Chair

PLANNING INSPECTORATE BOARD

Information Pack for Applicants

July 2017

Closing date for applications is: 23:00 on Monday 24 July 2017

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Information Pack Contents

Introduction.....................................................................................................3About the Planning Inspectorate (PINS).......................................................3The PINS Advisory Board (PINS Board).......................................................3The PINS Chair’s – Job description..............................................................5Person Specification......................................................................................5Security clearance..........................................................................................8Application Process.......................................................................................8Interviews......................................................................................................10Post Interview - Next Steps.........................................................................10Complaints....................................................................................................10Anticipated Timetable..................................................................................11The Seven Principles of Public Life............................................................12

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Remuneration: £20,000

Time commitment: 2.5 days per month

Duration: Four year term

Starting date of appointment: November 2017

Location: Bristol

Closing date: Monday 24 July 2017Interviews: W/c 4 September 2017

IntroductionThe Secretary of State for the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs (Welsh Government) are seeking to appoint a new non-executive Chair to the Planning Inspectorate’s Board.

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 Chair’s position along with information on the work of the Planning Inspectorate and the appointment process.

About the Planning Inspectorate (PINS)PINS is a joint executive agency of DCLG and the Welsh Government (WG). PINS has responsibility, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (England) and the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs (Wales), for delivering key elements of the planning system under planning, housing and associated legislation. Its primary areas of activity are:

the preparation of reports and recommendations to enable the appropriate Secretary of State to make decisions on national infrastructure projects, as set out in the Planning Act 2008;

making decisions on planning and related appeals, applications and orders, referring recommendations to the Secretary of State or Welsh Minister where appropriate;

the examination of Local Plans in England, Local Development Plans in Wales and Community Infrastructure Levy Schedules;

examining and administering applications for Developments of National Significance on behalf of the Welsh Ministers as set out in Section 62D of the Town and Country Planning Act.

PINS also carries out work for other government departments in England and Wales, which is subject to specific service level agreements, including the Department of Energy, Climate and Change (DECC), the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

PINS’s purpose is:

To deliver impartial decisions, recommendations and advice to customers in a fair, open and timely manner.

PINS employs around 800 staff with an annual budget of circa £35 million. It operates from a headquarters in Bristol, with a separate office in Cardiff dealing with planning appeals in Wales.

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The PINS Advisory Board (PINS Board)The Board comprises of a Chair and three independent non-executive members appointed by the Secretary of State for the Department for Communities and Local Government (“Secretary of State”) in consultation with the Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs. The Board’s membership also comprises PINS’s Chief Executive, members of the Management Board and the DCLG Planning Director.

The Board is principally advisory and ensures that effective arrangements are in place to provide assurance on risk management, governance and internal control in line with the framework document between DCLG, PINS and the Welsh Government.

The Board is specifically responsible for:

advising the Chief Executive and contributing to the overall strategic direction of PINS

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 WG, 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 and WG

ensuring that the Board receives and reviews regular financial information concerning the management of PINS; is informed in a timely manner about any concerns about the activities of PINS; and provides positive assurance to DCLG and WG 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.

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PINS Chair – Job description

The Chair’s role is to support the Chief Executive and leadership team in providing strategic

direction and confident, clear and consistent leadership to PINS. The Chair, working with

the Board and the Chief Executive, will need to ensure that PINS has strategies and plans

in place to deliver service transformation, manage risk and support housing delivery. This

will require someone with strategic thinking, leadership and influence; who is comfortable

with complexity and scrutiny.

The Chair will:

Be accountable to Ministers in England and Wales for the success of PINS in delivering the Government’s priorities, in particular for housing and for key national infrastructure projects, through consistent, reliable and excellent service;

Lead the Board effectively, set the agenda and deliver high standards of governance behaviours, supporting and encouraging members to play a full and active role on the Board;

Ensure that the Board as a whole plays a full and constructive part in the development and determination of PINS overall strategy and objectives;

Be publicly visible as an important ambassador for PINS, influencing decision makers and stakeholders and protecting and enhancing PINS’ reputation;

Advise the Secretary of State on the recruitment of new Board members;

Encourage members to fully participate in the Board, undertaking appraisals of members and making recommendations to Ministers and officials on any proposed reappointments

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who can support the Chief Executive in delivering the strategic

plan for PINS – improving business performance, customer service and productivity,

through transforming services in particular towards digital and driving culture change in the

organisation, with a particular focus on supporting Ministers’ objectives for housing supply.

They must be able to form a constructive partnership with the Chief Executive and with

Ministers/ DCLG/WG, and to gain the respect of the non-executive directors. We are not

necessarily looking for either a qualified planner or someone with deep knowledge of

planning, but for someone who brings experience of driving change/ transformation,

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perhaps with local authorities or the private sector. They will need to understand the

accountability and scrutiny arrangements of a senior public sector role.

Essential Criteria:

1. Ability and strength of character to provide exceptional leadership skills and to encourage commitment, innovation and flexibility within the Board, within the seven principles of public life (pdf);

2. Strong financial and performance management skills acumen with a track record of driving rapid change within public and/or private organisations;

3. Political judgement and ability to work with stakeholders in local and national government with an understanding of decision-making processes.

4. Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills to build credibility with all PINS staff.

5. Ability to handle issues which may be politically, presentationally or legally sensitive.

6. Ability to drive culture change, especially to support improvements in customer service.

Desirable Criteria:

7. Experience of working with national or local Government.

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Outline Terms and Conditions

Remuneration

This post will attract a remuneration of £20,000 per annum for approximately 2.5 days per month.

Expenses and Subsistence

Reasonable travel and subsistence and other expenses necessarily incurred on business will be payable in accordance with PINS guidelines.

Period of appointmentThe appointment will be for four years.

Location The position is based in Bristol with board meetings normally being held in Bristol with the likelihood of a small number of meetings being held outside Bristol. There is an expectation of stakeholder engagement both inside and outside Bristol. At least one meeting of the Board each year will be held in Cardiff and attended by the Welsh Government Deputy Director for Planning.

Conflicts of interest

As with any public appointment, it is important that the highest possible levels of probity and integrity are maintained. To that end, we ask that you give details of any business or other interests or any personal connections which, if you are appointed, could be misconstrued or cause embarrassment to PINS, DCLG or WG. These could include financial interests or share ownership, active connections within a field of expertise in which PINS works, membership of societies, activities, associations or employment of a partner or friend in the particular field in which PINS will operate, or in particular interests in key planning decisions that PINS make take or on which PINS may make recommendations. The recruitment panel will explore potential conflicts of interest during the interview process.

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. The Assessment Panel may wish to explore any conflicts of interest at interview.

The successful candidate would need to uphold and adhere to the Seven Principles of Public Life (see Appendix 1).

Eligibility

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 and have the 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.

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Security clearanceBefore the appointment of the successful candidate can be confirmed, you will be subject to a Basic Disclosure Scotland check and Counter Terrorist Check.

Disqualification

A person is disqualified from appointment as a member of the Board of the PINS if: they are a PINS employee or a spouse of a PINS employee; a bankruptcy restrictions order has been made against him/her in England or Wales, or

he/she has been declared bankrupt in Northern Ireland or Scotland; he/she has been convicted of an offence in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or the

Isle of Man and has had a sentence of more than three months imprisonment passed on him/her.

If you are unsure whether you are disqualified under these criteria please contact Nina Shuttlewood on 0303 444 2641 or email publicappointments@communities.gsi.gov.uk who will be happy to offer further guidance.

Application ProcessAll candidates are required to complete and submit all of the following:

1. A Curriculum Vitae which include your education and professional qualifications and full employment history (no more than 3 pages).

2. Covering letter explaining how you meet both the essential and desirable criteria for the role (no more than 3 pages) – please refer to the person specification section of this candidate pack

3. Diversity (Equal Opportunities) Monitoring Questionnaire – Annex A4. Guaranteed interview scheme form – if applicable - Annex B5. Conflict of Interest form – Annex C6. Other Relevant Information Declaration Form – Annex D7. List of referees – Annex E (The referees will be approached only if you are shortlisted

for interview)8. Publicity survey – Annex F

Your completed application should be returned, preferably in Microsoft Word, by email to publicappointments@communities.gsi.gov.uk by 11pm on 24 July 2017. Please include the reference “PINS Chair” in the subject of your email. We would prefer electronic applications but will accept hard copies by post to Nina Shuttlewood, Partnership & Delivery Unit, Department for Communities and Local Government, 1st Floor NE, Fry Building, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF.

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Political Activity QuestionnaireThis questionnaire enables the monitoring of political activity of candidates for a public appointment insofar as it is already in the public domain.

Diversity Monitoring QuestionnaireThe 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 your application.  The data will be treated in the strictest confidence, and will be used for monitoring and statistical purposes only. 

Other Relevant Information Declaration FormAny 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.

Guaranteed Interview SchemeDCLG uses the guaranteed interview scheme to help widen employment opportunities for disabled people.  Applicants with disabilities who meet the criteria stated in the person specification and submit a completed 'Guaranteed Interview Scheme' form will be guaranteed an interview.

Commissioner for Public Appointments All appointments are conducted in accordance with The Governance Code on Public Appointments published by the Cabinet Office.The Commissioner regulates and monitors appointments to public bodies to ensure procedures are fair, open and transparent and based on merit. More information about the role of the Commissioner and his Code of Practice is available from – http://publicappointmentscommissioner.independent.gov.ukAll applications will be acknowledged within 5 working days of receipt. If you have not received an acknowledgement within 7 working days of submitting your application, please contact Nina Shuttlewood on 0303 444 2641 or email publicappointments@communities.gsi.gov.uk to ensure we have received your application.After the closing date applications will be carefully assessed by the Assessment Panel on their merits against the criteria as published and a short list for interview will be drawn up. The Assessment Panel will comprise senior officials from DCLG and WG and will include an independent member.

It is vital that you provide evidence through worked examples to demonstrate that you meet each required criteria.

If you would like further information on the role or the application process or progress of your application please contact Nina Shuttlewood at publicappointments@communities.gsi.gov.uk or by phone on 0303 444 2641.

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Selection ProcessThe Assessment Panel will consist of:

1. Helen MacNamara, DCLG, Director General, Housing and Planning 2. Simon Gallagher, DCLG Director of Planning3. Neil Hemington, Welsh Government, Chief Planner4. Additional Panel member (to be confirmed)

InterviewsOn the application covering letter candidates should indicate whether they will be available on the date (s) which has been arranged for interviews. We aim to accommodate all interviewees but if they are unavailable on that date or alternatives that are offered we may have to disregard their application. A letter confirming the arrangements of date, time and venue will be sent to all short listed candidates.Candidates who the panel considers meet the criteria for the post and merit appointment will be recommended to the Secretary of State for consideration. The Secretary of State may choose to meet with appointable candidates before making a decision. If he does, he will meet all candidates in the presence of the panel Chair or their nominated representative. The time taken between interview and a final appointment decision being made can sometimes take a number of weeks. Candidates who have been interviewed will be kept informed of progress. Interviews will be held at 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF. Reasonable travel and accommodation expenses will be payable for travel to and from the interview, in accordance with PINS guidelines. Please contact Nina Shuttlewood in advance if you intend to claim travel expenses so full detail on permissible expenses can be provided.

Post Interview - Next StepsFollowing the ministerial decision on appointment, letters will be sent to all interviewees with the result. The successful candidate will be sent a letter of appointment to sign and return. They will also be asked to provide a biography which will accompany the Press Notice which will announce their appointment to the Board. Once the appointment commences training will be offered.

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: publicappointments@communities.gsi.gov.uk or by post: Partnership & Delivery Unit, Department for Communities and Local Government, 1st Floor NE, Fry Building, 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.

Details on how to make a complaint can be found on the Commissioner’s website at:

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http://publicappointmentscommissioner.independent.gov.uk/what-we-do/complaints-and-investigations

Complaints should be lodged within 12 months of the appointment being made.

Anticipated TimetableIt is possible that timings may alter if interviews cannot be held on the expected date.

Date Action

7 July Advert published

24 July Closing date

W/c 7 August Shortlisting - Consideration of applications

14 August Shortlist to Ministers

W/c 28 August Notifications issued to those selected for interview & to unsuccessful applicants

W/c 4 September Panel Interviews

W/c 11 September Panel recommendation to the Minister on appointable candidates for consideration

W/c 30 October Appointment letter sent & brief biography of successful candidate requested

November Chair appointment effective date

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The Seven Principles of Public LifeSelflessnessHolders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.

IntegrityHolders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships

ObjectivityHolders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using best evidence and without discrimination.

AccountabilityHolders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.

OpennessHolders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for doing so.

HonestyHolders of public office should be truthful.

LeadershipHolders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and be willing to challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.

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Annex ADIVERSITY 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 2010.

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.

The Equality Act 2010 protects people from discrimination and promotes equality on the basis of a number of ‘protected characteristics’. We ask for information on your ‘protected characteristics’ in order to help us monitor our performance on equality.

In line with Government policy, and in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998, the information you provide will be held confidentially and can only be used if you give us your consent.

Your responses to sections 1 – 9 will never be made available to the panel considering your application.

Assessment of your suitability for the post is made purely on the information you give on the application form and your performance at the interview should you be invited. Appointments are made strictly on merit. We hope that this encourages you to complete the form. We strongly encourage all applicants to complete and return the attached questionnaire. Should you have any questions, please contact: publicappointments@communities.gsi.gov.uk

Name of Applicant:

Post Applied For:

It is important that you provide your name on this form so that we are able to analyse diversity details in respect of those who apply, are invited for interview, and are subsequently offered the posts. This information will not be shared with anyone involved in the sifting or interview process, and is purely for monitoring purposes.

1. Gender

What is your gender?

[ ] female [ ] male[ ] I prefer to describe myself as _________________________________[ ] I prefer not to say

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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

[ ] 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 [ ] 46-55 [ ] 56-65 [ ] 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

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[ ] 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:

Employment __________________________________________

[ ] Mostly Civil Service [ ] Mostly Private Sector [ ] Mostly Third Sector [ ] Mostly wider Public Sector [ ] Mixed [ ] Other [ ] I prefer not to say

9. Do you hold any other public appointments?

[ ] 0 [ ] 1 [ ] 2 [ ] 3 [ ] 4 [ ] 5-9 [ ] 10 or more [ ] prefer not to say

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.

Only the information provided in section 10 (Political Activity in separate section below) will be made available to the Panel if you are called for interview.

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10. Political Activity

All applicants should complete the question below. Please indicate which of the following activities you have undertaken during the past five years by ticking the appropriate box and by providing details of your involvement. Name the political party or body for which you have been active. If you have been or are an Independent or have sought or obtained office as a representative of a particular interest group, you should state this. You should tick all relevant categories.

If you are successful, the information provided will be published with the announcement of your appointment.

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 ______________________)

Party/Parties___________________________________________________

Name…………………

Signed…………………

Date……………………

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Annex BGUARANTEED 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.

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 publicappointments@communities.gsi.gov.uk

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Annex C

CONFLICTS 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 HCA. 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 HCA works, membership of societies, activities, associations or employment of a partner or friend in the particular field, HCA 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.

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Annex D

OTHER 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. Any potential conflicts of interest detailed here may, if appropriate, be explored with you during any interview to establish how you would address the issue(s) should you be successful in your application.

Name: ………………………………………………………………….

Signed: …………………………………………………………………

Date: …………………

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Annex EREQUESTS FOR REFEREESPlease 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:

Annex FAdvertisement Publicity Survey

Title of the advertised role: ………………………………….

Please let us know where you heard about this vacancy. Tick as applicable.

1. Cabinet Office Public Appointment website

2. The organisation 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…………………………….

Thank you.

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