Shaping
Stratford
Shaping Stratford
Welcome
Welcome
Stratford-on-Avon District Council has just established its vision for the next decade, and we now need an excellent Head of Resources and Transformation (s151 Officer) to join our team. The Council has big plans to develop both itself and the communities that we serve, and this role will be at the heart of this ambition. The opportunity has arisen following a recent review of the Council’s structures and the recognition that an investment in senior capacity was required in order to meet these recently published ambitions. This has now resulted in the appointment of a new Chief Executive and Deputy who are working with the political leadership to “get stuff done”.
Our Head of Resources and Transformation will oversee a significant investment programme in our ICT infrastructure under our “Ways of Working” project which will also see us determine our long-term accommodation needs. The Council is currently in a strong financial position, however, in order to address further reductions in government support, the Council is actively reviewing a number of initiatives which are designed to either reduce cost or generate income to support our core services.
The Council has always been extremely conscious of its impact upon the environment and has made significant reductions in our own emissions. In September along with the majority of local authorities, the Council declared a Climate Change Emergency, and has acted swiftly in identifying a number of actions that will help with the aspiration of being recognised as a Carbon Neutral District by 2030. A significant project in this area will be the development of regional Materials Recycling Facility, this will ensure that the Council can consider new and exciting recycling opportunities consistent with the Climate Change agenda.
We have a focused, busy and forward-thinking workforce, committed to providing the best services we can to both our residents and visitors. Our success is largely due to having flexible, committed and enthusiastic staff, who are prepared to go the extra mile and have a ‘can-do’ work ethic.
Once more we thank you for taking the time to consider a career at Stratford-on-Avon District Council. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Council to modernise and deliver the ambition of the Council Plan. It is a given that this will be a period of significant change for the Council and if this excites you then we encourage you to apply.
About Stratford District
Stratford-on-Avon District is a large, predominantly rural District, in the south of Warwickshire. Agriculture plays an important role in the local economy and has helped to create a mixed rural environment of pasture and arable farming. The District is also characterised by small market towns, historic buildings and pretty villages making it attractive to visitors. There are excellent motorway, road and rail networks, which connect the District not only with Birmingham and the West Midlands, but also with London, the North and the Southwest. These transport routes have played an important role in the development of an increasing industrial base with a number of companies of national and international renown. Much of the employment within the District is dependent on tourism, farming and the automotive industry and unemployment rates are below average.
Many residents of the District commute to higher paid jobs outside, while the lower paid jobs within the District are often filled by people commuting into the District. Household income is above average and this ranges from £37,000 in the Alcester area to almost £50,000 in Tanworth in Arden.
Culture and tourism obviously play a significant role in the District as well. The most famous event of the District’s history is, of course, the birth of William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon itself. The five properties connected with his life that are preserved in and around the town play a major part in the local economy. Millions of tourists visit Stratford every year from all around the world, and about one in eight jobs in the District rely on their presence.
About Stratford District
Stratford-on-Avon District is a large, predominantly rural District, in the south of Warwickshire. Agriculture plays an important role in the local economy and has helped to create a mixed rural environment of pasture and arable farming. The District is also characterised by small market towns, historic buildings and pretty villages making it attractive to visitors. There are excellent motorway, road and rail networks, which connect the District not only with Birmingham and the West Midlands, but also with London, the North and the Southwest. These transport routes have played an important role in the development of an increasing industrial base with a number of companies of national and international renown. Much of the employment within the District is dependent on tourism, farming and the automotive industry and unemployment rates are below average.
Many residents of the District commute to higher paid jobs outside, while the lower paid jobs within the District are often filled by people commuting into the District. Household income is above average and this ranges from £37,000 in the Alcester area to almost £50,000 in Tanworth in Arden.
Culture and tourism obviously play a significant role in the District as well. The most famous event of the District’s history is, of course, the birth of William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon itself. The five properties connected with his life that are preserved in and around the town play a major part in the local economy. Millions of tourists visit Stratford every year from all around the world, and about one in eight jobs in the District rely on their presence.
Working at Stratford
We are a focused, busy and forward-thinking workforce, committed to providing the best services we can to both our residents and visitors. We are successful as a result of having flexible, committed and enthusiastic staff, who are prepared to go the extra mile and have a ‘can-do’ work ethic.
Our ambition is that SDC becomes the most inclusive local authority employer in the UK. To achieve this we will create a welcoming, inclusive workplace where we are all able to bring our whole selves to work and perform at our best. Trust, integrity, approachability and adaptability will be encouraged and valued.
Our Vision
Our Pledge
There are three main objectives:
- A flourishing local economy
- People and their environment
- Responsible community leadership
The Strategy
- Keep Stratford-on-Avon District special. Our District is a much valued environment in which to live, work, visit and thrive. While development is inevitable, it is important that the character of our settlements and the landscape is retained.
- Support local businesses. A strong local economy will support our communities through the provision of jobs and prosperity.
- Support an ageing population. This section of our population is significantly higher than the national average, and we must ensure our services support their needs.
- Reduce costs. We live in a period of continued austerity the Council will need to ensure that it continues to deliver improvements in securing value for money.
Our Values and Behaviours
The Council has a set of values that define our behaviour in the way we work.
Integrity
• Do the right thing
• Learn from mistakes
• Be considerate
• Be accountable
Trust
• Be fair and honest
• Developing trusting relationships
• Treat people with respect
Approachability
• Be accessible
• Always try to help
• Show empathy
Adaptability
• Have a ‘can-do’ approach
• Endeavour to find the best solutions
• ‘Get stuff done’
• Have a flexible attitude
Employee Benefits
- Town centre location with easy access to shops
- Training and development
- Payment of one essential professional subscription
- Relocation allowance
- Local Government Pension Scheme (Career Average Scheme)
- Health expenses scheme
- Employee assistance programme (including counselling)
- Salary sacrifice schemes – including cycle to work and childcare vouchers
- Free town centre car parking
- Eye test vouchers
- Homeworking (dependent upon the role)
Disability Confident Employer
To achieve this standard the District Council has shown a commitment to attract, support and promote disabled people in the workplace, by implementing a variety of supportive processes including:
- Making sure our recruitment process is accessible to all and attracts a wide pool of talent.
- Offering interviews to those candidates who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role.
- Supporting disabled people by making adjustments to interviews, jobs and the workplace to reduce any disadvantage caused by the disability.
- Providing a range of support to staff who become disabled whilst working for us: including occupational health provision, an employee assistance programme (EAP), mental health first aiders and ongoing support from human resources and managers.
The Council is currently accredited until June 2021.
About the Role
Head of Resources and Transformation (S151 Officer)
Salary up to £80,000 (inclusive of a 3 year market supplement)
You will be a chartered accountant and have membership of a professional body such as CIPFA. A compassionate leader and strategic thinker, you’ll have experience in delivering transformation projects, and have the courage to make bold decisions and share your opinion. You will need to be both collaborative and supportive in your approach and share our enthusiasm for doing your best for the Council and our community.
Let’s Start Something New Together
Apply Now
Please be aware that candidates will be required to be available to attend an Assessment Centre and Final Member Panel Interview as below:
Head of Resources and Transformation (S151 Officer)
Longlist Interview
Week Commencing Monday 16 March 2020
Assessment Centre
Thursday 2 April 2020
Final Members Panel
Friday 3 April 2020