Application Pack

							        APPLICATION PACK

             External Vacancy
        Contract Services Supervisor
         Fixed Term for 12 months




CLOSING DATE: Wednesday 30th January 2013
                               CONTENTS



1. Letter from the Head of Human Resources


2. Guidance for Applicants


3. Vision & Values


4. Recruitment & Selection Promises


5. Department Structure


6. Person Specification


7. Job Profile


8. Job Advert
Dear Candidate

Thank you for enquiring about a post within the Vela Group.

The Vela Group was formed on 13th December 2010 by the partnership of Housing Hartlepool
and Tristar Homes. With a combined stock of 17,300 homes, 700 employees and an annual
turnover of over £55 million we will be able to make a positive impact in our two localities and
beyond.

The Company aims to make a real difference to the quality of life for our residents. Our
objective is to provide quality houses that become homes where people and their neighbours
enjoy life and we intend to do this through the empowerment of staff to deliver excellent
services, and the real involvement of tenants in decisions that affect their homes and
neighbourhoods.

All our Board Members are wholly committed to the success of the Vela Group and the
continued development of staff. This post will play an important part in achieving this success.

If you feel up to the challenge, I look forward to receiving your application.


Yours sincerely




Bernadette Stainsby
Head of Human Resources
Guidance for Applicants

This guidance has been compiled to help you understand the recruitment process. If you need
any further information after reading this, please contact Human Resources who will be happy
to help with any enquiries. They can be contacted by telephoning 03001111000.

The Application Form

Anyone applying for employment needs to complete in full the standard application form either
online or paper based in black ink, to be returned by the specified closing date. When applying
for vacancies within the group a job description and person specification, as well as any other
information relevant to the post will be made available to you. If you are completing a paper
based application form, it is important that additional information is submitted on a separate
sheet/s and each sheet is numbered and clearly shows your name and the post title of the job
for which you are applying for. You should make your application relevant to the post for which
you are applying, e.g. giving sufficient detail of your experience, responsibilities, transferable
skills, personal qualities, achievements, etc, and show how you can successfully fulfil the
requirements of the particular job.

We do not accept CV’s in place of or as a supplement to application forms so please ensure
that you fully complete the form.

If you are completing a paper based application form, please ensure that you put the correct
amount of postage on the envelope when returning your application form as we will not be
responsible for forms with insufficient postage.

Tips for Completing the Application Form

It is important that you read the guidance notes carefully as these have been written to help you
to provide us with specific information in relation to the post which you are applying.

General Information

Please note all information fields marked with a red star are mandatory and must be completed
before you can progress with the rest of your application.

If a full UK driving licence is required for the position you are applying for then this will be stated
in the essential criteria of the person specification.

When applying online, you are asked to select your preferred method of receiving
correspondence from the Company. Vela Group actively promote a greener way of working and
ask that you consider the option of receiving information electronically in support of this.
Applicants for jobs are required to declare if they have a close personal relationship to any
Board Member or manager employed by Vela Group, this includes employees within Tristar
Homes, Housing Hartlepool and Vela Group. Close personal relationships include:

   Partners/spouses
   Members of your or your partner/spouse’s immediate family (including parents, brothers,
    sisters, cousins, nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts and grandparents)
   Close friends
   Anyone else who may be, or perceived to be, in a position to influence the recruitment
    process. If in doubt, relationships should be declared.

Current & Previous Employment

In this section please provide details of your current employment or if you are not working your
most recent employment. We also require information regarding any previous job roles which
should be listed with the most recent first. If you have undertaken any voluntary or unpaid work
please include this within this section.

Education & Qualifications

This section requires information regarding your education and any qualifications you have
gained. If any specific qualifications are listed in the person specification please ensure you
detail these in this section. Please also include any qualifications/courses that you are currently
undertaking.

Please note where a specific qualification is essential for this position, you will be asked to bring
proof of your qualifications if selected for interview.

Relevant Courses and Professional Bodies

Please give full details of any other training and development that you have undertaken. This
could be formal courses you may have attended, work completed in the voluntary sector,
internal training courses and any forms of mentoring or coaching you have taken part in. Please
also include details of membership of associations or professional groups.

Think carefully about how you have developed your skills throughout your career and note
anything you feel relevant in this section.

Personal Statement

You should use this section to detail what attracts you to the post and what you would hope to
achieve within the post if successful.

The application form is your opportunity to highlight your skills, knowledge, and experience to
demonstrate that you are able to carry out the duties of the role. Please ensure you
demonstrate by means of examples, how you applied that particular skill or used that knowledge
etc
Company Values

You should identify within this section how you demonstrate a commitment to our Company’s
Values. You should provide examples of how you have embraced these values within your
current or previous employment. Please refer to the notes provided on the Company Values in
this pack. Note: If you have no work experience please use personal examples.

If you require the application form in an alternative format please contact 03001111000

Late Applications

Late applications will not be accepted.

Correspondence Regarding Your Application Form

We do not routinely acknowledge receipt of application forms but if you want to be certain that
your application has been received, please telephone 03001111000.

You will receive notification whether your application has been successful and whether it will
proceed to interview.

If you are completing a paper based application form, please return it to the address outlined on
the back of the form.

Shortlisting

Completing your application form is an essential part of the application process. The way you
complete it can affect whether or not you are successful in getting through to the next stage of
the selection process.

We use the same application form for all applicants, including staff who are currently employed,
and will ask you to complete a form for each post that you are interested in applying for.

Read through all the information that is available to you, paying particular attention to the job
description and person specification.

Make sure that you complete the application form as fully as possible so that we have as much
information to short list from.

You need to tell us how you meet the criteria within the person specification; use examples of
where you have done this in the past so that we can identify that you have the skills required for
the post. If you do not tell us then we cannot assume. Simply listing the criteria in your
application form will not be sufficient.


Applicants who have declared that they consider themselves to have a disability under the
terms of the Equality Act 2010 and who Vela Group consider meet all the essential criteria for
the post which are measurable from their application, will be guaranteed an interview.
Interviews

If you are shortlisted, you will receive correspondence via email or letter; this will be dependent
on the method you chose on your application form. If you have applied using a paper based
form you will receive correspondence via letter.

We will also tell you where and when the interview will be held, and any additional information
you will need to help you prepare. For certain posts, you may be asked to attend a selection
process, where this is the case, it will be clearly explained in the letter inviting you to an
interview and will be directly relevant to the job for which you have applied.

If you have indicated that you need any practical arrangements, provisions, equipment or aids if
invited for interview, we will contact you about this if you are shortlisted so that appropriate
arrangements can be made.

Contacting Referees and Current/Previous Employers

When providing referees, if you denote that they may be approached if you are shortlisted it is
expected that you will have already forewarned them of the likelihood of having to respond to a
reference request.

One of your referees must be your current, or most recent, employer, however Vela Group
reserves the right to request a reference from your current or most recent employer regardless
of whether this is one of the two referees provided.

And Afterwards?

After the interview, you will be contacted to let you know whether you have been successful.
You will be given the opportunity to request feedback on your interview performance from a
member of the interview panel.

If you are successful, we will need to make certain checks – verification of qualifications,
references, medical fitness for the post based on a health questionnaire completed by you
(which may or may not lead to an examination), identity check, eligibility to work in the UK, and
a criminal record check to the level deemed appropriate to your post.

Any offer of employment made to you will be conditional upon the satisfactory outcome of such
checks. We will also discuss with you the arrangements for starting your new job.
Data Protection

By signing the declaration on the application form you will also give the Vela Group permission
to lawfully process data you have provided in your application in accordance with the provisions
of the Data Protection Act 1998, including data required for the purposes of equal opportunities
monitoring.

Declaration

We expect the information you give in your application to be accurate and true. In this respect
you are required to certify on the form that what you have set down is, to the best of your
knowledge, full and accurate. You are also required to certify that you have not and will not
canvass anyone i.e. try to persuade others to use their influence to further an application for
employment. Any deliberate failure to comply will disqualify a candidate from consideration for
appointment to the post or if appointed could result in summary termination of your contract of
employment. This does not however prevent you from agreeing with anyone for them to provide
a written reference for you, or requesting further information from the Vela Group in respect of
the job for which you are applying.

Complaints

Complaints about recruitment and selection activities should be made through the official
complaints procedure. To find out how to make an official complaint please contact
03001111000


Vision and Values

Vision –

“Shaping Places, Creating Communities and Changing Lives”

Values -

   Professional and accountable

We accept responsibility for our actions, take pride in our work and have a ”can do” attitude. We
are clear about what we can do and do what we say we are going to do. In all we do we act
professionally with integrity and are fair and open. We are known for our honest approach
and on occasions when we can’t do something then we say why not. In all we do, whether
investing in homes and communities or providing excellent services, we make the best use of
the resources we have.

   Communicating positively, listening and learning

We drive our business on with energy, commitment and ambition. We accept change as a
constant and are able to adapt quickly with an approach of meeting the challenge and seizing
the opportunity. We communicate effectively with our customers, encourage their views
on our plans and services and learn from what they tell us. We learn from others and from all
that we do, helping to support our innovative approach and development of great partnerships.

   Customer focussed

Customers are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in making sure that our business
focuses on things that matter most to them. Our approach recognises and is sensitive to the
fact that the needs of our customers are different and local priorities differ from area to area.
What our customers think about us is really important and we use their feedback, challenge,
experience and skills to help us constantly improve.

   Value and respect difference

We understand that people’s needs differ and individuality plays a large part in creating thriving
communities. As each individual is different then so are the local community needs and
aspirations and so we tailor our approach, services and workplace environment to ensure that
we are fair and provide opportunity to all.

   Passionate about People

We recruit for attitude and to attract and retain the best quality people. We want to be a place
where people choose to work in an environment where people can work and have fun in what
they do. We offer opportunity to our people to enable them to reach their full potential. We
recognise and reward achievement and have an inclusive culture that empowers people to be
innovative, embrace continuous learning and self improvement. Each and every voice has a
part to play in the organisation and will be given space to be heard.

Recruitment & Selection Promises

We will ensure that:
   Job vacancies are advertised in accordance with our equality promises.

   Application forms are sent out to applicants within 1 working day.

   Short listing will take place within 10 working days following the closing date.

   Successful candidates are given at least 5 working days notice prior to the
    interview/selection process.

   All candidates will receive correspondence confirming the outcome of their
    application.

   The outcome of interviews will be shared with candidates within 2 working days of
    recruitment/selection process. (In extenuating circumstances this may be up to 5 working
    days i.e. unattained references, operational disruption to the decision making process).

All candidates are offered the opportunity to receive one to one feedback from the lead officer
following the selection process
PERSON SPECIFICATION
CONTRACT SERVICES SUPERVISOR

        REQUIREMENTS                                 ESSENTIAL                                                DESIRABLE
                                  Indicated in brackets after each criteria how this     Indicated in brackets after each criteria how this will
                                            will be verified, i.e. (F), (I), (T)                       be verified, i.e. (F), (I), (T)


Educational/vocational/           Educated to HNC level or equivalent                      Member of a professional and / or Management
occupational qualifications       and / or professionally qualified in Construction         organisation, or willing to work towards. (F)
and/or training                    Management or a related discipline and / or the          Evidence of Continual Professional Development
                                   ability to demonstrate relevant experience. (F)           (CPD). (F)

Specific qualifications (or
equivalents)

Knowledge                         Can demonstrate recent experience working in a           Has worked with Private Sector Contractors. (F)
                                   high quality, VFM housing repairs & maintenance          Has been involved in managing service user
                                   organization in an operational management role. (F)       involvement in planning and delivery of significant
                                  Can demonstrate the experience and ability to             repairs and investment projects. (F)
                                   manage multi-disciplinary and technical teams. (F)       Experience in managing specialist works including
                                  Proven experience of budget responsibility and            Asbestos, Lift Maintenance and Gas, Fire, Water and
                                   controlling expenditure. (F, I)                           Electrical Safety. (F, I)
                                  Can demonstrate successful Project, Quality and
                                   Performance Management. (F, I)
                                  Can demonstrate previous responsibility for the
                                   management of Health & Safety at an operational
                                   level. (F)
                                  Knowledge of major modernization and repair
                                   programmes. (F, I)
         REQUIREMENTS                        ESSENTIAL                                                      DESIRABLE
                        Indicated in brackets after each criteria how this will          Indicated in brackets after each criteria how this
                                      be verified, i.e. (F), (I), (T)                              will be verified, i.e. (F), (I), (T)


Skills                     Strong communication skills, both verbally and in            Knowledge and understanding of the Decent
                            writing. (F, I)                                               Homes Standard. (F, I)
                           Computer literate with good skills and knowledge of          Knowledge of good practice in Asset Management
                            Microsoft Office suite and database applications. (F,         Planning with regard to long-term maintenance
                            I)                                                            strategies and business planning. (F, I)
                           Ability to understand financial and other data. (F, I)       Can demonstrate a full commitment to diversity in
                           Comprehensive knowledge of performance                        the workplace and in the delivery of services. (F, I)
                            management and ability to implement change where             Ability to produce, manage, monitor and review
                            required. (F, I)                                              Health & Safety plans in accordance with CDM. (F,
                           Demonstrates a commitment to resident involvement             I)
                            and consultation. (F, I)
                           Able to review and inform policies and procedures.
                            (F, I)
                           Recruitment, induction, training, appraisal and
                            discipline of personnel. (F, I)
                           Demonstrates a management style that complements
                            multi-disciplinary teamworking. (F, I)

         REQUIREMENTS                        ESSENTIAL                                                      DESIRABLE
                        Indicated in brackets after each criteria how this will          Indicated in brackets after each criteria how this
                                      be verified, i.e. (F), (I), (T)                              will be verified, i.e. (F), (I), (T)


Personal Attributes        Ability to effectively communicate with a wide range         Coaching skills
                            of people at an appropriate level. (I)                       Mentoring Skills
                           Is an inspirational and motivational leader. (F, I)
                           Effective organizational skills. (F, I)
       REQUIREMENTS                                ESSENTIAL                                                DESIRABLE
                         Indicated in brackets after each criteria how this will         Indicated in brackets after each criteria how this
                         be verified, i.e. (F), (I), (T)                                           will be verified, i.e. (F), (I), (T)


Corporate Requirements      Commitment to Company Values and Objectives (F,
                             I)
                            Adaptable to organisational change (I)
                            Ability to be proactive and motivate others during
                             times of change (I, T)
                            Commitment to Equality & Diversity Framework (I, T)


Other Requirements          Ability to travel regionally, and nationally on occasion,
                             including some overnight stays. (F)
                            Flexible approach to hours worked, coupled with the
                             commitment to see projects through to completion.
POST TITLE:                     CONTRACT SERVICES SUPERVISOR

DIRECTORATE:                    PROPERTY SERVICES

BAND:                           5

RESPONSIBLE TO:                 RELEVANT BUSINESS STREAM MANAGER

RESPONSIBLE FOR:                IN-HOUSE TEAM OF TRADE STAFF
                                SUPPLIERS AND SUB-CONTRACTORS

BUDGET:                         CIRCA £2M PER ANNUM


ROLE PURPOSE


To provide day-to-day supervision to a group of employees, and/or contractors, to ensure the Vela
Property Services Directorate delivers service excellence to our customers across all business streams,
and geographical locations, including asset management, responsive repairs & maintenance, gas, voids
and commercial services, whilst enhancing Vela’s reputation and credibility with internal and external
stakeholders.

To provide high-quality operational leadership, including the allocation, planning and organisation of work
in such a way as to make best use of resources (human, financial and material) to maximise productivity
across any of the business streams within the directorate, in a proactive and positive way. Demonstrates
flexibility in undertaking the duties and responsibilities attached to the role to enable the effective
operational management of other functions within the directorate as required.

To provide day-to-day supervision and line management support to a group of multi-trade employees
and/or specialist suppliers and sub-contractors, undertaking one or more of the following functions:
    Responsive housing repairs, maintenance and improvement works to occupied and void
       properties
    cyclical repairs and maintenance works, including internal and external painting
    planned gas installation, investment and improvement work programmes
    adaptations maintenance and improvement works in occupied and void properties.

Responsible for the effective allocation and organisation of works, making the best use of resources to
maximise productivity, whilst meeting customer needs and ensuring that all works are undertaken to
agreed standards and within the appropriate timescale.

Responsible for ensuring all workforce are legally compliant and appropriately trained in accordance with
prevailing legislation and regulations and Approved Codes of Practice.

Responsible for a budget of circa £2M per annum.

Direct line management responsibility for a team of up to 20 trade staff plus sub-contractors.

Identifying and communicating repair trends, to inform future Asset Management Strategy and to maintain
up to date property information within the appropriate management information systems.
GENERIC ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES


Professional and Accountable
Demonstrates integrity and a positive commitment to act with trust, openness, honesty, democracy,
inclusiveness, high standards, ethics and respect.

Accountable for delivering an excellent service in accordance with Vela’s objectives and values, and
supporting others to account for their behaviours, objectives and outcomes whilst working within
appropriate legislative and regulatory contexts.

Responsible for efficient budget management and demonstrating value for money in all activities,
including day-to-day service provision and ‘special’ or ‘one-off’ projects.

Understands the wider business and its drivers to successfully achieve excellence through corporate
initiatives and efficiencies and identify and align ideas and opportunities to achieve Vela’s vision and
business objectives.

Demonstrates motivation and determination to set and meet challenging objectives, along with the ability
to organise resources to achieve a standard of excellence in outcomes and monitor, manage and improve
performance.

Provide the direction for people to achieve high performance and success and be passionate to
continually develop people to achieve and exceed their goals.

Communicating Positively, Listening and Learning
Ability to communicate the vision and rationale for change and transformation, and able to engage with
and facilitate others to work collaboratively to achieve this.

Demonstrates a commitment to working with, engaging and interacting with employees, customers,
partners and other stakeholders.

Customer Focused
Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of our customers and their needs and expectations in order to
shape and deliver service excellence.

Valuing and Respecting Differences
Encourages, recognises and respects difference within the organisation as well as demonstrating an
understanding of the diverse needs of Vela employees, customers and stakeholders, and promoting and
contributing to a diverse culture.

Passionate About Our People
Encourages and embraces learning and development for both self and others to ensure continuous
improvement.

Empowers people to explore new ideas and acknowledges and supports the need for innovation.

Provide the direction for people to achieve high performance and success and be passionate to develop
people to achieve their goals.

Act as a role-model by demonstrating listening skills, empathy, creative thinking and effective
communication.
FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES


To be responsible for the delivery of day to day repairs, disabled adaptations, work schemes and projects
in occupied and void properties, to the required quality standards within agreed timescales and budgets,
ensuring that customers experience excellent service and outcomes.

To be responsible for the pre- and post-inspection of repairs in accordance with agreed policies and
standard operating procedures, providing customers with advice on repair and maintenance where
appropriate.

To ensure a multi-skilled workforce delivers a timely and efficient service, meeting or exceeding Group
targets, whilst empowering staff to make appropriate decisions to ensure that customers receive excellent
services.

Responsible for workforce performance, appraisals, the wellbeing of the individuals, including their health,
safety and wellbeing. Ensure the image of the workforce is maintained in line with Company values.

Adhere to all health and safety regulations and ensure processes are in place to communicate them,
including the use of Toolbox Talks to the workforce, and all legislative documentation is in place is being
managed, monitored and reported as required in accordance with the Health & Safety etc. at Work Act
1974 and other prevailing legislation and regulations.

Undertakes regular inspections to ensure that plant, equipment and tools, PPE and vehicles used are
secure, maintained and treated with care.

Participates in reviewing and / or developing new operational procedures that will enhance our customers’
experience with the services offered and delivered.

Actively contributes to Property Services’ annual business plan and operational budget proposals.

Utilising the Company’s recognised appraisal and performance management frameworks ensure that
teams and individuals deliver their planned outcomes and that their agreed targets are met in line with
Property Services Business Plan and any other operational requirements.

Monitor, report and advise on the performance of functions for which you are responsible, identifying
opportunities for continuous improvements, and taking a lead role in managing and implementing a range
of initiatives which will drive improvements.

Establish key metrics for the measurement of productivity and efficiency enhancements driven by your
function and regularly report results to key stakeholders.




CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITIES


Ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act at all times.
Promote and represent the Vela Group both internally and externally to maximise its success and
maintain the highest standards of professionalism, conduct and integrity at all times.

Be an ambassador for the Vela Group and Customer Excellence.

Demonstrate commitment and drive towards living the Company Values.

Comply with all Company policies, procedures and protocol including the Equality and Diversity
framework. Ensure duties and responsibilities of the post are carried out in accordance with the
Company’s Equality Policy and commitment to ensuring fair and equal treatment in relation to
employment issues and service delivery.

Comply with the Company’s financial regulations, standing orders and procurement strategy.

Undertake such training as may be deemed necessary to meet the duties and responsibilities of the post.

Take reasonable care of your own health and safety and co-operate with management, so far as is
necessary to enable the compliance of the organisation's health and safety rules and legislative
requirements.
Post Title:     Supervisor
Section:        Planned Investment
Directorate:    Property Services


Salary Circa £31,000

We have an exciting opportunity within the Property Services division for a Supervisor.

We are currently looking for an individual who has the required supervisory skills, along with experience
in all aspects of building maintenance work.

This role is key within the Direct Services section and the successful candidate will be required to
ensure a professional efficient, value for money and quality service is delivered to our customers.

The Challenge:
    To supervise a multi skilled workforce in providing a repairs and maintenance service, to the
      housing stock and other buildings
    To promote the image of Tristar Homes through the Property Services section, with particular
      emphasis on building good working relationships with customers
    To provide a customer focused service, which is viable and efficient. To carry out the service
      within statutory, legal and Health & Safety regulations
    To ensure a multi skilled workforce delivers a timely and efficient service, meeting divisional and
      Company targets
    The ability to work to deadlines and be able to use own initiative to problem solve

The Candidate:
    You will need to be able to demonstrate proven experience within a building maintenance
      environment.
    You will be qualified to degree level or above in a construction related subject or possess a
      relevant trade background.
    You must be enthusiastic, flexible and have the ability to promote Tristar Homes in a
      professional manner at all times.
    You must have good communication skills and the ability to create new relationships and build
      on existing relationships.

For an informal discussion please contact, John Waines, Planned Investment Manager on 01429
525434

Closing Date: Wednesday 30th January 2013

                 Application forms and further details are available on the website –
               www.velagroup.co.uk or can be obtained by contacting the Vela Group on
                    0300 111 1000 or by E-mailing recruitment@velagroup.co.uk