The Department for the Economy today launched a public appointments competition to recruit new Governing Body Chairs for Northern Regional College (NRC) and South West College (SWC).
Further Education colleges are central to the professional and technical education system, undertaking a dual role in both contributing to generating a strong and vibrant economy and in addressing educational disadvantage. They offer a wide range of programmes including professional, technical and academic studies, from foundation level to higher education.College governing bodies are the Boards which control each of the six colleges in Northern Ireland.
The role of Chair provides an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the development of a dynamic, vibrant further education sector. The post of College Chair is remunerated at a rate of £20,000 per annum plus travel and subsistence allowances.
The Department welcomes applications from people with a wide range of skills, experience and backgrounds. In particular, women, people with a disability, people from ethnic minority communities and young people are encouraged to apply as these groups are currently under-represented. The Department is currently operating the Guaranteed Interview Scheme in this competition for applicants with a disability.
For further information or to receive an application pack visit: https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/chair-nrc-swc. The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 18 April 2018.
Notes to editors:
1. This is an open competition which involves an application form and interview. One selection panel will operate for both Chair positions.
2. The posts require a significant time commitment with Chairs expected, on average, to commit around one day a week to college business. This includes attendance at Governing Body meetings, involvement in sub-committees, representing the college at events and interaction with the Department.
3. Appointment will be made on merit from those individuals who best satisfy the following six essential criteria – Effective Governance, Financial Management, Leadership, Contribution to Strategy, Analysing and Using Evidence, and Effective Communications and Working Relationships. Individuals are also required to meet an eligibility criterion that they should be, or have previously been, engaged or employed in business, industry or any profession.
4. Each appointment will be for a period of 4 years (one term). The Northern Regional College appointment will be made at the conclusion of the appointment process. The South West College appointment will be effective from 1 September 2018.
5. The appointments will be made in accordance with the Code of Practice for Ministerial Public Appointments in Northern Ireland as required by the Commissioner for Public Appointments NI. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland requires the political activity of appointees to be published.
6. DfE is committed to the principles of public appointments based on merit. Independent assessment, openness and transparency are integral parts of the process. The Department is committed to providing equality of opportunity for all individuals. Applications are welcome regardless of gender, age, marital status, disability, religion, ethnic origin, political opinion, sexual orientation or whether or not you have dependants.
7. For media enquiries please contact the Department for the Economy Press Office on 028 9052 9604 or email: pressoffice@economy-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.
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