Assistant Business ManagerPlanning Development
WELCOME
Thank you for expressing an interest in the role of Assistant Business Manager – Planning Development with us at Newark and Sherwood District Council (NSDC).
This pack contains all the relevant information relating to the post but if you have any additional questions, please do call for an informal conversation.
This is a role that is really important to us in strengthening our already excellent planning team. We are looking for somebody from a Development Management background, who can help manage and mentor, identify and implement improvements, make well-judged planning decision and recommendations, and help the team deal with the ongoing raft of planning reforms coming down the line.
The team has been successful over many years in providing and maintaining an excellent planning service which exceeds all statutory and local targets, alongside excellent planning enforcement and heritage services. We also run award-winning land charges and street-naming and numbering functions. We support our planning team with resources and respect, and we want it to excel in continuing to support the right developments, in the right places in a timely professional manner. The team also gets heavily involved in offering the Council’s own scheme planning advice. This includes a raft of government-funded capital projects from the Newark Towns Fund to the Levelling Up Fund
NSDC is in a fortunate position financially with a balanced budget and sensible Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP). We have a track-record of resourcing our priorities and pivoting quickly to deal with new challenges or legislation. We were the first Local Planning Authority in the Country to adopt the Community Infrastructure Levy and more recently have been leading the way regionally in leading the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain.
We have 4 Nationally Strategic Infrastructure Projects underway – the first for the dualling of the A46 to the north of Newark, 2 solar farms and a carbon capture scheme at Staythorpe Power Station as well as many other exciting development opportunities. The Council is pro-development, with an up-to-date local plan.
I hope you find the information contained in the pack useful and that it inspires you to apply for the role. I look forward to receiving your application.
Lisa Hughes Business Manager – Planning Development Newark and Sherwood District Council
Watch our welcome video.
ABOUT US
In so many ways, Newark and Sherwood is a fantastic place to live, work and visit.
We are the largest District in Nottinghamshire, at over 65,000 hectares and situated in the norther part of the East Midlands Region. The settlement pattern of the District is dispersed, given its large rural nature, and ranges from market towns to large villages to smaller villages and hamlets. The main towns of Newark, Southwell and Ollerton and Boughton act as a focus for their own communities and those in the wider area. We are privileged to a thriving and diverse business and community sector and have many local amenities on our doorstep that cater for all kinds of different interests.
This is an exciting time for the Council and in particular, the Planning Development Business Unit. There are many exciting projects progressing including:
The redevelopment of 32 Stodman Street.
The redevelopment of Forest Corner in Ollerton.
OUR VISION
The ethos of Newark and Sherwood District Council is ‘Serving People, Improving Lives’. We exist for the benefit of others and we are accountable for making things better. We accept this responsibility and recognise that our Community Plan can only be achieved by working in partnership with others and at a variety of different levels – sometimes street based, sometimes regionally, nationally and internationally.
Our Council wants to make a positive difference - now and for future generations. We’re passionate for everyone within our community to fulfil their potential and our aspiration is to be at the forefront of sustainable living.
We are proud to represent Newark and Sherwood and although not everyone will agree with everything that we do, we are a Council that is true to its values: welcoming, ambitious, responsive, professional and value for money.
OUR PURPOSE AND OUR VALUES
We want to serve our local community in the best way we possibly can. As public servants we place a great emphasis on adopting a public sector ethos and seek to embody this in the way that we interact with you and with each other. The Council’s purpose and values make it clear what we are here to do and how we will go about it.
Ambitious and forward thinking
Focused on achieving the very best and always looking to improve and innovate.
Caring and compassionate
Sensitive to the different needs and circumstances of others; seeks to empower people to fulfil their potential.
Commercial and business-like
Careful and creative with resources; securing value for money.
Professional and trustworthy
Open, honest and transparent. Consistently delivering on promises; providing good quality and demonstrating integrity.
Welcoming and responsive
Approachable, friendly and inclusive. Open to feedback and challenge and swift to act.
SERVING PEOPLE, IMPROVING LIVES
FUTURE PLANS AND YOUR ROLE
We have an excellent team of professional officers looking to continually improve our services.
We are meeting our statutory targets for major and minor developments and successful in relation to the ‘quality’ of our planning decisions. We are proactive in relation to planning enforcement action and have recruited a permanent Biodiversity and Ecology Lead Officer to facilitate the implementation of biodiversity net gain.
We are looking to build upon all of our successes by striving to be a first class planning authority able to meet the government’s potential future challenges in relation to speed of decision-making. As part of this, we are reviewing all of our processes, undertaking a procurement exercise for our planning and associated software and reviewing all areas where we can improve our services for the benefit of everyone in the District.
We would like you to be a part of this, adding further value and introducing further ideas to our existing plans.
ORGANISATION CHART
The Planning Development team is well resourced, and this Assistant Business Manager post is a new position, adding to the existing permanent structure of planning officers. The team includes planners, enforcement, conservation, trees and landscaping, biodiversity and ecology, technical support, land charges and street-naming and numbering as its core functions.
Senior
Officer
Conservation Officers
Planning Enforcement Officers
Planning Apprentice (currently in Enforcement)
ROLE DESCRIPTION
Job title: Assistant Business Manager Planning Development
Business unit: Planning Development
Reports to: Business Manager – Planning Development
Grade: NS16
JE ref: 760
Location: Castle House / Hybrid
Political restriction: Yes
Overall Purpose
To deputise for the Business Manager – Planning Development in the management of the business unit. To lead on, with support from the Business Manager, the development and implementation of an effective and efficient planning, land charges and street naming and numbering service including making senior delegated decisions as a second in command for the planning service. This includes ensuring decisions are made in a robust and timely manner whilst working positively and proactively and ensuring systems and processes are set up to enable smart and effective working. To support all staff in their delivery of the planning, land charges and street naming and numbering service and assist, with colleagues, in the training of or identification of training needs.
RESPONSIBILITIES & OUTCOMES:
• To support the management of the Planning Development Team in order to ensure the delivery of services to customers in accordance with the Council’s vision and values.
• To take a lead role, with (as required) direction from the Business Manager on developing and implementing transformational projects, increasing and improving digital transformation within the Planning Development business unit, to deliver a smart, efficient and effective planning service with the aim of delivering a lean and effective services in all aspects of process, service delivery and customer interface.
• To deputise for the Business Manager –Planning Development in the absence of the Business Manager.
• To support the Business Manager in implementing Business Plans for the Planning Development Business Unit to ensure that the Council delivers effective and efficient services, maximises business development opportunities, reduces costs and maximises income each year.
• To manage staff performance and relationships to achieve national and local planning, land charges and street naming and numbering (as applicable) targets and deliver the Business Plan targets and objectives, including customer service standards and reviews.
• To work closely and effectively with other Business Units to support the aims and objectives of their Business Plans and the Council’s Community Plan.
• To provide for the effective delivery of the Planning Service, including making delegated decisions, offering planning advice, determining planning applications, Planning Enforcement, Planning Conservation, Land Charges and Street Naming and Numbering including effective deployment of resource on a daily basis.
• To implement, lead and manage contracts and consultants as required.
• To assist the Business Manager in providing professional development and training of planning staff and elected Members.
• Assist the Business Manager to ensure compliance with Health and Safety legislation and the Council’s policies, procedures and regulations in discharging the Business Unit activities.
• To advise Elected Members with regard to a wide range of issues, including, but not necessarily falling within the post holder’s area of knowledge or expertise.
• To represent the Council at internal and external meetings and to provide advice to customers (internal and external) on a wide range of issues, including, but not necessarily falling within the post holder’s area of knowledge or expertise.
• To provide advice to Parish and Town Councils, community groups and external partners on wide range of issues, including, but not necessarily falling within the post holder’s area of knowledge or expertise.
• To make a significant contribution to the regeneration and growth of the District and to contribute towards Growth through the application of planning powers and through working in partnership with other Business Units within the Council and partner agencies outside of the Council.
• To carry out all work associated with the Council’s functions under the Town and Country Planning Acts (as amended) including preparation and appearing at public inquiries and planning appeal and court. To present the Council’s case and act as a professional witness.
• To deal with, and assist colleagues, with the more complex and controversial aspects of the determination and processing of applications in relation to planning.
• To write reports on complex issues, either for presentation to Committee, external groups, or for decisions by the relevant management team within the Council.
• To determine planning and related applications, consultation responses and other related decisions and reports for relevant committees and Senior Leadership Team, under delegated powers within the bounds of the relevant scheme of delegation or any other established protocols, and if necessary, referring matters for approval to the Business Manager or Director as appropriate.
• Produce reports, briefings and presentations and monitoring data as may be required for internal use and presentation to Committee or Senior Leadership Team.
SPECIAL PROVISIONS
1
The post requires the individual to have regular access to a vehicle to enable them to travel within/outside the district to carry out their duties. Duties may include (but are not restricted to) attending meetings, different work locations, conducting site and other visits and transporting heavy/bulky equipment or materials for business purposes as and when required. The vehicle used must be roadworthy, taxed and MOT’d and the driver must ensure that they possess a valid driving licence and that their vehicle is insured for business use.
2 This post is “politically restricted” as defined in Section 2(1g) of the 1989 Local Government and Housing Act.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Criteria
Experience
Knowledge & Skills
Qualifications
• Able to demonstrate extensive experience in the delivery of a planning service and making planning recommendations and decisions
• Able to demonstrate experience of staff supervision/management and performance management
• Track record of delivering transformational physical, social and economic regeneration/development
• Able to demonstrate experience of leading/managing/engaging with a wide range of partners in the delivery of the planning service
• Experience of delivering the Planning Service by electronic means
• Experience/track record of having handled major and complex planning applications and planning enforcement cases
• Experience/ track record of successfully delivering substantial and demonstrable change and improvements in the external environment
• Experience/track record of delivering substantial change improvements in the provision of quality and efficiency of planning services
• Excellent written skills
• Experience/track record of successfully delivering or supporting culture change and new ways of working
• Experience/track record of delivering or supporting cost savings and/or income generation
• Excellent communication and networking skills (at all levels) with staff, elected members and the public
• Able to persuade, influence and secure credibility with a wide range of partners at all levels
• Ability to work under pressure to meet targets and keep abreast of the whole range of important issues
• Highly developed project and contract management skills
• Understanding of the roles of elected Members
• Educated to Masters degree level in planning or relevant discipline (or equivalent)
• Chartered Membership of RTPI, or equivalent body
Behaviours
• Able to work with, and through others, to achieve results
• Able to demonstrate team building and leadership skills
• Capacity to motivate and lead staff
• Political sensitivity and awareness
• Ability to relate well to elected members
• Commitment and responsiveness to customer consultations
• Committed to demonstrating the Council values
Flexibility & Mobility
Role Features
• Able to attend meetings in all areas of the District
• Able to attend evening committees, Parish Council and public meetings throughout the District
• Hybrid - the postholder may work from home 2-3 days per week providing operational needs are met
• Main office is Castle House
• Flexi time scheme
The above specification defines the minimum essential requirements of the job, but the Council will have regard to the Equalities Act 2010 and will make “reasonable adjustments” to help applicants with a disability achieve these standards. Compliance with all the requirements of the job description and person specification does not guarantee an interview. However, disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This Job Description represents a statement of the main duties of the post but does not include all minor duties. It is inevitable that over time the nature of an individual job will change, and existing duties may be lost or others gained without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Therefore, this job description will be subject to revision.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
You will uphold the District Council’s Health and Safety Policy and amendments made thereto by the District Council and comply with all relevant health and safety legislation.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Council is committed to the effective management of risk. It is the responsibility of all employees to carry out their duties and responsibilities with adequate regard for Risk Management, as outlined within the Council’s Risk Management Strategy and Policy.
To embed risk management effectively into all areas of service delivery including integration within service plans and to assist with and where necessary and relevant to your service area of control, manage all risks including entry into, updating and maintenance of those specific and corporate entries of the Strategic Risk Register.
SAFEGUARDING
The Council has a statutory obligation to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. This responsibility sits with all those individuals who provide services on behalf of the Council, including all those who work with children, young people and families; those who manage staff within this work; staff
who work with mothers, fathers, carers and other adults who have contact with children; staff who have both direct and indirect contact with children, including administration, support and back office staff; contractors; volunteers, community groups and the general public.
CODE OF CONDUCT
You will ensure compliance with the Council’s Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, Codes of Practice and all other policies and regulations.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
You will uphold Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy in Service Delivery and Employment, thereby promoting a fair and quality service to all.
LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
You will keep under review your own development needs to ensure you maintain the appropriate skills to undertake your role. Learning needs should be discussed and determined at your Performance Appraisal or through regular discussions with your manager. You will be required to undertake training as identified and as appropriate, for the individual, or as required for effective performance of the duties of the post.
Corporate Values
The post holder must embody the corporate values of the Council as an individual and in their work and ensure that these values are embedded in the work of the Business Unit and the practices of all staff.
Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Corporate Values:
AMBITIOUS AND FORWARD THINKING
Focused on achieving the very best and always looking to improve and innovate.
CARING AND COMPASSIONATE
Sensitive to the different needs and circumstances of others; seeks to empower people to fulfil their potential.
COMMERCIAL AND BUSINESS-LIKE
Careful and creative with resources; securing value for money.
PROFESSIONAL AND TRUSTWORTHY
Consistently delivering on promises; providing good quality and demonstrating integrity.
WELCOMING AND RESPONSIVE
Approachable, open to feedback and challenge and swift to act.
HOW TO APPLY
For an informal chat or more information, please contact Lisa Hughes – Business Manager Planning Development, on 01636 655865 or at lisa.hughes@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk
Applications must be submitted through Newark and Sherwood District Council’s iTrent web recruitment portal here. Your application should address the essential criteria set out in the Job Description and Person Specification document.
As an employer we will promote an inclusive working environment to maintain and develop a forward thinking and diverse workforce.
Veterans/family of forces/ex-forces, those in care/care leavers, and candidates who declare disabilities (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) will be guaranteed interviews provided they have demonstrated that they meet the essential criteria of the post as detailed in the Person Specifications on their application forms.
*Free staff parking is valid until 31st July 2024.
Closing Date: Wednesday 10th April 2024
Testing: Will be shared with shortlisted candidates for completion online prior to interview.
Interview: 24th or 25th April 2024
