Today you will find 508 jobs in government as the adjacent table shows. It all costs money, money your council tax increase is going to (but not in Hammersmith and Fulham who will again cut their council tax this year). So weep into your cornflakes as we perform a merry jig to unveil the non-job of the week from Blackpool Council (and you’ll see a few others share the blame too):
“Dance Development Officer
£24,331 - 25,940 Per Annum
This is an exciting time for the development of dance across the Fylde.
Building on the success of a dance development programme in Blackpool, we are now looking to expand this work across the communities of the Fylde.
A brand new purpose built outdoor performance space will open in 2010 on the Tower Headland in Blackpool. This will provide a wonderful arena for local groups to showcase their new dance talents. Dance is also a core strand in Blackpool’s 365 Festivals programme with events such as the Out2Dance Festival. You will work closely with the Festivals Manager to develop engagement programmes for our local communities across the Fylde.
We need an experienced Dance Development Officer to manage the delivery of the Fylde Dance Project for the next 3 years. You will have a passion for dance and its many different forms and the benefits it can bring to all age groups in the community particularly young people. You will have experience in appointing and managing a wide range of dance professionals and companies to deliver workshops, residencies and performances.
You will be self-motivated, highly organised and confident, with excellent communication skills and experience in working with a range of partners.
This post is funded through a partnership of the following local authorities: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre and Lancashire County Council and Arts Council England
For an informal discussion about the post please call Carolyn Primett, Head of Arts at Blackpool Council on 01253 476520 or Lynne Pattinson, Arts Development Officer on 01253 478238.
All Local Authorities are required to undertake a pay and grading review. This post will be subject to Job Evaluation and the pay and grade may increase or decrease as a result.
Please complete our application form online. You will find the form attached, as a link, to this job advertisement. If you take the option to register with us you can save your details and do not have to complete the form in one sitting.
If you are unable to complete the online process please call 01253 477244, stating the reference number provided and we will send you an application pack.
Blackpool Council Welcomes Applicants From All Of The Community.”
We blew the whistle on street football coordinators last year and I think this year, providing something even more ridiculous doesn’t come up, the dance development officer will foxtrot its way to the top of our non-job report.
Earning above the average salary, this non-job really shouldn’t exist, should it? There are plenty of dance schools out there for people to pursue a hobby if they choose. We're very clearly in a recession where every penny counts. Councils should look very carefully at their spending plans and decide what is essential and what isn't. Ask anyone whether they think their council tax should go towards dance development and very few will agree to this waste.
The leader of Blackpool council is Cllr. Peter Callow. I’d simply ask him two things – one, whether his council is increasing council tax and, two, how can he defend it when he’s spending taxpayers’ money on non-essential spending such as dance development officers.