Candidate brief for the position of Public Solicitor (Civil & Public Childcare)

Island of Saint Helena

Dear Candidate

Thank you for your interest in the role of Public Solicitor (Civil & Public Childcare) within the Public Solicitor’s Office.

I believe that this is an exceptional opportunity, offering the right individual a good quality of life alongside a role where you will need to apply objective judgement and deal sensitively with issues.

We seek a Public Solicitor (Civil & Public Childcare) to support the Public Solicitors Office in providing advisory and litigation support in relation to Public Law and children. Additionally the candidate will be able to provide general advice in relation to a wide range of civil legal queries.

We are an Overseas Territory of the UK and have a strong partnership with the UK Government. In early 2016 we will have an airport. This will lead to a host of new opportunities for St Helena as well as presenting a series of challenges to our public services as we work to develop our economy. Although a remote island, we do not operate in isolation from the rest of the world. We take considerable pride in our achievements on the island.

The ideal candidate for this role will be a UK Solicitor or Barrister of at least 5 years call/ PQE with substantial experience of representation and advocacy in Public Law proceedings and safeguarding work, preferably Panel member, but with experience in representing parents in the County Court and High Court.

St Helena is an extraordinary place to live and work. You will find further information about the place and the role in this information pack and I would encourage you to talk to our HR Section if you have any questions. We look forward to reviewing your application.

Best wishes,

Barbara George

Head of Human Resources

The island of St Helena is an internally self-governing Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom located in the South Atlantic approximately 4,000 miles from the UK. The Government comprises a Governor (who is appointed by the Crown) an Executive Council, which has the general control and direction of Government, and a Legislative Council. The Governor retains responsibility for internal security, external affairs, defence, the public service, finance and shipping.

The island’s population is around 4,500 and it has a typical small island economy with a high import dependency, a narrow economic base, a large public sector (around 790 staff), and significant outward labour migration. Over half of its recurrent public expenditure and 90 percent of capital expenditure are funded by British budgetary aid as the UK has an obligation to ensure that the reasonable needs of the population are met. Economic development is constrained by St Helena’s extreme isolation, its small and, until recently, declining population, and a lack of significant natural resources.

Jamestown, the capital of Saint Helena

View of Diana’s Peak, highest point on Saint Helena

Jamestown, the capital of Saint Helena

The overall vision of the St Helena Government (SHG) is:

Strengthened community and family life through vibrant economic growth, with opportunities for all to participate, within a framework of effective government and law.

To support this vision there are three National Goals:

A vibrant economy providing opportunities for all to participate Strong community and family life Effective management of the environment

In November 2011 the UK Government agreed to fund an airport. A construction contract has been signed, and the airport will be operational from February 2016. We are more than half way through the construction stage and this major project has already had a significant impact on St Helena’s economic prospects and a dramatic impact on the island community, bringing a period of accelerated social and economic change. Unemployment stands at virtually zero and Government revenues are significantly increased.

Achievement of the Goals and Strategic Objectives will require sound management and transformation of the public sector to make it a professional, modern, and flexible organisation able to initiate and respond to change.

The Government of St Helena is embedding a modernisation programme that will enable the Public Service to improve its delivery of the government’s developmental objectives. Central to this programme has been the re-structuring of Government functions and directorates. Improving financial management also forms part of this change programme with the Government adopting medium term financial planning (MTEF) and financial reporting an accruals basis in accordance with the International Standards on Public Sector Accounting (IPSAS).

A pod of dolphins

Role Profile

Public Solicitor(Civil & Public Childcare)

Package £40k plus tax free benefits for cost of living, rent, utilities, freight, transport, relocationand storage. (Please see OSVI for the poston the sthelenacareers.com website.)

To support the Public Solicitors Office in providing advisory and litigation support in

relation to Public Law and children. Additionally the candidate will be able to

provide general advice in relation to a wide range of civil legal queries.

Scope of Work

To represent parents in applications from the Department of Social Services and the Safeguarding Directorate in particular

Attending Child Protection Conferences

Representing parent on applications made by the Safeguarding Department in the Magistrates and Supreme Court. Representation throughout proceedings and preparation of all documents to final hearings.

Advisory work on a wide range of general civil matters to include;

o Employment

o Clinical Negligence

This role specifically does not have any criminal advisory or litigation.

Knowledge and Experience:

Essential

UK Solicitor or Barrister of at least 5 years call/ PQE

Substantial experience of representation and advocacy in Public Law proceedings and safeguarding work, preferably Panel member; but Experience representing parents in the County Court and High Court

Good communication skills

Flexible approach

Good working knowledge of computer systems especially Microsoft word, excel powerpoint and outlook; and

Strong analytical skills.

The Castle, Jamestown

This is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities. There may be other ad hoc duties that fall within the remit of the role that the job holder may need to complete. In addition, the job holder will be required to carry out any other reasonable duties as requested which are commensurate with the grading and level of responsibility for the role.

Location and duration of the assignment The work will be undertaken on the Island of St Helena. The individual will commence work in June 2015 or as soon as practically

possible thereafter. The assignment will last for 1 year.

Reporting arrangements The individual will report to the Public Solicitor.

Contractual Arrangements The contract will be under the St Helena Government standard short term

technical cooperation contract terms.

Competences

Professional DevelopmentRequirements for Continuous Professional Development met in terms of requisite number of hours/number of development sessions, etc., and when necessary submitted to Professional Institute to maintain professional status.

Planning & Delivery of WorkEnsures appropriate resources and levels of capability are available to deliver to plan. Promote and enforce appropriate organisational rules and procedures and lead by example in managing business relationships.

Analysis and use of InformationInterprets complex written information. Assesses the validity, relevance and limitations of different sources of evidence, and generates a range of options and appraises them based on evidence available.

Decision MakingClarifies highly complex and disparate information to inform decision making, while also facilitating others to take creative decisions and generate solutions to meet organisational needs. Ensures decisions are evidence-based drawing on available knowledge and past experience.

Working with OthersManages relationships with key stakeholders by utilising a high level of understanding of own and other’s behaviour. Creates an environment which will enable delivery of shared policy outcomes.

CommunicationPromote effective communication across the organisation and ensure the organisation’s priorities are clearly understood by all. Negotiates to reconcile individual competing priorities. Summarises complex information in an effective manner.

Influencing and PersuadingInfluences the organisation’s strategy by utilising internal and external resources. Delivers influential advice and briefings. Focuses on outcomes irrespective of the source of the challenge.

How to ApplyWe offer an extensive benefits package with 20 days leave per annum which will include a contributory pension plus generous income tax-free allowances for relocation, rent and utilities. An application form can be found at www.sthelenacareers.com where further information can also be found, or you may contact Kedell Worboys on 0203 818 7610 or email: shgukrep@sthelenagov.com.

Applications must be received by Friday, 6 March 2015. Interviews will be held in London.

In order to apply, please complete the application form which can be found at w ww.sthelenacareers.com . Your application should set out how you meet the requirements outlined in the person specification and principal duties and tasks performed sections.

Please include your contact details, current salary information and details of two referees. All information will be treated as strictly confidential and referees will not be contacted without permission.

Dealing with ChangePresents the business need for change and encourages and enables employees to contribute to and focus on the positive aspects of change as well as anticipate any obstacles.

Continuous ImprovementKeeps up to date with developments that affect SHG and anticipates what may affect it in the future. Creates an environment which allows people to improve the way they work.

Managing ResourcesEnsures appropriate resources and levels of capability to deliver to plan. Uses management information to monitor/control resources. Supports initiatives for new and more efficient use of resources. Gains respect and credibility from team members through effective delegation, coaching and development.