Guidance on writing Job Descriptions & Person Specifications
These notes are designed to assist you when completing the Job Description & Person Specification templates.

Before you start
The job description and person specification should be completed by someone who has a good knowledge and understanding of the role and is able to identify the appropriate criteria to select the best candidate. If it‟s helpful, your HR Advisor can work with you to ensure all the key areas are captured.

Tips to help you create a good Job Description & Person Specification o Create a Business Case This is essential when creating a new role or changing an existing role as it is needed as part of the Vacancy Control Procedure, and allows you to focus on what you want the role to actually achieve. o Don‟t focus on grade at this stage This is likely to detract from thorough consideration of the actual job. o Create a Structure Chart This shows where the job sits in the team and how it relates to other roles, clearly showing reporting relationships etc. Again try not to focus on grades. This is also an essential part of the Vacancy Control Procedure. o Write in plain English Use clear and plain English and think carefully about how you describe the job.

Formatting & Layout (See Example Later)
The design and layout of the Job Description & Person Specification template has been specifically set and agreed. Therefore sections, boxes and key headings should not be removed or added. The font used throughout should be „Gill Sans MT‟ and size 12, with all text being justified across the page. Headings within the Key Tasks section should be in capitals and italic i.e. TEAMWORK. If there is a further sub heading within each heading this should be in lowercase and italic i.e. Team Development. Bullet points should not be used for Key Task statements unless they contain sub-points within