Purpose
The Gilston Neighbourhood Plan Group seeks a part time Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the Communities response to the development pressures it faces as the construction of the 10,000 house Gilston development gets underway.
Background
The Gilston Project has consent to develop, over a number of decades, 10,000 new homes in 7 villages together with significant open space which will be in community use.
The NPG:
- Jointly represents Hunsdon and Eastwick & Gilston Parish Councils
- Is a voice for residents, holding developers accountable for promises to deliver a sustainable, high-quality development
- Aims to oversee and shape the Gilston Area development to ensure it aligns with community hopes, values and future needs
- Seeks to coordinate engagement between the developers and local authorities, especially East Herts Council
- Is involved in reviewing planning applications for the proposed villages
- Advocates for high standards in urban design, proper and timely infrastructure, environmental responsibility and community focused planning
- Continues to press for better interface with the existing communities, sustainable transport solutions, and “village master planning” principles
- Actively monitors the agreements related to infrastructure, affordable housing, and the long-term governance of community assets.
Resources
The NPG over its existence has developed a good level of working knowledge of the planning process and complexities of the scheme. We have been supported by a planning consultancy who have provided strategic guidance for a number of years including the period when we created the Neighbourhood Plan; see link to web site. The NPG also has a web site https://hegnp.org.uk/ maintained by our Secretary who also prepares press releases and supports NPG with its base administration.
Current Challenge/workload for NPG and need for part time resource
- The current NPG Members have served for many years and the project will take several decades to be completed. The NPG needs to encourage new members to take an interest in their local environment and help support the positive outcomes while managing the adverse impacts and minimising blight resulting from this massive construction project.
- The Outline Planning application had substantial volumes of information, the S106 agreement was hundreds of pages. There are many reserved Matters applications, each supported by substantial documentation. Much of the documentation will be settled by East Herts Planning Department but there will be some key aspects relevant to the NPG having regard to our central objectives, as set out above.
- Managing the construction impacts on the existing and future Community will require careful attention and stakeholder management
- The integration of the new development with existing community and supporting the creation of a vibrant set of village communities with a potential population of c.35,000 people with the two Parishes directly affected.
COO duties/core tasks
- Reporting to the NPG to lead the work of the NPG working alongside the Secretary, and any retained advisors
- Overseeing the administration of the NPG to ensure our data is well managed and secure and reflects and operates to the high standards of our two Sponsor Parish Councils
- Support the Chairperson in setting the strategic direction, agendas for meetings
- Help build, and foster, good day to day stakeholder relationships with our District/County Councils (and successor authorities – following reorganisation), relevant other bodies, the Developers and, importantly the soon to be appointed Stewardship body which will manage the maintenance of the new Village environments and allied open spaces within the Developers ownership
5 Skills and experience sought:
- Good strategic oversight – an ability to see the bigger picture and anticipate forward looking challenges while avoiding getting deeply involved in detail relating to the development of the individual villages.
- Good networking skills
- Strong communication skills
- Sound administration and base business skills and so ability to ‘self manage’
NOTE: The postholder is expected to have some general knowledge of the issues but not necessarily a history of planning, or extensively developed property expertise
Terms and conditions
The post is a public facing role reflecting our two Parish Councils’ public accountability so requiring a good understanding of:
- Conflicts of interest
- Transparency and openness
The appointment will be on a rolling contract for consultancy terminable on one month’s notice
Remuneration
The expectation is that the COO role will take 1 day a week, after a suitable induction period, a day rate of c. [£ 300] is expected. Any out of pocket expenditure reasonably incurred will be reimbursed excluding travel to NPG meetings
The applicant is expected to have their own computer/ipad/mobile phone and reasonable level of IT skills.
7 Application process
Applications will be treated as confidential to the NPG’s selection panel and should include:
- A one page CV
- A single page response to this Brief
- Confirmation that the applicant has the time available to undertake the role
- Provide two referees
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview with the selection panel and an informal presentation/discussion with the NPG.
Queries
To the Chairman, Anthony Bickmore, via email or by phoning 07831666101