Appointment of Members of the Management Committee of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium require individuals with experience and skills at a senior management level in any of the following areas:

• finance / accountancy;
• business;
• education;
• human resources or
• law

Committee members have corporate responsibility for ensuring that Armagh Observatory and Planetarium fulfil the aims and objectives set by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and approved by the Minister.

They 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 for money.

The Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister, Gregory Campbell commenting on the importance of these positions said "A position on the Management Committee of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is an interesting and challenging role. The position will include carrying out front line scientific research in astronomy and related sciences to pursue a high profile and value for money programme of education and outreach."

Emphasising the importance of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium the Minister went on to say: "The Observatory is one of the oldest continually operating observatories in the world with around 25 astronomers currently actively studying Stellar Astrophysics, the Sun, Solar System astronomy, and the Earth's climate."

The Minister concluded "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 бё3 million refurbishment funded by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. The Planetarium is an important educational resource and a valued tourist attraction for Armagh and Northern Ireland."

Note to editors

1. Appointments are for a term of up to five years. Members of The Management Committee receive no remuneration but they may claim expenses. The required time commitment is at least 4 days per year and no more than 16 days per year.

2. The closing date for applications for these positions is 5.00pm on Friday 26 September 2008. Further information can be obtained from Central Management Unit, Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Interpoint, 20-24 York Street, Belfat, BT15 1AQ, or by telephoning 028 9054 4962 or e-mailing cmdcalni.gov.uk. Details can also be found at: www.dcalni.gov.uk/public_appointments.

3. Media enquiries should be addresses to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office Tel (028) 9025 8901 or email
press.officedcalni.gov.uk

4. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

Last Revised: 2008 September 10th

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