Our non-job of the week, one of the 681 on offer in government today, is a swipe at the quangocracy governing our nation without democratic accountability. From the Improvement and Development Agency:
“Regional Associate
£100,000 – more for an exceptional candidate
As a regional associate, you will be the first port of call for leaders, chief executives, and other senior people within councils to turn to for solutions and advice as they work with their communities to tackle key local priorities.
As an expert in the changing dynamics of local government, politically astute and responsive, you’ll ensure our customers see us – and you – as providing the help they need. Building close relationships with our improvement partners, such as the Regional Improvement & Efficiency Partnerships, Audit Commission, other inspectorates, and government both regionally and nationally will be essential to deliver tailored solutions to councils.
It’s a highly varied role. You’ll be working with councils with all levels of performance and managing emerging issues local and national, including the implementation of local government re-organisation and the new comprehensive area assessment. Providing the key link to North West authorities and partnerships you will also lead on specified strategic issues across the north and nationally. As a senior manager by contributing to our business planning process, you’ll also help shape the LGA Group development as a whole.
Right now, you’re likely to be a chief executive, corporate or strategic partnership director keen to broaden your experience of local government. Whatever your background, high self motivation, confidence; and the political nous and sensitivity to work with all political party groups is essential.
This is a rare opportunity to gain high level corporate experience, build a strong regional reputation and national experience. In all, it’s a great platform for an even bigger role.”
Personally, I find it odd that we have chief executives and council leaders within local councils effectively performing the same role. Given that, you won't be surprised to know I find it bizarre that we need another tier of bureaucracy above councils in the IDeA.
The buck has to stop somewhere, especially when we have chief executives creating policy and arbitrarily increasing the public sector pay roll. Conventionally, those with democratic accountability make the decisions and there needs to be a minimal apparatus there to implement said policies. However, this job creates a higher power above councils to initiate policies – well beyond democratic control.
I also like the telling combination of: “you will be the first port of call for leaders, chief executives…” and “right now, you’re likely to be a chief executive”. So, basically it’ll be more of the same advice from those who like big government to those whose position in big government is in need of reasons for their own existence. At over £100,000 a year, this job is your money up in flames.