HSE hopes, finally, to attract director of human resources

THE Health Service Executive (HSE) will hope that, after three years and two failed attempts, it will finally find a candidate next week for its director of human resources post — which boasts a salary of €170,000.

Like the Irish soccer manager’s job, the post is seen as a poisoned chalice with the three-month-old recruitment freeze in the HSE, perceived poor staffing levels and regular threats of industrial action from all grades of staff.

The HSE has tried to fill the post twice before, in 2004 and 2005, but according to Industrial Relations News the initial attempt failed because it could not secure an appointee, with arguments over the salary package for the frontrunner. The 2005 attempt fared little better and since then former Health Service Employers’ Agency negotiator Martin McDonald has filled in on an acting basis.

In a personal address to prospective candidates, HSE chief Professor Brendan Drumm claims rather understatedly: “Although a demanding role, the post of national director of human resources at the HSE offers significant personal and professional opportunities.

“The post holder will be in a unique position to make a considerable contribution to implementing the largest programme of change ever undertaken in the Irish public service.”

The successful candidate will have 14 assistant and regional directors to share the burden of the post.

Candidates must apply by November 29 and the Public Appointments Service will convene an expert board to carry out the selection process “to the highest standards of best practice”.