Frequently Asked Questions
Would I have to give up my full-time job if I were appointed?
This will largely depend on your job and on the time commitment required for each particular appointment. Some positions involve a relatively low time commitment, perhaps one day every month or two, whereas others need a few days every week. It may be possible to use your annual leave entitlement to carry out your duties for the public body, or to agree a flexible working arrangement for your job, but this is something you will need to work out with your employer before taking up any appointment. It is a good idea to have this discussion as early as possible, even before you apply, so you can work out how best to accommodate the time commitment. You will be questioned about this if you are invited to interview. Many employers are very supportive of their workers’ participation in public duties and appreciate that they will benefit from the experience and personal development gained by their employees through their public duties. Legislation requires employers to allow employees who hold certain public positions reasonable time off to perform the duties associated with them. More information on this can be found on the Business Gateway website.
