DELEGATED ITEM Creation of new post Oldham Business Leadership Co-ordinator Report to the Executive Director, Economy, Place and Skills; Cabinet Member for Business, Skills and Town Centre May 2012 Officer Contact: Michele Carr Ext. 4475 Purpose of Report To seek approval for the establishment of new post to provide support to the Oldham Business Leadership Group Recommendations It is recommended that the post of Oldham Business Leadership Co-ordinator is established within the Economy and Skills Team.
MODERN.GOV RECORDING SYSTEM DELEGATED ITEM Creation of new post of Oldham Business Leadership Group Coordinator Report to: the Executive Director, Economy, Place and Skills; Cabinet Member for Business, Skills and Town Centre Portfolio Responsibility: Business, Skills and Town Centre 1 Background 1.1 The Council recently assigned 35k to Oldham Business Leadership Group (OBLG) as part of its commitment to developing new ways of working as a Co-operative Council. The purpose of this funding was to provide OBLG with the flexibility to find new ways of working with the Council and other agencies so that Oldham could truly demonstrate that the private sector are taking a lead in supporting the growth of our local economy. 2 Proposals 2.1 The OBLG has taken the decision to appoint a co-ordinator to support them to achieve their goals. This co-ordinator is expected to work closely with OBLG and ensure close links with the Council and also with the Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub. This role will be a pilot for developing new ways of working that ensure that Oldham is intrinsically part of the GM family of organisations. 2.2 The postholder will be employed by the Council and line managed by the Assistant Executive Director Economic Development and Planning. However, the work programme will be directed by the Chair of OBLG in partnership with the AED and also with a senior representative from the GM Business Growth Hub. 2.3 Appendix 1 includes the job description and person specification for this post which has been assessed as a grade 5 post. 3 Consultation 3.1 Staff in the Economy and Skills Team have been consulted about the post. 4 Financial Implications
This report is in relation to cost centre 24310 Economy & Enterprise General within the Economic Development and Planning directorate. The table below shows the budget for 24310 for 2012/13, 2013/14 and 2014/15. Budget 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 Staffing 314,440 313,350 312,350 Supplies & Services 112,050 112,050 112,150 Central Recharges 122,240 122,410 122,660 Total 548,730 547,840 547,160 The proposal is to establish a Co-ordinator post to support the Oldham Business Leadership Group. 4.2 The table below shows the cost of the post for the 3 year period. 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 Salary 22,960 23,710 24,650 NI 1,540 1,620 1,710 Pension 3,860 4,040 4,100 Total 28,360 29,370 30,460 4.3 This post is built into the Economy & Enterprise General structure and sufficient funding is available from base budget. (Danny Jackson). 4.1 5 Legal Services Comments 5.1 N/A 6 Human Resources Comments 6.1 The post has been assessed and graded by the Pay and Reward Team. The post, whilst working under the direction of the OBLG, will be wholly employed by the Council and subject to it's terms and conditions of employment [Paul Dernley]. 7 Risk Assessments 7.1 None required 8 IT Implications 8.1 As this postholder will be working from a variety of locations outside of the Council, it will be necessary to ensure that the IT equipment provided enables effective working practice. 9 Property Implications
9.1 No implications. 10 Procurement Implications 10.1 None 11 Environmental and Health & Safety Implications 11.1 None 12 Equality, community cohesion and crime implications 12.1 None 13 Equality Impact Assessment Completed? 13.1 Not required. 14 Key Decision 14.1 No 15 Forward Plan Reference 15.1 N/A 16 Background Papers 16.1 None 17 Appendices 17.1 Appendix 1 New job description and person specification Signed Cabinet Member Business, Skills and Town Centre Dated Signed Executive Director - EPS Dated Signed Cabinet Member - Human and Dated
Financial Resources Signed Dianne Frost - Head of HR (on behalf of Executive Director - PSC) Dated
OLDHAM COUNCIL JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Oldham Business Leadership Group Co-ordinator Directorate: Economy Place and Skills Division/Section: Economic Development and Planning Grade: 5 Job Purpose: To support the OBLG in the development and delivery of its strategies and activities. To support the groups aims of raising the profile Oldham, Oldham Businesses and entrepreneurs and ensure they received the support they require to achieve economic growth. To work in partnership with the Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub to secure economic benefits for Oldham and Greater Manchester Key Tasks: 1. To provide support to ensure the effective operation of the Oldham Business Leadership Group and in particular to: Assist in the development of strategies, delivery plans and project plans that reflect OBLG priorities; Prepare and present progress updates on strategies, delivery plans and project plans; Source and present relevant information, data and research in the form of reports, presentations etc. to OBLG and to make reasoned recommendations to inform OBLG priorities and projects; Assist in the development, monitoring and reporting against performance management frameworks that measure progress against OBLG objectives and priorities; Provide effective administrative support both to OBLG and also to any sub groups, project groups etc that it establishes by the preparation of agendas with the Chairs, facilitation of the meetings and effective follow up of agreed actions; Ensure that there are effective linkages between the operation of the OBLG and that of the OBLG Community Interest Company; Assist in the Identification of funding and contract opportunities that would enable
OBLG and the OBLG CIC to deliver their priorities; Assist in the development of funding bids and business cases to secure resources; Ensure that OBLG and its activities are effectively promoted and marketed including ensuring that the website is maintained and updated; Represent OBLG at appropriate meetings and networks. 2. To provide effective liaison and facilitation between OBLG, Oldham Council, skills and education providers, businesses and individuals and representatives of Greater Manchester organisations, government, business and industry and specifically to: Work with the Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub to secure support for Oldham businesses; Work with the Relationship Manager at the Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub to recruit and secure partners to the Hub; Assist in raising the profile of OBLG, Oldham and Oldham businesses; Develop effective relationships with organisations and individuals that can assist in the delivery of OBLG priorities and support the post holder to deliver their responsibilities; Develop a full understanding of the economic development opportunities, business support services and projects that exist within and/or impact upon Oldham and to identify how OBLG can add value; Pursue leads and opportunities that meet OBLG priorities; Communicate the needs of Oldham businesses so that support services, skills and education provision, projects, policies, strategies etc can better deal with those needs; Arrange and facilitate discussions and meetings etc between OBLG and other organisations and individuals including the provision of pre-briefing information for OBLG members and Oldham businesses. 3. To assist in developing and to participate in networks, partnerships, events and events programmes and other mechanisms that enable OBLG to achieve its objectives and priorities and that enable effective communication with and amongst Oldham businesses and that specifically: Work to raise awareness of economic development opportunities that might lead to business growth, inward investment etc; Raise the profile by showcasing Oldham and its local businesses; Generate commitment and recruitment to a wider support network e.g. business champions for Oldham, business mentors, business angels etc; Identify and promote both the potential and the needs of Oldham businesses. 4. To develop effective working relationships with individual Oldham businesses and entrepreneurs with a view to connecting them into appropriate support where required such as mentors, business support services, local supply chains etc. 5. To work with other individuals and organisations on the joint delivery of initiatives and projects where this will add value.
Standard Duties: 1. To actively promote the equalities and diversity agenda in the workplace and in service delivery. 2. To be familiar with customer care and health and safety polices of the Council/ Directorate. 3. To participate in self-improvement in performance through workplace development. 4. Undertake any additional duties commensurate with the grade of the post. Contacts: Contacts are employees of the division, the council, partners, trade union representatives, elected members, inspectors and external organisations Relationship To Other Posts In The Department: Responsible to: AED Economic Development and Planning and to the Chair of Oldham Business Leadership Group Responsible for: N/A Special Conditions: N/A DATE NAME POST TITLE Prepared 9 th May 2012 Michele Carr AED Economic Dev & Planning Reviewed Reviewed
OLDHAM COUNCIL PERSON SPECIFICATION Job Title: Oldham Business Leadership Group Co-ordinator Selection criteria (Essential) Selection criteria (Desirable) How Assessed Essential Desirable Education & Qualification s Degree or equivalent in relevant subject e.g. Business Studies Experience Experience of using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Email Experience of initiating and developing engagement with partners Applicatio n / Interview Evidence of working to performance targets and compiling evidence to support targets / outputs Experience of communicating and presenting information to an audience with confidence Experience of researching, interpreting and analysing data and information, looking for patterns and trends, drawing conclusions and making recommendations for action Skills & Abilities Project management skills, including the ability to consult, plan, monitor, evaluate and achieve tasks to agreed deadlines Ability to understand economic development related reports and information and to compile accurate reports and recommendations using that information Applicatio n / Interview Initiative to work with minimum supervision and to deadlines
Teamwork skills to encourage collaborative working to achieve shared objectives Communication skills to liaise via telephone, in person and by written correspondence with business representatives, members of the community and a variety of professionals and voluntary groups in an appropriate style and format Interpersonal skills to confidently work with staff from all levels including Chief Executive / Managing Director Negotiating and influencing skills to motivate and encourage partners to achieve the objectives of the Oldham Business Leadership Group Knowledge High degree of self motivation, resourcefulness and flexibility Ability to be innovative in providing solutions and making recommendations Knowledge of the key drivers of the economy and of current national economic policy Knowledge of key organisations and their role in supporting economic development Understanding of customer focused approach of working with businesses to
Work Circumstanc es foster engagement and encourage commitment to working towards economic development Current driving licence and access to own car Flexible approach to working hours NB. - Any candidate with a disability who meets the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.