Superintendent and Head of University Parks Candidate Information Pack
About the University of Oxford Welcome to the University of Oxford. We aim to lead the world in research and education for the benefit of society both in the UK and globally. Oxford’s researchers engage with academic, commercial and cultural partners across the world to stimulate high-quality research and enable innovation through a broad range of social, policy and economic impacts. We believe our strengths lie both in empowering individuals and teams to address fundamental questions of global significance, while providing all our staff with a welcoming and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to develop and do their best work. Recognising that diversity is our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, we aspire to build a truly diverse community which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution. While we have long traditions of scholarship, we are also forward-looking, creative and cutting-edge. Oxford is one of Europe’s most entrepreneurial universities and we rank first in the UK for university spin- outs, and in recent years we have spun out 15-20 new companies every year. We are also recognised as leaders in support for social enterprise.
Join us and you will find a unique, democratic and international community, a great range of staff benefits and access to a vibrant array of cultural activities in the beautiful city of Oxford.
For more information, please visit www.ox.ac.uk/about/organisation.
Contents Page
3 4 5 6 8 9
About the University of Oxford The University of Oxford estate Estates Services
The Context Our Priorities Environmental policy, sustainability and ‘green’ travel Future development of the estate Job Description Benefits of working at the University Application Process
10 11 14 15
2
3
Estates Services Estates Services is responsible for the management and strategic direction of Oxford University’s functional and commercial estate within Oxfordshire. This comprises some 450 buildings and the infrastructure associated with them.
Estates Services has a broad and diverse remit covering:
• Development of the University’s Estate Strategy
• Management of the University’s functional estate (which includes laboratory and teaching facilities, offices, museums, and libraries) and housing for graduate students and staff;
• Facilities Management for a growing number of University buildings
• Management of the University Parks and Wytham Woods
• Management of the University’s commercial, agricultural and residential land and property assets
• The development of all capital building projects, running at around £60m - £90m per annum
The University of Oxford estate ...comprises a significant portfolio of land and properties, with a wide range of asset types and uses:
• Repairs and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure (except IT and Telecoms)
• Programmes of refurbishment, replacement and minor works
• The University is responsible for the repair and upkeep of some of the finest buildings in the city of Oxford, including the Radcliffe Camera, Sheldonian Theatre and Old Bodleian Library of the University, including specialist research buildings, teaching laboratories and lecture halls, sports facilities, libraries and museums, administrative and ceremonial buildings • 235 buildings, providing some 590,000m2 of space, which accommodates the day-to-day activities
• A further 150 properties in and around Oxford which are managed commercially, including accommodation for graduate students, offices, warehouses and land • The estate has buildings dating from 1424. 25% of it is listed and 37% was built before 1840. It also includes a significant portfolio of state-of-theart research buildings developed over the last 10 years • The University has a series of masterplans that could provide up to an additional 250,000 m2 of space
• Reactive maintenance via the Helpdesk
• Environmental sustainability
• Space management and maintenance of space and property records
• Maintenance of a safe and secure physical environment for staff, students and visitors by Security Services.
• The estate has been growing at around 5% per annum for the last 15 years
4
5
Oxford has specific issues:
The Context Key challenges are: a very significant change in the capital funding landscape , more emphasis on sharing and flexibility by a smaller number of centres of excellence, the changing needs of students, and carbon and energy reduction.
• A number of properties are no longer functionally suitable for their current use and their future needs to be considered in the light of their location and potential for change of use • The development of new donor-funded buildings is likely to continue as the University grows • The provision of appropriate student housing remains a challenge and will require further investment
• Ambitions to promote flexibility and sharing of both teaching and research space enjoy broad support across the University but are some way from becoming a reality
• The continued growth of research places significant demands on investment
• The UK Higher Education sector as a whole faces a significant reduction in government funding for capital • The quality of student provision has come under scrutiny following introduction of the variable fee • Research funding is increasingly dependent on promoting flexibility, interdisciplinary work and sharing between institutions • The national value-for-money agenda is promoting better use of space and more efficient servicing. Carbon reduction targets for the sector are challenging
• Research data requires very significant processing, resilience and storage facilities; investment in IT capital projects is likely to become more significant over the next five years
6
7
Environmental policy, sustainability and ‘green’ travel
Our Priorities The University will balance capital spending on refurbishing and replacing the existing estate with the delivery of new buildings to meet research and education needs. It will provide an estate that meets the needs of staff and students, reduces environmental impact and is affordable to run and maintain. • To meet the changing patterns of research and teaching activity that result from changes in the size and shape of the University • To improve the utilisation of space through new buildings designed for flexibility and shared use, and the effective sharing of existing teaching and research facilities • To improve the condition and functional suitability of the estate by reviewing the use of existing buildings which are vacated when new ones are built The Estate Strategy has a number of priorities:
• Investments - Ensure that the University, as an investor, is part of the solution to climate change and biodiversity loss. • Learning from the pandemic - Build on the experience of the pandemic and the potential shift to more environmentally sustainable working practices. • The strategy is underpinned by the following four ‘enablers’: • Governance - Embedding environmental sustainability in the University’s governance and decision making; • The Environmental Sustainability Subcommittee, established in 2021 as a subcommittee of the Planning and Resource Allocation Committee (PRAC), is chaired by Dr David Prout, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Planning and Resources) and has representatives from across the University and student body. The Subcommittee holds overall responsibility for environmental sustainability at the University. • Reporting - Developing a system of annual reporting of carbon emissions and biodiversity impact within the first twelve months, which will be published in the University of Oxford’s Annual Review and financial accounts; • Funding - Establishing the Oxford Sustainability Fund, making £200 million available for sustainability initiatives over the next 15 years, to finance the programme of action required to reach net zero carbon and biodiversity net gain by 2035; • Offsetting - Establishing a policy to guide our use of carbon offsetting and biodiversity offsetting. Visit our Environmental Sustainability Strategy Q&A page for responses to some of the key questions regarding the strategy.
Oxford University’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy was approved by Council on 15 March 2021. The strategy sets two ambitious targets: to achieve net zero carbon and to achieve biodiversity net gain, both by 2035 Through its environmental policies the University aims to:
The strategy focuses on these ten priority areas:
• Research - Increase research and engagement in environmental sustainability. • Curriculum - Offer all students the opportunity to study environmental sustainability, either within or outside the examined curriculum. • Carbon emissions from University buildings - Reduce carbon emissions related to our energy consumption to a minimal level. • Biodiversity - Identify and address the University’s principal biodiversity impacts through its operations and supply chain, and enhance biodiversity on the University’s estate. • Sustainable food - Reduce the carbon emissions and biodiversity impact of our food. • Sustainable resource use - Reduce the environmental impacts of our consumption and supply chain. • International travel - Reduce aviation emissions from University staff and student travel and offset the balance of emissions. • Local travel - Limit transport emissions by reducing the need to travel, encouraging walking, cycling and the use of public transport and managing the demand to travel by car.
• To reduce running costs and carbon emissions
A more efficient and flexible use of space and sharing of facilities will: • Reduce the resources needed to run and maintain less efficient buildings, enabling resource to be redirected for academic benefit
• Allow for new ideas to be realised in research and education through increased collaboration
8
9
Future development of the estate The University has a number of masterplans which allow for improvements in existing facilities and accommodate the demand for an increase in the size of the functional estate.
Job Description Job title: Division: Department: Location: Grade and salary: Hours: Contract type: Reporting to:
Superintendent and Head of University Parks UAS Estates Services Oxford University Parks, Estates Services, The Tentorium, South Parks Road, Oxford
• The Radcliffe Observatory Quarter provides high quality modern teaching and office-based research facilities that encourage interdisciplinary and collaborative work; Humanities faculties have moved together into the former Radcliffe Infirmary Building and the purpose-built Andrew Wiles Building brings together the Mathematical Institute from three separate locations • The purchase of the Park Hospital site allows for the expansion of the Old Road Campus as a centre for developing world-leading medical research alongside operational clinical facilities • There are opportunities to redevelop and refurbish buildings in the Science Area and Keble Road Triangle to meet demand for state-of-the-art laboratory-based teaching and research
• The Begbroke Science Park offers considerable scope for expansion and growth allowing University research to develop hand-in-hand with industrial and commercial enterprise • The Iffley Road Sports Centre provides opportunities to develop new sports facilities comparable to those of other world-leading universities
Grade 9 Full time Permanent Head of Maintenance Services
The role To take overall responsibility for the management, development and enhancement of the University Parks and the University’s Green Functional Estate. This role reports to the Head of maintenance services and the Curators of the University Parks. Responsibilities Management To take responsibility for the development of the University Parks and wider estate.
To enhance and develop all spaces for the benefit of students, staff and members of the public, to adapt spaces as needs change.
To develop a strategic view of the plant collections within those spaces, integrating this philosophy with the emerging University Biodiversity Strategy and the developing built environment.
To develop, implement and review a five year plan for the Department addressing growth and changes within the Department.
To report termly to the Curators of the University Parks.
To report quarterly to the University parks board.
To liaise and interface with other professional staff within Estates Services to develop the Functional Estate.
To liaise and interface with Departmental Heads and external clients regarding the provision of services offered by the Department.
To liaise with the Director of Sport to deliver adequate sporting facilities within the Parks.
Financial To plan, prepare, and manage the Departmental Budget within the guidelines set through Estates Services.
For further information visit the Estate Strategy website at: www.admin.ox.ac.uk/estates
10
11
Plan and budget capital expenditure ensuring plant and equipment is replaced at appropriate intervals, maintaining the operational effectiveness of the department.
To develop and enhance the existing plant collections within the University Parks and wider estate.
To monitor, analyse, and develop financial activity to ensure best value.
To develop a sustainable tree planting and care strategy for University and College spaces.
To manage the contract business ensuring profitability.
To provide professional advice on all aspects of horticulture and arboriculture to the wider University.
Supervisory
To recruit staff with suitable skills to undertake the range of work necessary to effectively run and develop the department.
To maintain high standards of care of all spaces within the resources that are made available to the department.
To manage and lead administrative, technical, and manual staff effectively to deal with all aspects of the efficient running of the department.
Communications
To lecture, lead tours, and provide public and internal engagement in relation to horticulture and the Parks Department.
To monitor, assess and where possible improve cost effective efficiency.
Health & Safety To be responsible for Health and Safety within the University Parks Department, and in particular to:
To engage with Parks and Departmental users to develop effective management strategies to fulfil users requirements.
Develop and oversee Health & Safety policy in relation to staff safety and working practices.
To guide staff training and education policy.
Develop safe and efficient working practices for staff, to ensure adequate training and monitoring of staff.
To lead Customer Service Excellence for the Parks Department.
To maintain and develop a working relationship with the City Council, in particular the Tree Officers regarding the activities of the University.
Ensure site user and visitor safety.
Projects relating to the Parks
Develop, implement and monitor tree, water and vehicle safety policy.
To oversee the installation of the Ginkgo Gates on West Walk/Parks Road.
Ensure adequate equipment safety monitoring.
To develop and implement the Keble Gate project on completion of the Beecroft Building.
Research pesticide development in relation to usage, to ensure compliance with the current regulations, and to implement usage in a safe and cost effective way.
Essential Selection criteria • Significant practical horticultural and arboricultural experience. • Significant experience in a technical, or managerial, role within horticulture. • Excellent proven plant knowledge - the work undertaken by University Parks, managing existing plant collections requires this if standards are to be maintained. • Proven ability to act in an advisory role and to communicate effectively with architects, work force and senior members of the University. • The ability to relate both to the academic community, colleagues, staff and the general public. • Proven ability to lead and motivate a large team of staff. • A degree or equivalent in horticulture, or Master of Horticulture RHS, or plant sciences, or arboriculture, or land management. Candidates may be considered if they hold a National or Higher National Diploma in management together with proven and significant horticulture experience. • Member of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture or equivalent. • Experience of working in a customer facing role and good understanding of customer service. • Experience of managing budgets. • Experience of managing successful projects. • An excellent knowledge of H&S regulations. • Proven experience of developing health and safety policies and an up to date understanding of relevant health and safety regulations. • Proven ability to influence and a positive attitude to change. • The ability to work on own initiative, to deal with complex issues and to develop innovative solutions. Desirable selection criteria • Clean Driving Licence. • Experience of Oxford University and the Parks in particular. • Experience of working in an HE environment. 13
Ensure compliant waste handling, and develop cost effective waste handling practices with and strong understanding of all current legislation.
Equipment
To research equipment ranges to assist in the procurement of machinery that will improve the working efficiency of the department.
To procure equipment.
Horticultural & Arboricultural
To design and devise landscape plans, planting plans, and seasonal planting schemes to present the University Parks and wider estate effectively, taking into account user need, cost effectiveness, and overall presentation of University owned spaces.
To implement newly designed schemes, and to upgrade and improve existing schemes.
To produce and champion a Parks philosophy document.
To contribute to landscape design and green space management being taken forward by the Capital Projects Team, Building Conservation Team, and Residential Office.
To liaise with, and advise, the Capital Projects and Operations staff in regard to landscape design and green space management.
Benefits of working at the University
Application Process
University employees enjoy 38 days’ paid holiday, generous pension schemes, travel discounts, and a variety of professional development opportunities. Our range of other employee benefits and discounts also includes free entry to the Botanic Gardens and University colleges, and discounts at University museums. See https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits Membership of the University Club is free for all University staff. The University Club offers social, sporting, and hospitality facilities. Staff can also use the University Sports Centre on Iffley Road at discounted rates, including a fitness centre, powerlifting room, and swimming pool. See www.club.ox.ac.uk and https://www.sport.ox.ac.uk/. If you are relocating to Oxfordshire from overseas or elsewhere in the UK, the University’s Welcome Service website includes practical information about settling in the area, including advice on relocation, accommodation, and local schools. See https://welcome.ox.ac.uk/ There is also a visa loan scheme to cover the costs of UK visa applications for staff and their dependents. See https://staffimmigration.admin.ox.ac.uk/visa- loan-scheme With one of the most generous family leave schemes in the Higher Education sector, and a range of flexible working options, Oxford aims to be a family-friendly employer. We also subscribe to the Work+Family Space, a service that provides practical advice and support for employees who have caring responsibilities. The service offers a free telephone advice line, and the ability to book emergency back- up care for children, adult dependents and elderly relatives. See https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/my-family- care
The University has excellent childcare services, including five University nurseries as well as University-supported places at many other private nurseries. For full details, including how to apply and the costs, see https://childcare.admin.ox.ac.uk/ We are committed to supporting members of staff with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further details, including information about how to make contact, in confidence, with the University’s Staff Disability Advisor, see https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/disability-support The University has a number of staff networks including the Oxford Research Staff Society, BME staff network, LGBT+ staff network and a disabled staff network. You can find more information at https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/networks The University of Oxford Newcomers’ Club is an organisation run by volunteers that aims to assist the partners of new staff settle into Oxford, and provides them with an opportunity to meet people and make connections in the local area. See www.newcomers.ox.ac.uk.
The University is being supported on this recruitment campaign by the search consultancy The Management Recruitment Group (MRG). To arrange a confidential briefing conversation please contact our advisors Michael Hewlett or Matthew Giles. Applications should consist of a comprehensive CV (of not more than 4 pages) and a covering letter (of not more than 2 pages).
Applications should be sent to
Michael Hewlett michael.hewlett@mrgpeople.co.uk or Matthew Giles Matthew.Giles@mrgpeople.co.uk
14
15
Page 1 Page 2-3 Page 4-5 Page 6-7 Page 8-9 Page 10-11 Page 12-13 Page 14-15 Page 16Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator