> using arras as an interview panel member

"Thanks for your input - its something we couldn't have done"

from: Lancashire Fire & Rescue, October 2007

Situated in the services headquarters, the Operational Risk Management department is responsible for providing support functions across the regional division. Including planning, performance review, risk management and operational response the department also develops policy and procedures as well as assisting the service in complying with statutory regulation.

Project office management requirement

In order to secure ongoing performance the Service took the decision to appoint a Project Office Manager to implant a structured programme management approach.

• As a new role a job specification had to be created
• A visit to the headquarters was required to understand the context of the role
• A presence on the interview panel was deemed necessary to test applicants level of experience

Joining the interview panel

A consultant from Arras People visited the Headquarters and met with the hiring manager – the manager for Planning, Audit and Review.

The purpose of the visit was to:

• Understand the objectives of the organisation and the performance measures
• Identify where the drive for best practice approach was coming from
• Experience the working environment and ascertain current ways of working

Following the visit, Arras People were able to compile a comprehensive job specification and work alongside the clients HR team to advertise, shortlist and supply candidates.

The success of this process led to an invitation being extended for Arras People to join the interview panel in order to advise the team on the project/programme credentials of the interviewee’s.

Testing the applicant's project/programme management experience

The interview assessment day was held in early October. The interview panel was comprised of three managers from the Service and a consultant from Arras People.

The Service managers assessed candidates personal skills, team fit and relied on the Arras consultant to test the applicant project/programme management experience, skill and capability.

Two closely matched candidates were shortlisted and the role was offered to the successful candidate by the end of the day. He/she accepted and is looking forward to taking up the role at the end of November.

Specialist focus on programme and project office recruitment

With a specialist focus on programme and project office recruitment, Arras People has over six years experience interviewing and recruiting project office people. If an organisation doesn't have the expertise to run a project office recruitment campaign with confidence, Arras' own PMO consultants can join your interview panel