WELCOMEIn order to fulfill the Council’s ambitious plans for encouraging and supporting Growth, our Planning Service is recruiting.We are excited to be advertising for a series of roles which are fundamental to the council’s future growth agenda and to ensure that planning is not a barrier to delivery. We aim to create a platform to allow and encourage investment, thus ensuring the future prosperity of our Borough.

Our Councillors have told us that growth and development is a key priority for the Council and for Boston as a whole. We have a positive, ambitious, and proactive approach, and we are welcoming to new and large developments.

We really do want to unlock the potential that Boston has and we are now looking for some committed and dedicated individuals to join our team.

Boston is a great place to live and work, with lots going on across the Borough. We think this is a great time to join our team, if you are interested in being part of this exciting journey and feel you have the requisite skills and outlook, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please see below for full Job Description for the role of Development Management Lead.

Boston Borough Council

Job Description

Directorate

Corporate Director

Service

Development Management

Job title

Development Management Lead

Grade

7 (Subject to JE)

Reports to

Growth Manager

Responsible for

Development Management Team

Is this post eligible for a DBS check? NO

Boston Borough Council will re-check employees, as a minimum, at 3 yearly intervals.

A Purpose of job:

1 To provide effective leadership to ensure delivery of service within the Development Management team. To work positively with other members of the wider Planning team to ensure quality outcomes including supporting the Planning service’s role in managing, supporting and encouraging Economic Growth within the Borough with a focus on delivery of development.

2 To deal with a small but varied caseload, which will be a mixture of pre-application, current and post-application work, including appeals for more complex or major applications. To support the delivery of those cases/developments. This may include project work with involvement in schemes over a long time period – for example strategically important schemes for the Borough.

3 To support and engage with the continued development and refinement of planning policy for the Borough, including through the Joint Planning Unit (JPU), as may be required.

4To assist the Growth Manager, in maximising sustainable and quality growth across the Borough, principally through provision of an efficient and effective Development Management section which delivers quality outcomes. To provide professional advice and guidance in relation to the aforementioned matters to the public, the Council and to other officers of the Council, and will contribute generally to the continued performance and improvement of the service.

B Main responsibilities, tasks and duties

1 To be the Development Management lead within Planning, and provide senior leadership within the service. Providing professional technical advice and overseeing decision-making in relation to all types of planning applications and submissions – including signing off case officer reports and recommendations for decision (either using delegated powers or following decisions made by committee) including those relating to Enforcement activities. To be responsible for ensuring

efficient and effective delivery of the Development Management function including the processing and management of all planning applications, appeals and enforcement complaints. To support and enable effective case management of the wider service workload in order to deliver against local and national performance indicators. To be professional and accountable in relation to all duties and contribute positively to the wider Planning team, and lead in the creation of a culture which is supportive of the Growth ambitions for the Borough.

2 To manage, process and make recommendations on major and complex planning and related applications under delegated powers and for committee. To utilise a project management approach for large, longer-term, or strategically important projects for the Borough.

3 To represent the Council in relation to Planning Appeals (including through attendance as an expert witness or through supporting other officers), including public inquiries and hearings as well as providing written submissions. To attend and assist in other similar activities including those relating to plan adoption as may be relevant.

4To lead be responsible for the supervision and management of a small team of Development Management staff (including Planning Officers and Enforcement Officer). To manage, coach, train and motivate the team to deliver effective, high quality Development Management services and maximize service delivery in respect of all tasks, whilst promoting and facilitating a professional, customer orientated approach towards the provision of the Council’s services. To provide a high level of professionalism and communication as would be expected of a highly performing team, with all stakeholders related to the planning system and the Council more generally, and embed this culture within the wider team.

5 To provide a contact point for the department for Councillors, consultees and other service customers, responsible for offering advice and direction, including presentation to and being a lead officer at planning committee and other committees as may be relevant.

6 To positively engage with and provide advice to a range of customers on planning applications and related matters. To identify solutions to issues and deliver successful outcomes in agreed timescales. To seek and implement pro-active planning solutions for the department, and present a positive and professional approach to all relevant stakeholders, ensuring that the department and the Council are represented in the best possible light.

7 To deal with complaint handling, where relevant, co-ordinating information, preparing responses and handling matters sensitively. To provide and promote professional communication of all types in response to enquiries. To manage, provide and co-ordinate research and information to answer Freedom of Information requests, Customer Feedback requests and other customer enquiries.

8 To manage and oversee a range of other Development Management related activities including the making and review of Tree Preservation Orders, contract/performance management and delivery of services provided by consultancy (eg conservation/heritage functions, viability, ecology etc).

9 To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the planning system, facilitate the dispersal of wider knowledge and updates within the team, and support the continued learning of staff within the service. Including responding to legislative changes that impact upon the service area and implementing any necessary changes in procedures or guidance.

10 To support the Planning Policy team (including those within the wider Joint Planning Unit - JPU) in the continued production, review, monitoring and implementation of Planning Policy documents, other plans/documents/policies which are relevant to the delivery of development within the Borough.

11To assist and support the Growth Manager in effective management of the wider Planning Service to enable the objectives of encouraging, supporting, facilitating and delivering Growth within the Borough to be met, including working with other lead officers within the service and the Council more generally. To lead on specific projects, including process reviews, to facilitate and deliver documents and procedures to support service delivery and those required in connection with Council activities.

12 To represent the service in a positive light and promote a positive, ‘can do’ culture within the department. To represent the department in corporate matters/projects, to deputise for the Growth Manager at internal and external meetings as may be required and provide feedback which is supportive of the Councils aims and ambitions.

13 To support the Growth Manager in managing the Team’s physical, financial and staff resources associated with the day-to-day business of the service, including overseeing the authorisation (within an agreed scope as may be delegated) of orders and invoices. To contribute positively to business and financial growth including identification of opportunities for income generation and business efficiency.

14 To undertake such other duties as may be determined from time to time, within the general scope and commensurate with the grade of the post. Duties outside of the scope of the post may also be undertaken with the consent of the postholder.

C Knowledge and skills

1 Knowledge – Essential

Extensive knowledge of planning legislation and experience of working within Development Management.

Relevant professional qualification and significant post qualification experience Chartered Member of the RTPI – or eligible for full status - or able to demonstrate working

towards eligibility Able to demonstrate ongoing CPD. Experience of management and processing of a range of applications including those of a

major/complex nature and experience of managing a diverse workload with competing demands.

Experience and understanding of customer liaison and an awareness of service delivery requirements associated with the work of local government

Previous supervisory/staff management experience Understanding of safe working practices for lone workers. Current driving license

Knowledge - Desirable

Wider understanding of and previous experience in relation to wider Planning discipline

including policy development Able to demonstrate previous leadership of a team Previous experience in relation to procedure reviews, change management etc Relevant Management qualification(s) or professional accreditation (such as ILM) or willing

to undertake further training to achieve Extensive previous supervisory/staff management experience, including performance

management, the management/use of data, understanding of budgets and the interpretation of financial data.

2 Interpersonal Skills – Essential

Demonstrable leadership skills and ability to effectively manage, supervise and train staff, including the ability to appropriately delegate tasks

Ability to plan and monitor own workload and the workload of those being supervised - Able to cope with demanding workloads

Can evidence ability to advise and guide customers through complex technical matters Effective, professional communication skills (face to face, written and via the telephone). Motivated and committed to drive continuous improvement both personal and service wide Able to work with and persuade/influence others, and to build relationships – treats all with

respect and dignity Diplomacy & tact along with a calm, unflappable manner Adaptable & tolerant Forward thinking, ‘can do’ attitude and approach, positive and delivery focused Creative, flexible approach to problem solving – able to challenge the norm and find new

ways

3 Mental skills – Essential

The post holder will need to have a high level of mental dexterity as the role entails the analysis of complex issues such as research work from a variety of sources and the ability to draw conclusions from evidence obtained.

Ability to interpret, analyse and apply complex legislative and regulatory requirements Ability to make judgements on the basis of available information and to advise customers

accordingly Demonstrable ability to problem-solve complex matters. Excellent attention to detail High degree of dexterity and personal resilience Highly developed organisational skills; to be able to develop plans and solutions for the

team’s short, medium and long term development. Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and reprioritise workloads in an ever

changing environment, at times with little supervision Motivated to provide an excellent service and continue its development by introducing fresh

ideas and seek to deliver new ways of working for a more efficient service. Committed to ongoing learning and personal development, willing to undertake further

training as required Ability to assess new situations, identify risks and react appropriately whilst lone working.

4 Physical skills

The post holder will need to be competent in IT skills including microsoft applications particularly word and excel, and previous experience of using planning software and GIS.

Requires a current driving license and an ability to undertake site visits as may be required

C Responsibilities

1 For supervision

This role involves the direct supervision of a minimum of three members of staff within Development Management. Able to supervise, maintain and develop a team

2 For people

An understanding of the responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is required

Must be prepared to undertake safeguarding, disability, equality & diversity, Health & Safety plus all other relevant training.

This position requires the postholder to undertake Personal Safety Training, which may be held on a Saturday.

3 For financial resources

This role includes responsibility and accountability for financial resources (as may be delegated by the Growth Manager) such as for the processing of orders and invoices and authorising weekly payments for Planning Application publicity notices.

An appreciation of the wider budget position for the service (such as income generated) is also required.

4 For physical resources

The post holder will be responsible for IT equipment in the office as well as equipment supplied to aid mobile working such as IT devices, camera, mobile telephone, etc.

D Work environment and demands

1 Work demands

A high degree of initiative and independence must be shown by the post holder. There is an expectation that the post holder will be responsible for setting their own work plans on a daily and weekly basis without reference to the line manager.

This role involves contact with, or work for, people, which through their circumstances or behaviour occasionally place emotional demands on the postholder.

2 Physical demands

There are limited physical demands associated with the post.

3 Working conditions

The post holder will be required to work out of normal office hours as required to attend relevant events and meetings.

E Other

1 The duties and responsibilities in this job description are not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties that may be required from time to time within the general scope of the post. Any such duties should not substantially change the general character of the post. Duties and responsibilities outside of the general scope of this grade of post will be with the consent of the post holder with the exception of those required at such a time when the Emergency or Business Continuity Plan is invoked during a genuine emergency situation where staff may be required to undertake work outside of their normal duties without prior consultation.

2 Equal opportunities

The post holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with Council Equal Opportunities policies.

3 Health and safety

The post holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the council health and safety policies and procedures. All employees have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health & safety and that of others. In particular they must:

Carry out all work in the prescribed manner and ensure that they follow training, information and instruction provided

Use equipment correctly at all times

Wear or use personal protective equipment provided

Report all unsafe acts, conditions, accidents or near misses

Suggest methods of eliminating hazards and reducing potential risks

Co-operate in the investigation of accidents with the objective of introducing methods to prevent a reoccurrence

Take part in risk assessments, workplace inspections, safety tours and audits when necessary

Observe safe systems and methods of working at all times, avoid taking short cuts or improvising which may give rise to unnecessary risks

4 Health Surveillance

Employees are required to undertake such health surveillance, at the cost of the Council, as may be required.  This may be identified by risk assessments or be a statutory provision such as those within the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

5 Conduct

The public are entitled to expect the highest standards of conduct from all employees who work for local government and that their conduct should never be influenced by improper motives. Employees should always remember the responsibilities to the community they serve and ensure courteous, efficient and impartial service to all groups and individuals within the community.

Employees should be aware of the content of the code of conduct and ensure that they act within the code at all times

6 Information security & data protection

Employees should ensure that confidential material including material about individuals is handled in accordance with the law.

Employees are individually responsible for any information in their care whether computerised or manual.

All council policies on these issues should be adhered to.

7 Safeguarding

Employees have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the well-being of all vulnerable adults, children and young people who participate in our services or whom they come into contact with through discharging various functions. This includes situations where the council works directly with adult, service users who have care of children. Employees should be able to identify abuse or neglect and understand their responsibilities and what to do should they ever suspect or become aware that a child is being neglected, is being abused or is likely to suffer abuse.

8 Values

We believe that everyone has a role to play in making our council successful.

We expect everyone involved with boston borough council to be:

Open and honest with people

Enthusiastic, positive and proud about working for boston borough council

Patient with people and take time to understand their concerns

Approachable and clear with people

Open to new ideas and willing to learn

Caring and to treat people with respect, consistency and fairness

Focused on customers

G Manager responsibilities

1 To ensure at all times that a corporate view is adopted and that complaints (both internal & external) are dealt with promptly and effectively. To promote and reinforce a positive and proactive approach towards Growth within the Borough.

2 To assist in the preparation and review of annual service delivery plans and internal improvement

plans.

3 To assist in the provision of accurate monthly, quarterly and annual reporting on performance for internal purposes and government returns.

4 To prepare detailed and complex reports to Cabinet, Committees, and Working Groups as necessary.

5 To manage and be accountable for all matters relating to the workforce (including volunteers) under their control in line with the Council’s policies & procedures including:

a) effective induction including attendance by all employees at corporate induction training b) providing direction for teams and individualsc) recruitment & selection including safer recruitment where applicabled) skills & knowledge developmente) attendance management

completing all required documentation holding return to work interviews regularly reviewing sickness levels holding absence reviews managing long term sickness through regular HR contact/ liaison

f) disciplineg) grievanceh) appraisal & performance management by setting individual objectives and targets through

the Council’s ‘my performance’ process for all team members in line with the Service Delivery Plan and regularly review the achievement of these objectives

i) employee relationsj) communication & listening (via monthly team meetings and regular informal methods)k) workforce planning (See Workforce Planning Guidance for Managers HRP010 for further

information)l) safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

6 To set individual objectives and targets for all team members in line with the Service Delivery Plan and regularly review the achievement of these objectives

7 Ensure delivery of a safe working environment by ensuring that health & safety legislation and Council procedures are implemented and adhered to; employees are involved in health & safety management including attending necessary training; risks are assessed, control measures are implemented and information is effectively communicated to teams and individuals; reports include details of high level risks where relevant

9 To ensure that strategic & operational risks are considered and that appropriate actions and/or reporting are put into place to manage these.

10 To assist the Growth Manager with provision of updates and reports to senior members including the cabinet as required. To deputise for the Growth Manager as may be required at meetings etc

with internal and external stakeholders and support the objectives of the Council in so far as they relate to Growth.

11 To be responsible for equality in service delivery and employment within the service and to work within the Equality Standard for Local Government framework and relevant legislation in order to set equality targets through the Equality Impact Assessment process.

Job description written by Name:

Mike Gildersleeves

Growth Manager

Date: 7/2/20

Job description agreed by: Postholder: Date:

This post has been evaluated using the National Joint Council Job Evaluation Scheme as adopted by Boston Borough Council. JE Ref No.       Evaluation date:      

Factor Level Points

Knowledge6 121

Mental skills4 52

Interpersonal and communication3 39

Physical skills2 26

Initiative and independence5 65

Physical demands1 10

Mental demands4 40

Emotional demands1 10

Responsibility for people4 52

Responsibility for supervision3 39

Responsibility for financial resources3 39

Responsibility for physical resources2 26

Working conditions1 10

Total score 529