colleagues; ensuring mutual exchange of information; influencing developments through one’s contacts; and building an external reputation. Liaison is making one-off contacts for work related reasons. A network in an interconnecting group of people who exchange information, contact and experience on a recurrent basis for professional purposes connect with the role. Will the role holder be required to initiate or lead any networks internally or externally? If so what are they and what is their purpose? Examples may include: Build and maintain external professional relationships relevant to the needs of the University and represent the University as appropriate. Establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels both internally and externally. Utilise effective negotiation and networking skills, in order to build and maintain internal and external networks to benefit the University. Exchange information with other staff for effective working (e.g. checking availability for meetings, making room bookings). Participate in Administrator’s network to exchange information on effective ways of working. Service Delivery: Covers the provision of help and assistance to a high standard of service to students, visitors, members of and other users of the University. This may include reacting to requests for information or advice; actively offering or promoting the services of the institution to others; and setting the overall standards of service offered. The term customer is used in its broadest to include anyone who consumes or benefits from the services provided by role holders and includes other members of staff as well as students, visitors and clients. What service will the role holder provide and to whom? Will the role holder investigate the needs of the customer and then adapt the service to meet their requirements? If so, using an example describe how? Will the role holder set or contribute to the setting and monitoring of the overall standards for the service? Examples may include: Provide a responsive and accurate service to staff and external contacts. Set up and monitor service standards by seeking and acting upon customer feedback. Provide a responsive service based on staff and student needs. Contact is normally initiated by the customer. Identify changes to users’ needs by obtaining feedback from staff and students. Discuss feedback obtained with Line manager with a view to modifying the service provided. Contact potential customers to let them know of new services.
tasks or on projects; carrying out operational planning; and planning for coming years. Will the role holder have to organise projects, e.g. conferences, ceremonies or research projects? If so, please provide a typical example. Will the role holder be involved in strategic planning? Examples may include: Ensure the smooth running of the laboratory/office; plan and prioritise own workload in accordance with agreed objectives. Have the ability to work pressure and to prioritise workload with minimal supervision/guidance to ensure high standards of application, care and accuracy in self and others. Manage a specific project, e.g. organising a conference or event. Project Management: monitor progress and keep to timescales. Manage staff. Contribute to the School/Service annual plan. Set objectives for team using the University’s PDR/appraisal system. Initiative and Problem Solving: Covers identifying or developing options and selecting solutions to problems which occur in the role. This may include using initiative to select from available options; resolving problems where an immediate solution may not be apparent; dealing with complex problems; and anticipating problems which could have major repercussions. What problems will the role holder typically have to resolve and how often do these occur? What procedures, custom and practice to help the role holder in solving problems? Will the role holder use initiative to solve problems? Please provide a typical example? Does the role holder have to generate new or creative approaches to resolving problems? Examples may include: Investigate and resolve student complaints. Use initiative and creativity where the optimal solution may not be immediately apparent, e.g. handling difficult meetings, complaints, grievances. Manage and balance the School/Service budget and resources against needs and plans.
tasks. This may include physical effort, and dexterity, using aural evidence to assess next actions; applying skilled techniques and sensory information; and high levels of dexterity where precision or accuracy is essential. Will the role holder be required to lift, carry or handle large, heavy or fragile objects? Will the role holder need to use any skills involving dexterity or use of the other senses (observing, listening, touching, smelling, tasting)? Examples may include: Responsible for moving expensive equipment around the laboratories. Responsible for setting up and dismantling data projector and visual equipment in laboratories. Required to use a computer for more than 50% of working time. Responsible for the operation and repair of highly specialised, hazardous or complex tools, equipment or instruments. Work Environment: Covers the impact the working environment has on the individual and their ability to respond to and control that environment safely. This may include such things as the temperature, noise or fumes, the work position and working in an outdoor environment. Where will the role holder normally work? Will the role holder be required to take any special measures to reduce the risk or control any aspects of the environment before or while working there? Will the role holder be required to make any assessment of the level of risk in the work or in the environment in accordance with the legislation and institutional guidelines? Will the role holder make use of any safety equipment, special clothing? Will the role holder be responsible for the overall control of the work environment, in terms of health and safety, and making sure that others working there are not at risk? Examples may include: Required to understand Health and safety issues and to take responsibility for staff. Required to provide advice to and students on safe working practices within own area of responsibility. Required to follow safety procedures using machinery or electrical equipment. Pastoral Care and Welfare: Covers the welfare and well being of students and staff within the How frequently will the role holder come into contact with those who may need help?