Notes For Applicants

Hambleton District Council - Making life better… improving quality of life for all by providing high quality services to our communities and helping to deliver community needs

GENERAL INFORMATION:

The District Council of Hambleton, which contains 178 Parishes, has an area of about 324,098 acres (one of the largest in England) and a population of approximately 87,500 which is increasing. It is predominantly rural in character and stretches for over 40 miles, from the County boundary of Cleveland in the north, almost to the City of York in the south. It includes the attractive and thriving market towns of Bedale, Easingwold, Northallerton, Thirsk and Stokesley. Their popularity draws people from the surrounding villages and beyond as do the many annual Craft and Agricultural shows. For the more energetic the area provides both excellent opportunities for walking and cycling as well as a number of top class golf courses which are open to visitors.

The eastern fringe, represented by the Hambleton Hills, from which the District takes its name, is within the North York Moors National Park, with the Yorkshire Dales National Park within close proximity to the west. The District offers a first-rate environment in which both to live and work, with excellent road and rail communications with the rest of the country. The area is also rich in heritage and tradition with National Trust, English Heritage and several privately owned historic houses offering insights into the past.

The largest town in the District is Northallerton, which is also the administrative headquarters of the North Yorkshire County Council. Hambleton District Council is based at the purpose-built Civic Centre on the northern outskirts of Northallerton providing a comfortable and modern work environment with ample free parking. There is easy access to Hambleton Leisure Centre, which is based on the same site.

Education

There is a wide range of primary, secondary and special schools throughout the Hambleton area maintained by North Yorkshire County Council. North Yorkshire presents a rich and diverse pattern of education, which delivers standards amongst the highest in the country.

For further information call North Yorkshire County Council on 01609 780780 or visit their website www.northyorks.gov.uk Opens in a new window

Housing

The majority of private housing is concentrated in the market towns. The main social housing provider in the District is Broadacres Housing Association who acquired the local authority housing in 1993. There are a number of other local Housing Associations, which operate within the district but their stock levels are much smaller and more dispersed. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Housing Division based at Stone Cross in Northallerton.

Hambleton District Council has a Council Tax Valuation List of 37,291 properties and a Council Tax Rate for 2004/2005 of 34,671. The average Band D equivalent is 1,107.13. The District Council levy is 68 Council Tax for the District. Council Tax is also payable for the County Council, the Police Authority, the Fire Authority, and Parishes. The District Council is a debt-free Authority.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Hambleton is a forward-looking, high-performing authority. The commitment to providing a quality service is shown by its achievements:

Best Value

Under the Best Value regime Hambleton District Council is committed to reviewing all services by 31 May 2005. We have adopted a corporate strategy that defines what the Council seeks to achieve and how it performs against key indicators and community aspirations.

The Best Value Performance Plan is published each year.

Hambleton District Council has now evaluated itself against the requirements of comprehensive performance assessment (CPA) introduced in the recent local government White Paper, Strong Local Government - Quality Public Services. The CPA will build on existing audit, inspections and assessments and form the cornerstone of the government's performance framework for local government, which will affect district councils in 2003.

Best Value inspections took place in 2001 in the ICT department and Leisure Services, both functions producing excellent results. The customer focus of the ICT function was important to their receiving a two star rating, showing the service is 'good' and 'will improve'. A three star rating has rewarded the high quality of leisure facilities in Hambleton. This is the first such rating for 'cultural services' in the North of England. Independent inspectors said the service was 'excellent' and that it 'will improve'. Development Services Best Value inspection took place in 2003, showing a good service with excellent prospects for improvement.


Training and Development

In May 2001 Hambleton District Council received the prestigious Investors in People award recognising the commitment to the training and development of all its employees. Post entry training is encouraged and financial support may be available. In April 2003 the Council was re-assessed. The outcome not only confirmed the award but the assessor commented that the results were amongst the best in the region.


Community Safety

In April 2002 Hambleton district Council was awarded the Beacon Council status for 'Crime Reduction in Rural Areas'. Hambleton District Council has shown a clear vision, high satisfaction with services and a willingness to innovate within the areas of community safety. To obtain Beacon Status the Council have also demonstrated a good overall performance in all service areas.


Leisure Facilities

In addition to receiving excellent Best Value reports, all four leisure centres in the Hambleton area have achieved the national 'Quest' accolade, the leading quality mark for leisure services in the UK. Hambleton District Council is the only authority to receive consistently high praise for its leisure services.



THE COUNCIL'S STRUCTURE:

The Council has 44 Members, elected every 4 years. It is currently under Conservative control.

Three departments are responsible for the effective administration of the Council's functions:

Chief Executive's Department
Resources Department
Planning and Environmental Services Department

FURTHER INFORMATION

Hours of work

Normal office hours are 37 hours per week from 8.45am to 5.15pm from Monday to Thursday and 8.45am to 4.45pm on Friday, with one hour for lunch. A system of flexitime operates, subject to the needs of the service. All posts may be considered for job sharing.

Superannuation

There is a contributory superannuation scheme, which provides an excellent range of benefits for scheme members. Entry to the scheme is optional and is subject to medical clearance.

No Smoking Policy

Please note that the Council has a no smoking policy, which is strictly enforced in all of its premises.

Interview Expenses

Candidates shall have travelling expenses reimbursed, at second class return rail fare (taking into account ''cheap day returns'' where appropriate) or bus fare rate, whether or not expenses at higher rates are actually incurred. An allowance to cover the cost of petrol is payable for local journeys provided that the amount involved does not exceed the appropriate rail fare.

Subsistence shall be in accordance with the NJC Scheme of Conditions of Service rates currently in force.

The successful candidate will receive payment of expenses on taking up the appointment; payments to unsuccessful candidates will be posted to them as soon as possible after the interview.

Expenses will be withheld should the successful applicant refuse an offer of employment without reasonable grounds.

Relocation and Removals Expenses

See link above

Sickness Records

Further information regarding sickness records may be sought from previous employers.

The Council requires that all employees undertake medical screening by the Authority's Medical Officer. This normally only includes the completion of a form related to your medical history.

Declaration of Convictions

Most posts at Hambleton District Council are covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and any 'spent' convictions need not be declared. A copy of the Council's Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is available upon request. Those jobs, which involve the supervision of children, will require a Disclosure Application for successful applicants.

Canvassing of Council Committee Members

The canvassing of any member of committee of the Council, directly or indirectly, will disqualify an applicant for the appointment.

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