Expert Panel Member (Electrical)

About the CRU

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is Ireland's independent energy and water regulator. The work of the CRU impacts every Irish home and business ensuring safe, secure and sustainable energy and water supplies for the benefit of all customers.

The CRU is responsible for the regulation of electrical contractors with respect to safety in Ireland. The CRU carries out this function through the Safe Electric statutory regulatory scheme, which regulates Registered Electrical Contractors (REC). The Electrical Criteria Document sets out how the Scheme operates and includes that every REC must have at least one Qualified Certifier (QC). The current qualification requirements for a QC are as follows:

• An Advanced Craft Certificate - Electrical (Level 6, NFQ).
• An accredited Electrical Testing and Verification of Electrical Installations certificate.

The European Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive 2005/36/EC obliges the CRU to put in place a system of recognition for eligible persons from EEA Member States with relevant non-Irish qualifications applying for registration to the Safe Electric scheme as a Qualified Certifier (QC).

Panel of Experts / Role Description

The Panel of Experts consists of five suitably qualified and experienced individuals. The function of the Panel is to review, assess and highlight any potential gaps in the applicants:

• Professional Qualification(s)
• Additional post qualifying education and training
• Professional work experience

The Panel must examine each application within the prescribed timeline and in accordance with other requirements set out by the CRU. These requirements may vary from time to time.

Applicants will be required to fill out an application form with the relevant details relating to their qualification(s) and professional experience. The role of the Panel of Experts is to review the applications and assess if applicants have demonstrated their eligibility to an appropriate level to register as a QC with a REC within the Safe Electric scheme.

The Panel will map the applicant's qualification(s) against the list of essential subjects/learning outcomes of the relevant accepted Irish qualification(s). If there are any substantial differences (deficits) between the applicant's qualification(s) and the essential subjects/learning outcomes, the Panel will assess if the applicant's professional work experience addresses these deficits.

The Panel will then decide if compensation measures need to be applied on a case by case basis, namely by either attending an aptitude test in the form of an interview carried out by the Expert Panel Members or completing an adaptation period under the supervision of a QC.

Location

Meetings will take place every 1 to 2 months, primarily online via MS Teams or occasionally at the CRU's offices in Tallaght, Dublin 24. The decision as to whether meetings take place virtually or in person is at the CRU's discretion.

Remuneration

• €120.86 per application processed. It is estimated that there will be approximately 5 to 10 applications per Panel member per meeting.
• €362.59 per half day meeting and €725.17 per full day meeting, plus reasonable expenses at Civil Service Rates where the meeting is held in person. It is estimated that the Panel will meet a minimum of one half day online meeting every month.

Time Requirements

One half day meeting every 1 to 2 months to agree decisions where meetings take place virtually. Occasionally full day in person meetings at the CRU's offices may be required. The frequency of meetings may increase or decrease depending upon the number of applications received.

Ahead of the meetings, Panel members will be expected to have undertaken their own review and formed a view of each application to be decided.

Panel members may also be required to undertake a review of an application should an applicant request an appeal of the Expert Panel's decision. In this case, a Panel Member not previously involved in the decision will be requested to review and affirm or vary the decision of the Expert Panel.

Training will be provided by the CRU upon appointment to the Panel, which Panel members will be required to attend. Additional training may be provided throughout the term, where relevant changes in practices, regulations or industry developments occur.

The Candidate Essential Criteria

1. Recognised technical qualification as a qualified electrician or suitably qualified in the area to critique applications in line with national curriculum.
2. Relevant work experience related to Ireland's electrical industry.
3. Knowledge/experience of Irish vocational electrical training qualifications - particularly apprenticeships.
4. Applicants should be able to demonstrate relevant ICT skills.
5. Working knowledge of relevant electrical standards, codes of practice and international best practice in the electrical industry.
6. Commitment to confidentiality and public safety.

Desirable requirements

1. Strong working knowledge of the Safe Electric scheme.
2. Knowledge/experience of EEA member states' and/or third country vocational training qualifications and standards, especially relating to electrical work.
3. Knowledge/experience of professional or academic recognition.
4. Previous experience of advising on electrical sectors, for example, as a subject matter expert.
5. Experience of assessing individuals' competence, including interviews/oral examinations.
6. Experience of working to specific deadlines to deliver on detailed high level frameworks.
7. Previous experience in the regulatory and/or public sector.

Terms of Appointment

A member of the Panel shall hold office for a period of one year from the date of appointment and be eligible for reappointment for an additional two year period.