to monitor levels, accuracy and quality of the advice work undertaken by the advisers and quality checking carried out by Volunteer Support Workers.

The Bureau Manager will carry out random quality verification checks to monitor standards for the purpose of taking early action to rectify possible mistakes and to identify training needs.

CaseWork

  1. Management of casework, telephone enquiries and ‘the queue’ will be a major work priority. The Bureau Manager will be expected to develop and implement procedures for handling same.

The Bureau Manager will encourage and support volunteer advisers’ professional development to undertake more complex casework.

To oversee and co-ordinate casework and representation and complex work which is carried out by experienced/specialist volunteer advisers.

Referral Protocols

  1. To co-ordinate referral to Bureau’s Value Added Projects and External Specialist Services

Where projects exist that provide the volunteers and staff with specialist advice, consultancy in areas such as Housing, Benefits and Money Advice etc, the Bureau Manager will ensure referrals are appropriate and follow the established/formal referral pathway.

Value Added Projects

  1. To support the Bureau’s Value Added Projects

Motherwell & Wishaw CAB delivers and manages a number of value added projects, the Bureau Manager will be responsible for ensuring that they have adequate volunteer support to help them meet the demands of their specific outcomes.

  1. To support the development of new projects

In identifying areas of unmet advice needs, the Bureau Manager will assist the General Manager in their role of developing projects, through fund/grant raising activities, which align with the Bureau’s Business and Marketing plans and Company strategies.

Social Policy

  1. To monitor evidence to be used in social policy work of the organisation.

One of our aims is to ‘make a difference’. We gather evidence from our statistical information to influence the policy makers at a local and national level. The Bureau Manager will identify trends and ensure evidence is gathered and will consult with the General Manager on what further action is to be taken.

Reporting

10.To provide a report and statistical information on a monthly basis for the General Manager and a report for the Board of Directors’ bi-monthly meetings.

11. Will work closely with the General Manager in controlling expenditure.

General

  1. To contribute to Staff and Bureau Working party and team meetings.
  2. To work to an agreed `Forward Job Plan’ and to provide monthly progress reports and statistical reports for the General Manager
  3. To undertake any other unspecified duties that may from time to time be required.

Motherwell & Wishaw Citizens Advice Bureau
Manager
Person specification
Essential / Desirable
Qualifications / Management qualification at HE or equivalent
Good general education
Clean current full driving licence / A1/A2 Assessor/Verifier Award
IT qualification (eg ECDL) or equivalent level
Experience / Managerial experience in staff recruitment, training and supervision
CAB Work Experience
Experience in staff appraisal and development
Experience in the delivery of SVQs
Experienced in office administration Experience in Business development
Experience in managing quality standards within a quality control framework
Experience in financial/budget control
Good understanding of office technology and the role of effective IT systems
Proven leadership skills / Experience in voluntary sector management
Competent in the use of CASTLE/Advisernet
Track record of successful fund raising activities
Experienced in CAS quality audit process
Experience of Quality Scotland EFQM framework
SQA Accredited Centre Contact status
Financial management experience
Skills and Attributes / Excellent written and oral communications skills
Computer proficient
Skilled in report writing
Demonstrable ability to work in a dynamic and busy environment
Keen analytical skills
Ability to manage change and development / Ability to conduct detailed negotiations
Statistical analysis skills
Project management
Ability to work with other community groups
Values and attitudes / Commitment to team working approach
Support of the principle of voluntarism
Experience of implementing equal opportunities policies and practices
Commitment to equality of opportunity within the CAB and its services / Proven ability of working as part of a team within a community development or volunteer setting
Knowledge / Understanding of local authority structures
Knowledge of committee procedures
Knowledge of Data Protection Act
Knowledge of the Protection of Vulnerable Adults scheme /CRBS. / Awareness of the social needs of the local community
Awareness of the needs and responsibilities of the Data Protection Act
Awareness of the needs and responsibilities of the PVGS.

APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT

Motherwell & Wishaw Citizens Advice Bureau

32/33 Civic Square

Motherwell

ML1 1TP

Telephone: 01698 265 349

Please complete this form in black ink or type to enable clear photocopying. Please call 01698 259305 to request an email version

Motherwell & Wishaw Citizens Advice Bureau wishes to ensure that comparison between applicants for posts is thorough and in line with it Equal Opportunities Policy. It is, therefore, essential that you complete this application form fully as it will be used to assess whether you will be shortlisted for interview. Please do not enclose a curriculum vitae.

1.Position Applied for

2.SurnameFirst Names

3.Address

4.Telephone Number

5.How much notice, if applicable, are you required to give?

6.Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend interview on: 29 May 2012

Please supply contact number and /or an e-mail address

7.Do you hold a clean current driving licence?YESNO

8.Please state where you saw the advert for this post

If you require access assistance please phone (01698) 259305

9.Are you entitled to work in the United Kingdom?YesNo

10.Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme

You will be required to complete a Protection of Vulnerable Group Scheme membership form on which you will be asked to disclose any criminal offences of which you have been convicted. The level of check will be enhanced.

Do you have any unspent criminal convictions, police caution, reprimands or warnings or do you have any cases pending against you?

YesNo

If yes, please specify

11.Please state below the cause and duration of any periods of sickness/illness from which you have suffered in the past three years?

Length of absence in daysCause of absence:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

12.WORK EXPERIENCE

We want to know about your work experience, paid or unpaid. Please include your current /previous employment, voluntary work, or community activities, and time spent caring for dependants, etc, if appropriate. Say why you left.

Dates / Names of Employer(s)/Organisations / Main Tasks Undertaken Why did you
Leave?

13.Education and Training

Please list any education and/or training (including short courses) that you have undertaken

Dates

/ Education/Courses/Training / Qualifications

14.Additional Information

In this section we would like you to give your reasons for applying for this post. Bearing in mind the job description, please indicate what experience, skills and interests you would bring to this job. (Please continue on an additional sheet if you wish)

15.References

The Motherwell & Wishaw Citizens Advice Bureau requires to receive positive references prior to confirming appointment of the successful candidate. The post involves working with young people and vulnerable adults.

Please give below the names and addresses of two referees who can comment on your suitability for the post. If you have been employed, one should be from your present or most recent employer.

Name

Relationship

Position held

Address

Telephone No:

Name

Relationship

Position held

Address

Telephone No:

  • References will only be taken up where the Board of Directors intends to make an offer of employment

I declare the information given on this form is correct to the best of my knowledge.

Signature …………………………………………………………….Date ……………………………………

Closing Date for application:21 May 2012 - 5pm

Please return this form marked “Confidential” to:-Chair

Motherwell & Wishaw Citizens Advice Bureau

32 Civic Square

MOTHERWELL

ML1 1TP

Date of interviews for successful applicants:

YOU ARE REQUESTED TO BRING TO INTERVIEW ALL RELEVANT EDUCATION/VOCATIONAL CERTIFICATES YOU HAVE REFERRED TO IN THIS APPLICATION

Data Protection

The personal record of the person appointed to this post will be held in Motherwell & Wishaw Citizens Advice Bureau in accordance with the Data Protection Act. The personal records of unsuccessful candidates will be destroyed as confidential waste two weeks after the fixed interview date or deferred date

Self-Declaration Form for an Applicant working with Adults at Risk therefore requiring a PVG Scheme Disclosure

Private & Confidential

The post that you have applied for is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 by the Exclusions and Exceptions Scotland Order 2003 and the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Act 2010 applies. You are therefore required to disclose all convictions (spent and unspent), cautions, and any relevant non-conviction information.

Please give details regarding any convictions and cautions under the heading in Section 1.

Please give details of any relevant non-conviction information in Section 2.

If you have no convictions, cautions, or relevant non-conviction information please go to Section 3 and sign the declaration form.

Should you be appointed for the position applied for you will also be required to provide a Protection of Vulnerable Group (PVG) Scheme Disclosure under the terms of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Act 2010.

Section 1

a)Please give the date and details of the conviction(s) that you were charged with, the sentence that you received and the court where your conviction(s) was heard.

b)Please give details of the reasons and circumstances that lead to your offence(s)

c)Please give details of how you completed the sentence imposed, (for example did you pay your fine as required, what conditions were attached to your probation/community service/supervised attendance order, did you comply with the requirements of your order/custodial sentence etc.

d)Has any other organisation(s) supported you to work through any of the above issues?

e)What have you learned from the experience?

Section 2 :Non-conviction relevant information:

Section 3

Declaration (I certify that all information contained in this form is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and realise that false information or omissions may lead to dismissal).

Signature:

Date: