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August 23, 2006
Honourable intentions
While I have frequently criticised the MLA, I have always tried to tell them what, in a constructive manner, what I think they should do. For example, my analysis this week that there are certain councils which are likely to have difficulty coping with next year's budget round is in itself, three suggestions
a. That the MLA should try to help individual councils
b. That they should set themselves priorities and focus their resource
c. That the councils I listed should be contacted
Last year, when the job of senior policy adviser at the MLA was advertised nationally, I applied for the post. I thought that it was only honourable to do that, so that if there was a way I could make a contribution, as it were from the inside, then I wanted to show that was willing and eager to do that, as indeed I am. My application was turned down without an interview. The recruitment consultant, whom I did meet and who kindly said he found my CV both imperessive and entirely suitable for the job, told me that the MLA did not think I was worthy of an interview 'as I was not sufficiently interested in 'social inclusion''
In a similar vein this week a friend of mine, who is, in my view a person with the kind of experience and wisdom, which would be incredibly valuable to the direction of the MLA, applied for one of the many advertised board positions. He also waa turned down as unsuitable. We have done our best to show honourable intentions.
Posted by Tim Coates at August 23, 2006 9:18 AM
Comments
Oh don`t worry I was turned down as a Magistrate on the grounds of being a white middle class older female. Only the latter would have got me through.
Posted by: SUSAN HILL at August 23, 2006 12:06 PM
Sink not into the slough of despond. You are doing a fine job without DLA's assistance. Perhaps your friend should start a campaigning group, but he would have to be aware - as I am sure you are - that campaigning in this arena will not make many friends. In fact making friends might well be counter-productive and take the edge off the campaigning. You exemplify the transparent, free-thinking and free-speaking culture we need in the library world
Posted by: Elgar Atkins at August 23, 2006 3:32 PM