New appointments to be made at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium

The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure is making appointments to the Board of Governors and Management Committee of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium.

The three positions available are Governor to the Board of Governors and two Members to the Management Committee.

The Board of Governors and Management Committee have an interesting and challenging role within an astronomical research institute, whose functions include the conduct of front-line scientific research in astronomy and related sciences, and the pursuit of a high profile and a high value for money programme of education and outreach.

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium require individuals with an informed interest in astronomy, and related sciences, and in the dissemination of such knowledge to all sectors of society, and with skills and experience at a senior management level in any of the following areas:

· finance / accountancy;

· business;

· human resources;

· law; or

· marketing / public relations.

Governors have corporate responsibility for ensuring that Armagh Observatory and Planetarium meets its statutory remit and fulfils the aims and objectives set by the Department and approved by the Minister. These include promoting the efficient, economic and effective use of staff and other resources, and for agreeing, in conjunction with the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, the policy and resources framework within which the organisation discharges its duties.

Management Committee Members have corporate responsibility for ensuring that Armagh Observatory and Planetarium fulfils its aims and objectives set by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure as approved by the Minister. Committee Members also have a duty to ensure the efficient, economic and effective use of staff and other resources by the organisation, including safeguarding of public funds and the promotion of propriety and value tor money.

The Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister, Nelson McCausland commenting on the importance of these positions said: “A position on the Board of Governors and the Management Committee of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is a key management role. Armagh Observatory and Planetarium conducts globally renowned front-line scientific research in astronomy and related sciences, and delivers a high value for money programme of education and outreach whilst attracting visitors and tourists to its excellent facilities in the Armagh area.”

The Minister emphasised the importance of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium by saying: “The Observatory is one of the oldest continually operating observatories in the world with around 30 astronomers currently actively studying Stellar and Galactic astrophysics, the Sun, solar-system astronomy, and the Earth's climate.”

In conclusion the Minister added “The Planetarium which opened in 1968 to cater for the public interest in astronomy is primarily an education centre. It re-opened to the public in August 2006 after a £3million refurbishment funded by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. The Planetarium is an important educational resource and a valued visitor and tourist attraction for Armagh and Northern Ireland, attracting in excess of 40,000 visitors per annum.”

Notes to editors:

1. Appointments are for a term of up to five years. Members of the Board of Governors and the Management Committee receive no remuneration but they may claim expenses. The required time commitment for the position of Governor of the Board of Governors is at least five days and no more than 10 days per year and for the position of Member of the Management Committee is at least eight days and no more than 16 days per year.
2. Applicants may apply for a position on both the Board of Governors and the Management Committee. If applicants are successful in both competitions they can simultaneously hold a position on both the Board of Governors and the Management Committee.
3. The appointments are made in accordance with the Code of Practice of the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Public Appointments. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for the political activity of appointees (if any declared) to be published.
4. The closing date for applications for these positions is 5.00pm on Friday 29 January 2010. Further information can be obtained from Governance Support Unit, Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Causeway Exchange, Level 8, 1 - 7 Bedford Street, BELFAST BT2 7EG, by telephoning 028 9051 5157; or e-mailing Governance Support Unit . Details can also be found on the DCAL website .
5. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office Tel (028) 9051 5047 or email DCAL Press Office .
6. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.