CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK

BOARD MEMBER: VALUATION TRIBUNAL SERVICE

Closing date for applications is: 11pm on Friday 30 June 2017

Applications should be submitted via VTSBoardMember@communities.gsi.gov.uk

Alternative format versions of this candidate information pack are available on request from the DCLG Recruitment Team at VTSBoardMember@communities.gsi.gov.uk .

Overview

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Remuneration: £5,694 per annum

Time commitment: Minimum 20 days a year, dependant on membership of Board

committees.

Duration: Three year term*

Starting date of appointment: As soon as possible as the post is available now.

Location: London

Closing date: 11pm on Friday 30 June 2017 Interviews: Dates TBC

Contents Page

Introduction 3

About the Valuation Tribunal Service (VTS) 3

About the Valuation Tribunal England (VTE) 3

The VTS Board 4

Job Description 4

Person Specification 5

Outline Terms and Conditions 5

Selection Process 6

Indicative Timetable for the Appointment 7

How to Apply 7

Appendix A - The Seven Principles of Public Life 9

Appendix B - Political Activity Questionnaire 10

Appendix C - Other Relevant Information Declaration 11

Appendix D – Diversity Monitoring Form 12

Appendix E - Guaranteed Interview Scheme 15

Appendix F - Conflicts of Interest 16

Appendix G – References 16

Appendix H – Advertisement Publicity Survey 17

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1. IntroductionThe Secretary of State for the Department for Communities and Local Government is seeking to fill a vacancy for a Non-Executive Board member on the Valuation Tribunal Service Board. The appointment will formally commence as soon as possible. The appointment period will be for 3 years.

Those who serve on the boards of public bodies play a vital role in the life of this country, whether by improving the delivery of public services or providing independent advice to Government. Many people from a wide range of backgrounds across the whole of the UK participate in public life by being members of the boards of public bodies. They are involved in making decisions that develop, shape or deliver government policy and public services.

This information pack sets out the requirements for the Board member’s position along with information on the work of the Valuation Tribunal Service, the Valuation Tribunal for England, and the appointment process.

2. Role of the Valuation Tribunal Service (VTS)The Valuation Tribunal Service is an executive non-departmental public body of the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). It was established under the Local Government Act 2003 to provide administrative support, procedural advice and central direction to the Valuation Tribunal for England. It has a strong corporate identity and clearly delegated powers and responsibilities.

The VTS employs around 80 staff and is able to encourage the spread of best practice across the organisation, leading to better public service delivery.

3. Aims & Objectives of VTS

To support the Valuation Tribunal for England in the administration of a fair, efficient and accessible appeals system by providing guidance and supporting the recruitment, induction and integration of new members.

To drive continuous improvement of performance and efficiency across all aspects of the organisation.

To enhance the quality and consistency of service to all stakeholders. To work in partnership with the sponsor Department to support policy development. To build capacity and capability in the staff with continuous learning and improvement. To operate with financial and organisational initiative and efficiency.

4. Role of the Valuation Tribunal for England (VTE)The Valuation Tribunal for England is an administrative tribunal set up by statute to hear appeals concerning local taxation matters. The majority of appeals concern the valuation of commercial properties for non-domestic rates and domestic dwellings for council tax. Members of the Valuation Tribunal for England sit in panels of 2 or 3 across England to hear appeals. Apart from the President and Vice Presidents, members are unpaid lay people who receive training and are given support to undertake their role.

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5. The VTS Board The Board comprises of a Chair and members appointed by the Secretary of State for the Department for Communities and Local Government (“Secretary of State”). There are currently 7 members including the President of the Valuation Tribunal for England who is an ex-officio member of the Board. The founding legislation for the VTS, the Local Government Act 2003, requires there to be service members’ majority on the VTS Board.  Service members are Board members who are VTE Chairmen who sit on hearing panels.

The Board ensures that effective arrangements are in place to provide assurance on risk management, governance and internal control as per the framework document that exist between VTS and DCLG.

The Board is specifically responsible for:

establishing and taking forward the strategic aims and objectives of the VTS, consistent with its overall strategic direction and within the policy and resources framework agreed with DCLG;

ensuring that the Secretary of State is kept informed of any changes which are likely to impact on the strategic direction of the VTS Board or on the attainability of its targets, and determining the steps needed to deal with such changes;

ensuring that any statutory or administrative requirements for the use of public funds are complied with; that the Board operates within the limits of its statutory authority and any delegated authority agreed with DCLG, and in accordance with any other conditions relating to the use of public funds; and that, in reaching decisions, the Board takes into account guidance issued by DCLG;

ensuring that the Board receives and reviews regular financial information concerning the management of VTS; is informed in a timely manner about any concerns about the activities of VTS; and provides positive assurance to DCLG that appropriate action has been taken on such concerns;

demonstrating high standards of corporate governance at all times, including by using the independent audit committee to help the Board to address key financial and other risks;

appointing, with the Secretary of State’s approval a Chief Executive (who is also the Accounting Officer) and, in consultation with DCLG, set performance objectives and remuneration terms linked to these objectives for the Chief Executive which give due weight to the proper management and use and utilisation of public resources.

6. Job Description - Non-Executive Director Board Member – VTS

Salary - £5,694 per annum for 20 days per annum

The members have an overall responsibility to ensure that the VTS fulfils its statutory functions. The role will involve:

Attending Valuation Tribunal Service (VTS) Board meetings and contributing to discussions about strategy and policies. Monitoring and reviewing performance of the VTS.

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Taking an active role in development of the VTS’ future strategy and its Corporate and Business Plans, through which the framework of VTS objectives and targets is established and their budget is set.

Supporting the VTS Chair in ensuring the development of improvements to Valuation Tribunal for England’s customer service delivery.

Assisting in the implementation of policies and systems to discharge the VTS’s statutory responsibilities. Board members may be required to be a champion for a particular policy area leading on discussions at strategic level and be involved in the promotion of that policy within the Service or externally.

Board members may be required to chair or be a member of a VTS established committee or sub-committee. As a public appointee, successful applicants will also be expected to observe the OCPA 7 principles of public life (highlighted on page 8).

7. Person SpecificationEssential Criteria:1. Sound understanding of corporate governance, accountability and regulatory frameworks2. Ability to drive through the development of strategy 3. Evidence of the ability to monitor and review objectives4. Financial and/or IT experience 5. Excellent communication and influencing skills

Desirable Criteria:6. Knowledge of how government and public bodies work7. Experience of developing a customer focussed environment

8. Outline Terms and Conditions

Position: Board member - Valuation Tribunal ServiceNumber of Posts: 1Location: The location of the HQ for the Valuation Tribunal Service is

at 2nd Floor, 120 Leman Street, London, E1 8EU. Board meetings are customarily held at this location. You will be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable travel and subsistence costs at the same rate as members of Tribunal staff.

Commencement of appointment:

It is anticipated that the appointee would take up post as soon as possible.

Period of Appointment: Appointment will be for up to three years (with the possibility of renewal).

Time Commitment: 20 days per annum.Remuneration: The remuneration for a Board member is £5,694 per annum.

Reasonable travel costs will be reimbursed.

Eligibility: Both Civil Servants and non-Civil servants are able to apply.To be eligible for employment you will need to be either a UK national or a national of another European Economic Area Member State, or a Commonwealth citizen, or have the

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right to work in the UK. Swiss nationals are also eligible. In addition, if you have dual nationality you will be eligible as long as one of the nationalities meets the requirements.

*Note: The term of office for all Board members may be subject to the outcome of the DCLG’s triennial review of the Valuation Tribunal Service and Valuation Tribunal for England to be published soon.

9. Selection Process

The Panel will consist of:

1. Chris Megainey, DCLG Deputy Director for Council Tax - Panel Chair.2. Eleanor Cannell, Deputy Director, Partnership and Delivery Unit DCLG - DCLG Panel member.3. Bob Lane, Board Member, Ebbsfleet Development Corporation - Independent member.4. John O’Shea, Interim Chair, The Valuation Tribunal Service - Representative of Organisation.

Shortlisting

The recruitment panel will determine which candidates’ best demonstrate that they have the specified qualities and experience. These candidates will be invited for interview. It is essential that you give full but concise information/evidence relevant to the criteria for the appointment. Reasonable expenses for attending interviews will be reimbursed, and will be paid in accordance with DCLG’s Travel & Subsistence policy.

Candidates who are invited to interview for this post will be requested to provide the names and contact details of two referees who will provide references regarding their suitability for the role. It would greatly assist the process if all candidates could ensure that references can be obtained swiftly in the event that they are invited to interview.

Interviews will be held at 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF (dates TBC).

Potential Conflicts of Interest

All candidates will be asked to declare conflicts of interest as early as possible in the process. As with any public appointment, it is important that the highest possible levels of probity and integrity are maintained. To that end, all candidates are required to give details of any business or other interests or any personal connections which, if you are appointed, could be misconstrued or cause embarrassment to the Valuation Tribunal Service or its parent Department, DCLG.

Further Information

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If at any stage, you would like further information on the role, please contact Mr John O’Shea, Acting Chair of the Valuation Tribunal Service at johnoshea47@yahoo.co.uk or on 0774 990 8336.ComplaintsIf at any time during the appointments procedure you have reason to question your treatment, you should first address your concerns to the administration team (by email: VTSBoardMember@communities.gsi.gov.uk or by post: ALB Partnership Team, Department for Communities and Local Government, 1st Floor NE, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF

If after investigation by the Department, you remain dissatisfied, you may take your complaint to the Commissioner for Public Appointments, who operates a Complaints Procedure. Complaints should be lodged within 12 months of the appointment being made. Please see Your Guide to making a Complaint about a Public Appointments Process on the Commissioner’s website at: http://publicappointmentscommissioner.independent.gov.uk/what-we-do/complaints-and-investigations/

The Department for Communities and Local Government is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity and that all our systems and processes are fair, open and objective. We endeavour to promote this approach in those with whom we come into contact. We are responsible for ensuring that the highest principles of equal opportunities policy are put into effect. The department provides equal opportunities and we make no distinction between people on grounds of their race, ethnic or national origin, age, religion or belief, sex, marital status, disability, part time status or sexual orientation.

10. Indicative Timetable for Appointment

Date Action

3 April Advert published

30 June Closing date

August TBC Notifications issued to those selected for interview and to unsuccessful applicants

Late September (dates TBC)

Panel Interviews

November (TBC) Provisional appointment start date

11. How to ApplyAll candidates are required to complete and submit the following:

1. A copy of your CV (no more than 3 pages).

2. A covering letter explaining how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role (no more than 3 pages) – please refer to the person specification.

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3. Political Activity Questionnaire (Appendix B) - This questionnaire enables the monitoring of political activity of candidates for a public appointment, insofar as it is already in the public domain. Neither activity nor affiliation is a criterion for appointment (except where statute dictates specific representation).

4. Other Relevant Information Declaration Form (Appendix C) - Any appointee to a Public Body could find that matters or incidents which previously attracted no attention could become matters of public interest once the person concerned holds a public appointment.

5. Diversity Monitoring Form (Appendix D) – The Department for Communities and Local Government is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and welcomes applications from candidates irrespective of race, age, disability, gender, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, transgender or working patterns. Please complete this form and return it with your application.  Please note the form will not be treated as part of our application.  The data will be treated in the strictest confidence, and will be used for monitoring and statistical purposes only. 

6. Guaranteed Interview Scheme – only if applicable (Appendix E) - The Department for Communities and Local Government uses the guaranteed interview scheme to help widen opportunities for disabled people.  Applicants with disabilities who meet the criteria stated in the person specification as assessed by the panel and submit a completed 'Guaranteed Interview Scheme' form will be guaranteed an interview.

7. Conflicts of Interest (Appendix F) – Please give details of any business or other interest or personal connections which, if you are appointed, could be misconstrued or cause embarrassment to either DCLG or the Valuation Tribunal Service.

8. Details of two referees (Appendix G) – The referees will be approached only if you are invited for the panel interview and the references, which will be taken before the interview, will be made available to the panel.

9. Advertisement Publicity Survey (Appendix H) – Please indicate how you heard about this post.

Your completed application, preferably in Microsoft Word, should be returned by 11pm on 30 June 2017, by email to VTSBoardMember@communities.gsi.gov.uk. We would prefer electronic applications but will accept hard copies by post to:

Christina MachadoVTS Board Member RecruitmentDepartment for Communities and Local GovernmentPartnership and Delivery Unit – ALB Partnership Team1st Floor, NE, Fry Building, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF

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Appendix A

The Seven Principles of Public Life

Selflessness

Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.

Integrity

Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.

Objectivity

In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.

Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

Openness

Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

Honesty

Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

Leadership

Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

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Appendix BPOLITICAL ACTIVITY QUESTIONNAIRE

All applicants should complete the questions below. Please note that the information will be made available to the panel if you are called for interview.

Have you undertaken any political activity for a political party in the past five years?

[ ] No

[ ] If yes, please indicate the activity undertaken and for which party/parties:

[ ] held office [ ] public speaking [ ] stood for election

[ ] made donations to a party (if so, please say how much _______________)

[ ] any other political activity (if so, please specify ______________________)

Name: ………………………………………………………………….

Signed: …………………………………………………………………

Date: …………………

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Appendix COTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION – DECLARATION

Any appointee to a Public Body could find that matters or incidents which previously attracted no attention could become matters of public interest once the person concerned holds a public appointment.

Please provide details on a separate sheet, if you answer “yes” to any of the following questions.

Have you:

Yes No

(1) ever been convicted of any offence (other than minor motoring offences) which are not spent in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974;

(2) got any charges outstanding;

(3) become bankrupt over the past 10 years;

(4) been dismissed from any office or employment over the past 10 years;

(5) ever been disqualified from either acting as a Company Director or in the management of a Company;

(6) ever been a Director, Partner or Manager of a Company which has gone into liquidation, receivership or administration;

(7) any other information which you would consider relevant to an assessment of your suitability as a public appointee; for example business interests or personal relationships, which may lead to an allegation of conflict of interest.

Please note: a YES answer to any of the questions (1) to (7) above will not necessarily disqualify a candidate for public appointment. Each case will be treated on its merits. However, failure to disclose relevant information may result in an appointment being summarily terminated.

Name: ………………………………………………………………….

Signed: …………………………………………………………………

Date: …………………

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Appendix D

DIVERSITY MONITORING FORM

Public appointments are made on merit in accordance with the Cabinet Office Governance Code and the Public Appointments Order in Council. By completing the attached diversity monitoring form you will be helping us meet our public sector equality duty under section 149 of the Equality Act 2012.

Your personal data will always be treated in confidence and when anonymised with data from other applicants will help compile the Annual Statistical Bulletin of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Your responses to sections 1 – 8 will never be made available to the panel considering your application.

1. Gender

What is your gender?

[ ] female [ ] male

[ ] I prefer to describe myself as _________________________________

[ ] I prefer not to say

2. Disability

Do you consider yourself disabled?

[ ] no

[ ] yes If yes, how would you describe your disability? _______________

________________________________________________________

[ ] I prefer not to say

3. Ethnicity

Please mark the box that most accurately describes your ethnicity:

Asian Black

[ ] Bangladeshi [ ] African

[ ] Chinese [ ] Caribbean

[ ] Indian [ ] Other Black origin

[ ] Pakistani

[ ] Other Asian origin

Mixed Ethnic White

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[ ] Of more than one ethnicity [ ] British, Irish or other White Background

[ ] I prefer not to say

4. Age

Please tick the age band you fall into:

[ ] 18-25 [ ] 26-35 [ ] 36-45 [ ] 45-56 [ ] 55-66 [ ] 66 or older

[ ] I prefer not to say

5. Sexual Orientation

What is your sexual orientation?

[ ] bisexual [ ] gay man [ ] heterosexual [ ] lesbian [ ] other

[ ] I prefer not to say

6. Religion or belief

What is your religion or belief?

[ ] Buddhist [ ] Christian [ ] Hindu [ ] Jewish [ ] Muslim [ ] Sikh

[ ] Other [ ] No Religion or Atheist

[ ] I prefer not to say

7. What is your principal place of residence?

Please enter the County or City that you live in along with the first part of your postcode e.g. Dyfed SY23; London SE18

County/City_____________________ Post Code [ ]

8. What is your principal employment, if any?

Please describe your main employment and tick the occupational sector box that best describes you:

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Employment __________________________________________

[ ] Mostly Civil Service [ ] Mostly Private Sector

[ ] Mostly Third Sector [ ] Mostly wider Public Sector

[ ] Mixed [ ] I prefer not to say

9. Personal details

[ ] Please tick here if you are content for us (as the appointing Department) to retain your CV and contact details and to share these with the Centre for Public Appointments in the Cabinet Office. Your details will be kept on file and you may be contacted about other opportunities that may arise in the future. All information will be handled in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

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Appendix EGUARANTEED INTERVIEW SCHEME

REQUEST FORM - PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

OUR POLICY

We are committed to actively encouraging applications from people with disabilities. Applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for the appointment. The person specification gives you the minimum criteria.

Declaring a disability for the purposes of a guaranteed interview is your decision and is entirely voluntary.

Definition of a disabilityThe Equality Act 2010 (EA) generally defines a disabled person as:

someone who has a mental or physical impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on the person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

Please tick, if appropriate:

I consider that I have a disability under the Equality Act 2010 and I would like to apply for a guaranteed interview, providing I meet the minimum criteria for the appointment as assessed by the panel.

Whether you choose to apply under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme or not you can still ask us to make particular arrangements for you when attending an interview. You can also contact us if you want to discuss the criteria for the role or have questions regarding your application.

Name:      

Address:      

Date:      

If you believe this applies to you, please state the type of disability you have:

…………………………………………………………………………………………

If you require special arrangements, should you be called to attend an interview, please state any such adjustments below.

…………………………………………………………………………………………Applicants with disabilities who have any queries about specific needs should contact the DCLG Appointments Team at VTSBoardMember@communities.gsi.gov.uk .

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Appendix FCONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Please give details of any business or other interests or any personal connections which, if you are appointed, could be misconstrued or cause embarrassment to either DCLG or the Valuation Tribunal Service. Any particular conflicts of interest detailed here will not prevent you going forward to interview but may, if appropriate, be explored with you during your interview to establish how you would address the issue(s) should you be successful in your application.

These could include financial interests, or where you share ownership, active connections with a field of expertise in which the Valuation Tribunal Service works, membership of societies, activities, associations or employment of a partner or friend in the particular field the Valuation Tribunal Service operates. Any statements you make will be treated confidentially and we will contact you to discuss any potential conflicts that might arise ahead of the sift process to explain what might be required if you are successful, and check that you still wish your application to be considered.

Appendix GREQUESTS FOR REFEREES

Please provide names and contact details of two people who may be asked to act as referees for you, at least one of whom must have knowledge of your work relating to your most recent professional and / or voluntary activity. They will be expected to have authoritative and personal knowledge of your achievements in a professional or public service capacity. The referees will be approached only if you are invited for an interview.

#

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Reference 1: Name:Address:Telephone:E-mail:

Reference 2: Name:Address:

Telephone:E-mail:

Appendix H

ADVERTISEMENT PUBLICITY SURVEY

Title of the advertised role: Valuation Tribunal Service Board Member

Please let us know where you heard about this post. Please indicate / specify where relevant.

1. Cabinet Office Public Appointment website

2. An organisation’s website (please specify)

3. Diversity website (please specify)

4. Newspaper online (please specify)

5. Printed Newspaper (please specify

6. Newsletter (please specify)

7. Any others (please specify)

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