Transport Policy Sub-Committee
24th February 2009
Agenda item 10
TPSC/09/14
Assistant Travel Coordinator
Considerable work has been done by Jo Leyland, the Transport Policy Coordinator, since her appointment
to the part-time post two years ago, to develop and implement measures to promote sustainable transport
at the University of Essex. The successful implementation of a number of initiatives, the closer links to
strategic transport issues affecting the campuses and the more complex issues, such as car sharing, car
clubs, negotiation of rail discounts which now have to be addressed, have all created a workload that fully
utilises all of Jo’s time. The situation now is that the implementation of existing initiatives will be
constrained and some new things may not be developed or responded to quickly enough. As an
indication of the current work, time spent to attend/prepare for key University meetings, Highways or
Borough Council meetings on additional non-working days in just January and February is equivalent to
over 2/3 of a week which has then to be taken in lieu at some point. By prior agreement this is during the
summer which leaves the office unstaffed during what can become a critical period.
In discussion with the Director of Estate Management, the need for a part-time assistant was identified
and the attached Job Description drawn up. With someone able to take on more of the day to day travel
responses and implementation of agreed projects, the Transport Policy Coordinator would then have more
time to develop opportunities and source external funds for longer term initiatives. In addition some
cover could be provided in Jo’s absences.
Committee is requested to recommend to USG the creation of the post of part-time (50%) Assistant
Travel Coordinator, paid for from car parking revenue. The anticipated cost, subject to HERA, is c.
£11,000 (Grade 3).
Andrew Nightingale
Director Estate Management
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University of Essex
DRAFT
FURTHER PARTICULARS
Estate Management Section
Assistant Travel Coordinator (part-time)
Job Title and Grade :
Assistant Travel Coordinator
Section :
Estate Management
Responsible to :
Director of Estate Management
Reports on a day to day basis to :
Transport Policy Coordinator
Purpose of job:
To help promote the University’s Sustainable Transport Strategy internally and externally, develop and
implement initiatives and liaise with service providers, interest groups and partner organisations.
The Estate Management Section :
The Estate Management Section is responsible for the management and servicing of the University estate
including all building and grounds maintenance, cleaning of non accommodation buildings, security, post
and telephone service, central purchasing and printing and strategic capital planning. The section has a
mix of professional, skilled and semi-skilled staff and seeks to provide a highly professional, cost
effective service.
Duties of the post :

To help support the development, promotion and implementation of the University’s Sustainable
Transport Strategy in accordance with the requirements of the Transport Policy Sub Committee,
any legal requirements and the University’s strategic and operational plans.

To liaise with University colleagues and partners on the development and implementation of
authorized initiatives;

To respond to general travel enquiries and car parking queries and assist in improving
communication links with the University community regarding travel issues;

To support the implementation of the University’s car parking procedures in support of its Travel
Plan, including overseeing the management of under podia parking;

To service the University’s Transport Policy Sub-Committee and other transport sub groups;

To monitor the implementation of the University’s Travel Plan/s and research University business
travel measures, including carbon footprint issues;
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
To manage the car parking income account.
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To work closely with the Transport Policy Coordinator, Security Manager and the Estate
Management Section Budgetary Control Supervisor regarding the financial aspects of the policy
and the financial implications of proposed changes or the implement action of initiatives.

To assist with the development and promotion of initiatives to reduce the number of private car
journeys to and from campus, for example car sharing;

To liaise with local authorities public transport providers and partner organizations as required.
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To help maintain and update the travel information pages on the University web site.
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To promote all forms of alternative transport to the private motor vehicle.

To help ensure that funds allocated for transport improvement initiatives are appropriately
expended and that the final costs are subsequently reported to the Transport Policy Sub
Committee.
These duties are a guide to the work that the postholder will initially be required to undertake. It may be
changed from time to time to meet changing circumstances. It does not form part of the contract of
employment.
This job description is not intended to provide rigid demarcation lines. It is the duty of all members of the
Estate Management Section to strive towards creating harmonious, professional working relationships
which are necessary for the efficient running of the section.
The section aims towards maintaining the goodwill and confidence of University staff, the students and
the general public. To assist in achieving this objective it is essential that, at all times, employees carry
out their duties in a courteous, sympathetic manner.
Essential experience, skills and attributes of the postholder :

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
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Knowledge of University procurement procedures and project management;
Knowledge of the relevant issues in transport (sustainable transport, travel plans and travel
awareness).
Strong project management skills.
Excellent presentation and negotiation skills.
The ability to operate databases and spread sheets etc.
Effective and efficient oral and written communication skills with highly developed interpersonal
skills.
Self confident – able to work effectively with minimal day to day supervision.
Able to deal with people and situations sensitively and appropriately whilst remaining calm and
polite.
Able to appreciate the differing priorities of others and be sympathetic to their requirements.
Ability to represent the University and work, collaboratively with other colleagues and outside
partners.
Hold a full, clean driving licence.
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Desirable experience, skills and attributes of the postholder :


Experience of University Estate Management;
Knowledge of the Local Authority Planning process.
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