A harmless, yet wasteful, job this week from Luton Council courtesy, as always, from the Guardian (though afterwards you’ll see one we were sent from – gasp – The Times):
“Community Development Service Manager
£44,610 - £47,168 + £3,203 car benefit (pay award pending)
Over 140 nationalities in 17 square miles.
You'll bring them closer still.
Luton has one of the most vibrant multi-cultural communities in the country. We celebrate and nurture this, and encourage all our people to become involved in the issues that affect their lives. By working with local groups, and providing strong leadership to the Community Development Unit, you can bring about even greater participation, dialogue and harmony.
Senior management experience in community related activities should mean you have the necessary leadership skills and an in-depth understanding of the benefits community engagement offers.
To gain a full understanding of our initiatives and the opportunities that go with this role, visit http://www.luton.gov.uk/cdsm
Closing date: 13 June 2008. Ref: 08/1074.
Interview date: 23 June 2008.
Applicants must be willing to undergo child/vulnerable adult protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Criminal Records Bureau.
We value equality because quality services need the best people - from the whole community.
Stonewall
DIVERSITY CHAMPION
LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL
- POSITIVE ABOUT DISABLED PEOPLE
INVESTOR IN PEOPLE”
I wonder what Luton Council’s climate change department will think of the car benefit thrown in? Surely if one is meant to work with the community, though the job description doesn’t say what work they’ll undertake, then they should do as the rest of us do and take the bus. More to the point, this non-job has a remarkably high salary for a job that seemingly does nothing. Even reading the advert you’d struggle to believe it’s a job advert rather than an advert promoting Luton Council.
Here are my tips on how Luton Council can do exactly what this non-job would do without employing someone on the taxpayers’ dime just to appease politically correct consciences within the council officer corps.
Participation and dialogue – councillors should hold more surgeries, leaflet more and consult their constituents on issues or they shouldn’t get their £6,000 basic allowance. It’s that simple, councillors have a responsibility to make people more involved, not officers. You're paid to serve the community, not just to knock on our doors during election time.
Harmony – get government out of people’s lives so they can get on with what they want to do - this means lowering Council Tax.
There, job done and it didn't cost the taxpayer a penny!
Now onto our bonus second non-job of the week cheekily sent in by a supporter. From the Times Online:
“Speakers Counsel
Salary: c.£100,000 plus bonus and package
Location: Central London
Law and the Constitution
The House of Commons is now recruiting to the prestigious position of Speaker's Counsel. This crucial role will see you providing first class legal advice to the Speaker and the House of Commons Authorities on a diverse range of legal issues. You will lead and manage a team of talented lawyers to ensure that the House enjoys skilled, timely and effective legal support. You are a qualified lawyer, with a proven record of advising very senior clients on critical issues.
You will bring knowledge of UK public law and are familiar with its workings and standards. As important as your experience is your approach and style. You will command the confidence of very senior stakeholders through a combination of diplomacy and authority, coupled with a deftness of touch and intellectual agility. You will also have a commitment to the interests and effectiveness of this unique institution.
For more information please visit our dedicated microsite at www.speakerscounsel.co.uk or for an informal, confidential discussion call our advising consultants Michael Dobson on 020 7017 0961, Claer Lloyd Jones on 020 7017 0927 or James Greengrass on 020 7017 0931.
Closing date for applications is Monday 9th June 2008.
Rockpools, Caxton House
2 Farrington Road, London EC1M 3HN
Well, after this and this, who can blame us for calling this one a non-job!