Transport Policy Sub-Committee

24thFebruary 2009

Agenda item 10

TPSC/09/14

Assistant Travel Coordinator

Considerable work has been done by Jo Leyland, the Transport Policy Coordinator, since her appointment to the part-time post two years ago, to develop and implement measures to promote sustainable transport at the University of Essex. The successful implementation of a number of initiatives, the closer links to strategic transport issues affecting the campuses and the more complex issues, such as car sharing, car clubs, negotiation of rail discounts which now have to be addressed, have all created a workload that fully utilises all of Jo’s time. The situation now is that the implementation of existing initiatives will be constrained and some new things may not be developed or responded to quickly enough. As an indication of the current work, time spent to attend/prepare for key University meetings, Highways or Borough Council meetings on additional non-working days in just January and February is equivalent to over 2/3 of a week which has then to be taken in lieu at some point. By prior agreement this is during the summer which leaves the office unstaffed during what can become a critical period.

In discussion with the Director of Estate Management, the need for a part-time assistant was identified and the attached Job Description drawn up. With someone able to take on more of the day to day travel responses and implementation of agreed projects, the Transport Policy Coordinator would then have more time to develop opportunities and source external funds for longer term initiatives. In addition some cover could be provided in Jo’s absences.

Committee is requested to recommend to USG the creation of the post of part-time (50%) Assistant Travel Coordinator, paid for from car parking revenue. The anticipated cost, subject to HERA, is c. £11,000 (Grade 3).

Andrew Nightingale

Director Estate Management

University of EssexDRAFT

FURTHER PARTICULARS

Estate Management Section

Assistant Travel Coordinator (part-time)

Job Title and Grade :Assistant Travel Coordinator

Section :Estate Management

Responsible to :Director of Estate Management

Reports on a day to day basis to :Transport Policy Coordinator

Purpose of job:

To help promote the University’s Sustainable Transport Strategy internally and externally, develop and implement initiatives and liaise with service providers, interest groups and partner organisations.

The Estate Management Section :

The Estate Management Section is responsible for the management and servicing of the University estate including all building and grounds maintenance, cleaning of non accommodation buildings, security, post and telephone service, central purchasing and printing and strategic capital planning. The section has a mix of professional, skilled and semi-skilled staff and seeks to provide a highly professional, cost effective service.

Duties of the post :

  • To help support the development, promotion and implementation of the University’s Sustainable Transport Strategy in accordance with the requirements of the Transport Policy Sub Committee, any legal requirements and the University’s strategic and operational plans.

To liaise with University colleagues and partners on the development and implementation of authorized initiatives;

To respond to general travel enquiries and car parking queries and assist in improving communication links with the University community regarding travel issues;

To support the implementation of the University’s car parking procedures in support of its Travel Plan, including overseeing the management of under podia parking;

To service the University’s Transport Policy Sub-Committee and other transport sub groups;

To monitor the implementation of the University’s Travel Plan/s and research University business travel measures, including carbon footprint issues;

To manage the car parking income account.

To work closely with the Transport Policy Coordinator, Security Manager and the Estate Management Section Budgetary Control Supervisor regarding the financial aspects of the policy and the financial implications of proposed changes or the implement action of initiatives.

To assist with the development and promotion of initiatives to reduce the number of private car journeys to and from campus, for example car sharing;

To liaise with local authorities public transport providers and partner organizations as required.

To help maintain and update the travel information pages on the University web site.

To promote all forms of alternative transport to the private motor vehicle.

To help ensure that funds allocated for transport improvement initiatives are appropriately expended and that the final costs are subsequently reported to the Transport Policy Sub Committee.

These duties are a guide to the work that the postholder will initially be required to undertake. It may be changed from time to time to meet changing circumstances. It does not form part of the contract of employment.

This job description is not intended to provide rigid demarcation lines. It is the duty of all members of the Estate Management Section to strive towards creating harmonious, professional working relationships which are necessary for the efficient running of the section.

The section aims towards maintaining the goodwill and confidence of University staff, the students and the general public. To assist in achieving this objective it is essential that, at all times, employees carry out their duties in a courteous, sympathetic manner.

Essential experience, skills and attributes of the postholder :

Knowledge of University procurement procedures and project management;

  • Knowledge of the relevant issues in transport (sustainable transport, travel plans and travel awareness).

Strong project management skills.

Excellent presentation and negotiation skills.

The ability to operate databases and spread sheets etc.

Effective and efficient oral and written communication skills with highly developed interpersonal skills.

Self confident – able to work effectively with minimal day to day supervision.

Able to deal with people and situations sensitively and appropriately whilst remaining calm and polite.

Able to appreciate the differing priorities of others and be sympathetic to their requirements.

Ability to represent the University and work, collaboratively with other colleagues and outside partners.

Hold a full, clean driving licence.

Desirable experience, skills and attributes of the postholder :

Experience of University Estate Management;

Knowledge of the Local Authority Planning process.

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