Policy and Performance Manager

EBBSFLEET DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

CANDIDATE PACKSummary

In April 2015 the Government established the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation (EDC), a new Urban Development Corporation with development management planning powers to deliver a new Garden City at Ebbsfleet in North Kent.

Ebbsfleet Garden City; where London meets the Garden of England, is an exciting new community of up to 15,000 homes and 30,000 jobs served by a full range of services and amenities focused around Ebbsfleet International Station, and embracing the existing communities of Swanscombe, Northfleet, Greenhithe and the adjacent towns of Dartford and Gravesend.

Ebbsfleet Garden City is gathering momentum with six house builders now on site. Strongly supported by central government the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation’s (EDC) Board has set out a vision for the first new Garden City for 100 years and the largest new town in 45 years.

EDC is working collaboratively with public and private sector partners and local stakeholders; investing up to £275 m in forward funding infrastructure and unblocking and accelerating development at pace.

We are now recruiting to the new post of Policy and Performance Manager. Reporting to the Director of Finance, the successful candidate will lead on all aspects of policy and performance reporting for the Corporation. This post will present the right candidate with the opportunity to put their mark on the Garden City at a key phase of our planning and development.

A full job description and person specification are provided later in this pack.

Salary: Up to £60,000

Location: Ebbsfleet, North Kent

Closing date: 22nd May 2017

Background

In 2015 the then Chancellor approved the creation of a development corporation to drive the creation of a new Garden City of up to 15,000 homes at Ebbsfleet in North Kent. The area has long been identified as having significant development potential, with excellent transport links - including the High Speed 1 rail station - and good availability of brownfield land across a number of strategic sites.

Although progress over previous years has been slow, Ebbsfleet Development Corporation is working with landowners and development partners to accelerate progress and drive significant new development opportunities. The Corporation is based at Ebbsfleet in North Kent, and with £275 million of Government investment agreed we are focussing our efforts on delivering major new infrastructure and land acquisition which can stimulate faster rates of growth and housing development.

The Government’s ambition is that the EDC will serve as a catalyst for the creation, at pace, of a new Garden City for the 21st century whose features include:

High quality housing, with designs and layout in keeping with local preferences;

Well integrated social and economic infrastructure, including significant improvements in transport providers;

Ample, high quality green space and development which respects the natural environment;

A coherent identity that takes account of, and delivers benefits for, existing communities in the wider local area as well as those living in the new development.

In order to achieve this, the Corporation is:

Working with partners to unlock the regeneration and development of Ebbsfleet and Swanscombe, with residential and commercial development properly integrated to ensure a cohesive community where people want to live and work:

Using its planning powers to drive up the quality, pace and (where appropriate) scale of development, with effective engagement with local residential and business communities in order to deliver sustainable outcomes;

Forward funding key infrastructure - including utility corridors - working with landowners and utility companies;

Identifying current barriers to development in the area, implementing a range of financial and non-financial interventions required to unblock those barriers and generate momentum on the ground;

Working with landowners to increase and accelerate the development potential of the commercial centre, attracting early occupiers and third party investment;

Identifying financial investment opportunities and attracting new private sector investment to the wider Garden City area, exploiting the significant opportunities which exist at Ebbsfleet.

Organisation

The Ebbsfleet Development Corporation was established on 20 April 2015 and is an Arm’s Length Body of the Department for Communities and Local Government. The Corporation is a public body and operates within a sponsorship arrangement with the Department, as documented in the Corporation’s Framework Agreement and in accordance with Her Majesty’s Treasury Green Book requirements.

The Corporation area covers key strategic housing and commercial development sites in both the Dartford and Gravesham Borough Council areas, and from 1 July 2015 has held statutory planning (development management) and compulsory purchase powers. Since this time, the Corporation’s Planning Committee and Chief Planning Officer (through delegated powers) have been responsible for determining planning applications within the Corporation’s boundaries.

The Corporation’s Board was appointed by the Secretary of State and comprises nine members and the Chairman - Michael Cassidy CBE. The Board includes representatives of the three local authorities in the Corporation’s area of operation (Dartford Borough Council, Gravesham Borough Council and Kent County Council).

More information can be viewed at www.ebbsfleetdc.org.uk

Job Description – Policy and Performance Manager

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

Summary

Job Purpose:

Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Policy and Performance Manager will lead on all aspects of policy and performance reporting for the Corporation. The successful candidate will work across the EDC and with external partners and lead on developing, managing and reporting on performance.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Monitoring and reporting overall progress against EDC’s Corporate Plan objectives (KPI’s) and Business Plan targets

Working across the EDC teams to ensure detailed performance progress is accurate, timely and consistent.

Leading and co-ordinating the periodic review of the EDC annual Business Plan ensuring alignment with relevant DCLG policy objectives, the EDC Implementation Framework and also local ambitions

Ensure robust governance structures and arrangements are in place to support the successful delivery of the strategic objectives and the priorities of the annual Business Plan

Prepare briefing papers on policy matters, business trends and market activity which have implications for the EDC.

Carry out bespoke analytical research studies to support EDC activities, business plan and emerging priorities e.g. legacy issues / stewardship.

Lead and / or support on any ancillary project activities resulting from the analytical research

Support and add value to the rigour of business cases for major project investment including applying lessons learned elsewhere and ensure alignment with government policies

Support the Chief Executive and Directors in all this work and present reports to the EDC Senior Leadership team, EDC Board and DCLG.

The post holder should act flexibly and undertake other duties and responsibilities which may be relevant to the purpose of the job.

 Person Specification

Salary: Up to £60,000

Location: Ebbsfleet, North Kent or local area (with frequent travel to London)

Closing date: 22nd May 2017

The essential and desirable criteria for this role are as follows:

Essential criteria

Considerable knowledge and extensive experience in policy, performance management and business planning with proven record preferably in relation to regeneration and/or development, and working with major projects and project teams;

Management experience within a multi-disciplinary working environment; budgetary and project management control.

Public sector financial experience, including financial analysis: a commercial understanding of funding, risk, payment, state aid, procurement and performance issues;

A strong understanding of regeneration policy, performance and project delivery particularly in the public sector;

Excellent communication skills: the ability to engage and influence stakeholders both internally and externally and the ability to deliver clear messages;

Excellent IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel, Word and Powerpoint; Highly organised with the ability to work to tight deadlines; Team player with the ability to work flexibly as part of a small team with

demanding targets, and to work under pressure. Analytical skills with a questioning approach and strong report writing 

Desirable criteria

Experience of housing and town planning processes Knowledge of government reporting systems and protocols Whilst this role does not involve direct line management, it will be working closely

with all staff from across the Corporation so experience of leading teams and line management would be an advantage

Conflicts of Interest

It is important that the highest possible levels of probity and integrity are maintained. To that end, we ask that you give details of any business or other interests or any personal connections which, if you are appointed, could be misconstrued or cause embarrassment to the Corporation or its parent Department, DCLG.

These could include financial interests or share ownership, active connections within a field of expertise in which the Corporation will work, membership of societies, activities, associations or employment of a partner or friend in the particular field in which the Corporation will operate.

Any statements you make will be treated confidentially and we will contact you to discuss any potential conflicts that might arise to explain what might be required if you are successful and check that you still wish your application to be considered.

You will also need to uphold and adhere to the Seven Principles of Public Life (see Appendix 1).

Eligibility

To be eligible for employment you will need to be either a UK national or a national of another European Economic Area Member State, or a Commonwealth citizen, or have the right to work in the UK. Swiss nationals are also eligible. In addition, if you have dual nationality you will be eligible as long as one of the nationalities meets the requirements.

Security ClearanceBefore the appointment of the successful candidate can be confirmed, you will be subject to a ‘Disclosure Scotland’ basic security check and also a Kent Police vetting check.

Selection ProcessThis process is being managed by the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation. Any queries regarding the process should be directed to Gerard Whiteman at ebbsfleetrecruitment@ebbsfleetdc.org.uk

Candidates who are invited to interview for this post will be requested to provide the names and contact details of two referees who will provide references regarding their suitability for the role. It would greatly assist the process if all candidates could ensure that references can be obtained swiftly in the event that they are invited to interview.

The Ebbsfleet Development Corporation is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity and that all our systems and processes are fair, open and objective. We endeavour to promote this approach in those with whom we come into contact. We are responsible for ensuring that the highest principles of equal opportunities policy are put into effect. As an equal opportunities employer we make no distinction between people on grounds of their race, ethnic or national origin, age, religion or belief, sex, marital status, disability, part time status or sexual orientation.

How to apply

All candidates are required to complete and submit the following:

The application summary form at Appendix 2

A copy of your CV (no more than 3 pages)

A covering letter explaining your suitability for the role, including how you meet the essential criteria for the role (no more than 4 pages)

Diversity Monitoring Questionnaire (see below)

Guaranteed interview scheme form – if applicable (see below)

Your completed application should be returned by Midday on 22nd May 2017 preferably by email to ebbsfleetrecruitment@ebbsfleetdc.org.uk or alternatively in hard copy to Gerard Whiteman at:

- Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, North Kent Police Station, Thames Way, Northfleet, Kent, DA11 8BD

Interviews will be held in late May / early June.

Diversity MonitoringThe Ebbsfleet Development Corporation is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and welcomes applications from candidates irrespective of race, age, disability, gender, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, transgender or working patterns.

Please complete the form at Appendix 3 and return it with your application to ebbsfleetrecruitment@ebbsfleetdc.org.uk

Please note the form will not be treated as part of your application. The data will be treated in the strictest confidence, and will be used for monitoring and statistical purposes only. 

Guaranteed Interview SchemeThe Ebbsfleet Development Corporation uses the guaranteed interview scheme to help widen employment opportunities for disabled people. Applicants with disabilities who meet the criteria stated in the person specification and submit a completed 'Guaranteed Interview Scheme' form at Appendix 4 will be guaranteed an interview.

ComplaintsIf at any time during the appointments procedure you have reason to question how your application was handled you should address your concerns to the EDC Assistant Director of Finance, Vikki Finneran at ebbsfleetrecruitment@ebbsfleetdc.org.uk

APPENDIX 1

The Seven Principles of Public Life

Selflessness

Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.

Integrity

Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.

Objectivity

In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.

Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

Openness

Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

Honesty

Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

Leadership

Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

APPENDIX 2

Application Summary Form

Name

Role applied for

Email address

Preferred contact phone number(s)

Address(please provide address details for the past three years)

Appendix 3

Diversity Monitoring Form

Equality and Diversity in the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation.

The Ebbsfleet Development Corporation is committed to valuing diversity and equality of opportunity for our workforce. To create a working environment in which these objectives are fully met, it is essential that we monitor our recruitment and selection procedures. Therefore, we would like you to complete the attached questionnaire.

Purpose and Benefits We need to find out whether our policy is working in practice and ensure there is no discrimination in the way that we appoint and promote staff. The purpose of monitoring is to identify trends that indicate problems, so that we can remedy them. In so doing, the Corporation can adapt and amend procedures to provide a fairer and more effective posting system for all staff.

What happens to the information I supply? Any information provided is treated in strict confidence and will not affect your

application in any way. The data will be used to produce statistical reports. These comprise a series of

anonymous figures, by which we can monitor the applicant numbers and performance within different groups.

Only those monitoring job advertising and staff movement will have access to the data. The information collated will be used entirely anonymously, but names are included on forms to enable cross-checking between the forms and the paperwork to be undertaken by the Recruitment Team.

Staff involved in sifting and interviewing for the post will not see your questionnaire. The information collated will not lead to a quota system nor be used against any

particular group.

Helping us to help youYour co-operation is central to building a workplace in which we all thrive; please help us to improve equal opportunities. We strongly encourage all applicants to complete and return the attached questionnaire to the recruiting manager.

We thank you in advance for your co-operation.

Name of Applicant:Post Applied For:It is important that you provide your name on this form so that we are able to analyse diversity details in respect of those who apply, are invited for interview, and are subsequently offered the posts. This information will not be shared with anyone involved in the sifting or interview process, and is purely for monitoring purposes.

1. Age

Date of Birth Age

Which groups do you most identify with? Please tick only ONE box in each of the sections below.

2. Gender

Female Male Do not wish to disclose

3. Disability

The Disability Discrimination Act defines a person as disabled if ''they have a physical or mental impairment, which has a substantial and long term (has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least 12 months) adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day to day activities''.

Taking this into account, do you consider yourself to be a disabled person?No Yes Do not wish to disclose

If answering Yes, please state the nature of your disability:

4. Ethnic Origin

Asian or British Asian Black or Black BritishBangladeshi Black AfricanIndian Black CaribbeanPakistani Black Other*Asian Other *Mixed WhiteWhite and Asian BritishWhite and Black African IrishWhite and Black Caribbean Irish TravellerMixed Other* White Other*Chinese Other Ethnic GroupChinese Gypsy

Other Ethnic Group**Any Other: Please Specify below Do not wish to disclose

5. Sexual Orientation

Bisexual Gay manHeterosexual LesbianDo not wish to disclose

6. Religion and Belief

Buddhist SikhChristian (all denominations) HinduJewish Other:*Muslim No Religion:*Any other, please specify below Do not wish to disclose

7. Flexible working

What is your preferred working pattern (please tick all that apply)?Full time Part timeCompressed hoursAnnualised hoursJob share/job split

Thank you for completing this form. The information it contains will be treated in the strictest confidence.

APPENDIX 4

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

We are committed to actively encouraging applications from people with disabilities.

Applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview if they meet the minimum

criteria for a job vacancy. The job description gives you the minimum criteria. Declaring

a disability for the purposes of a guaranteed interview is your decision and is entirely

voluntary.

Definition of a disabilityThe Equality Act 2010 (EA) generally defines a disabled person as:

someone who has a mental or physical impairment that has a substantial and

long-term adverse effect on the person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day

activities.

We aim to select staff on suitability for the job and welcome your application if your

disability does not stop you from doing the job in accordance with our responsibilities as

an employer in accordance with the EA 2010.

Please tick, if appropriate:I consider that I have a disability under the terms of the Equality Act 2010 and

wish to apply for a guaranteed interview, providing I meet the minimum criteria for the

job vacancy.

Whether you choose to apply under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme or not you can

still ask us to make particular arrangements for you when attending an interview. You

can also contact us if you want to discuss the criteria for the job or have questions

regarding your application.

Please complete the details overleaf

Name:

Address:

Date:

If you believe this applies to you, please state the type of disability you have:

…………………………………………………………………………………………

We will try to provide access, equipment or other practical support to ensure that people

with disabilities can compete on equal terms with non-disabled people. If any of the

options below would be of some help to you, please tell us by circling the appropriate

options. Also let us know if there are other items you think you may need to complete

the forms, and participate in an interview/selection tests.

Induction loop

Sign language interpreter (type)

Keyboard or other facility for written test

Speech facilitator

Car parking arrangements and any added assistance

Wheelchair access

Accessible toilet facilities

Any other assistance

Applicants with disabilities who have any queries about specific needs should contact

the Ebbsfleet Team at ebbsfleetrecruitment@ebbsfleetdc.org.uk

If you have equipment of your own or an interpreter of your choice available for the

interview, please provide details.

Any false declaration of disability to obtain an interview may invalidate the contract of

employment / posting.