Person specification

Note 1 The Commission has a duty to make reasonable adjustments for candidates who cannot meet these requirements, including the requirement to have a driving licence, because they are disabled under the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Note 2 All the requirements are essential except where stated.

Job title - Investigator

1. Experience

Essential: Three years experience of working with complex written material ie getting to grips with it, demonstrating understanding and writing reports and correspondence. Experience of juggling priorities. Experience of word processing. (Note: The Commission has moved to a position where investigators are self-servicing for the purpose of word processing. Candidates will be expected to comply with this).

Desirable: Experience of working with the public and dealing with casework or investigative work.

2. Technical knowledge

Desirable: Knowledge of local government

3. Communication skills (written)

Style

- in plain English without jargon

- appropriate to circumstances

Content

- identifies the key issues

- concise and summarises where appropriate

Approach

- quick without the need to amend

- clear, coherent with logical argument

4. Communication skills (oral)

Listening

- attentive

- shows empathy

Speaking

- articulate

- confident

- authoritative

- clear

Reacting

- aware of body language

- flexible approach

- quick witted

- able to probe

The ability to:

- assimilate a large volume of written material in a short time

- draw logical deductions

- select relevant facts

- make quick and balanced decisions

- simplify complex issues

- discard irrelevant details

- identify the nub of a problem

- check points of detail

- Able to work under pressure and to deadlines

- Planning skills

- Able to manage a caseload

- Able to prioritise

- Negotiating skills

- Able to argue coherently

- Self aware

- Focussed on objectives

- Seeks advice when appropriate

- Can work with low level of supervision

- Able to follow guidance and accept criticism

- Motivated to meet the aims of the Commission

- Motivated to achieve objectives

- Self disciplined

- Committed to equal opportunities

- Assertive

- Confident

- Self reliant

- Purposeful

- Energetic

- Methodical

Essential: Current full driving licence (for staff based in Coventry or York).

Desirable: Current full driving licence (for staff based in London).

August 2006

Revised September 2008 (removal of non-smoking