Introduction
Computers play a major role in storing and retrieving information
in all local authority departments. Information technology helps
councils control the mass of data they need for the efficient
delivery of services. One council function for which accurate data
is required is the fund bidding process. Co-ordinating the
collection, collation and analysis of specific data and operating
appropriate systems for managing data storage on behalf of the
corporate bidding unit (CBU) is the job of the data management
officer. Officers will advise clients about access to
relevant data and funding sources to support bidding and project
development activity: matching bid development with available
funding. The post is usually based in county councils.
Work Environment
Data management officers work as part of the CBU team which
includes the head of the unit, funding development managers and
project managers. There is also regular interaction with chief
officers, senior officers in all departments and IT staff,
including data preparation supervisors. External contacts include
civil servants, regional and local partnerships, and grant givers.
It is an office based job with movement between the various council
services and external meetings as required. The hours are standard
at 37 per week, but there is some evening and weekend work
required. It is a very pressurised environment.
Daily Activities
The key tasks are:
- developing and maintaining a comprehensive database of grant
giving sources in conjunction with internal and external
partners;
- setting up and maintaining a database for monitoring the
progress of bids and their implementation;
- managing enquiries from fund seekers using the Grantfinder
database to identify sources of funding for internal/external
partners and liaising with district councils;
- ensuring that inter/intranet websites are up to
date;
- establishing contacts with other research and information
officers within county departments and external agencies such as
health;
- providing an analysis of economic and social variables as they
effect public funding;
- managing and administering the Corporate Partnership Fund,
liaising with councillors, departments and members of the
public;
- establishing audit procedures and identifying and securing
matching funding;
- organising and running meetings and seminars about bidding
procedures;
- advising clients on the format and scope of bid procedures in
relation to funds available;
- helping partners to implement appropriate databases for
tracking bids and the progress of projects;
- representing the CBU and the county council on internal and
external information networks;
- developing protocols for sharing data and ensuring the unit's
activities meet the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
Skills & Interests
It is essential to have:
- the ability to work in a pressurised environment and meet
targets and deadlines;
- effective oral and written communication skills;
- a positive nature and be a self starter;
- confidence;
- good IT literacy skills;
- an ability to get on with people of different
backgrounds;
- the ability to use the VDU for 12 hours plus per week.
Entry Requirements
A degree or the equivalent is essential, preferably in
Economics/Statistics. A minimum of 3 years' experience
working in a related research/data management environment is also
required.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
There are opportunities for advancement to funding development
manager, project manager community area initiatives and external
funding within the CBU. There is also the chance of grade promotion
to management of information technology systems, database
administration and in other data and financial management
areas.
Further Information & Services
Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors www.iia.org.uk
e-skills UK www.e-skills.com
Society of IT Management www.socitm.gov.uk
The Chartered Institute for IT www.bcs.org.uk
The Institute for the Management of Information Systems www.imis.org.uk
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.
Related Links