Managing Quantity

Surveyor Recruitment June 2014

Managing Quantity Surveyor

Thank you for your interest in the above position at Newport City Homes. This information pack contains the

following:

About Newport City Homes

Values Being part of Team NCH Total Reward Package

About the Role

Role Profile

Summary of Terms and Conditions

About the Process

How to apply

Further information

We recommend you take a look at the following documents:

Our Strategy Customer Charter

Fair in our policies and practices as a landlord and an employer, providing flexible service delivery and recognising the efforts and contribution of our people.

Working together to continuously improve, embracing change and striving for great solutions to transform vision into reality.

Respectful of the inherent value and worth of each person striving for inclusiveness and diversity in all our activities

Open and transparent, we value trust and seek the views of others responding appropriately to the voices of our customers and employees.

Accepting responsibility and accountability for our words and actions, living our values and delivering our vision

Our First Values

Our standards are high, our people are special.

About us Newport City Homes (NCH) came into existence on 9th March 2009, after Newport City Council transferred its housing stock to the new organisation. We provide services to over 10,000 residents, leaseholders and shared owners in the city.

A great place to work We have high standards and we know our strength lies in the quality of our people who with their talents, enthusiasm, and commitment are making a lasting impact on our residents and the communities they live in. We are committed to investing in our staff development, providing them with opportunities and rewarding them fairly, in turn promoting excellent customer service and a ‘can do’ approach.

Our culture and FIRST values Our corporate culture is built on our core values and on the behaviours that underpin them. Being part of Team NCH involves a commitment to working in accordance with our FIRST values, focusing on common goals, taking personal responsibility and striving to achieve great things in the delivery of our promises to residents.

Joining Team NCH – a rewarding move in lots of ways Our business is built on relationships – with our residents, partners, employees and the communities where we work. We are committed to placing residents at the heart of everything we do so that we listen, learn and continuously improve. We employ people with a positive attitude who are passionate about their jobs, genuinely want to help our customers and will always look for ways to improve the services we offer. We recognise that our staff work hard to deliver a great service and therefore it’s fair that they’re well rewarded for their efforts.

Being Part of Team NCH

We have developed an attractive total reward package to ensure we recruit, motivate and retain the best staff. That package includes:

Opportunity to make a difference The opportunity to impact directly on the lives of Newport residents by providing a quality service and to be part of a successful, dynamic and continuously improving organisation.

Commitment to equality and diversity We have a genuine commitment to equal opportunities and value the diversity of our staff, residents and the communities in which we work We have an equality scheme which sets out the way we promote equality and diversity in all we do. The Equalities Working Group oversees the implementation of the scheme.

Core benefits Rewarding roles and personal development opportunities Competitive salaries A minimum of 25 days holiday per year, increasing each year to a maximum of 30 days, plus 8 bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff) An occupational pension scheme – on starting your employment you can join our pension scheme, to which NCH will contribute Modern offices and an informal and friendly working environment reflects our belief that a happy workplace is more productive Free refreshments – water cooler, tea and coffee Corporate clothing for designated jobs Latest information technology systems and equipment.

Opportunities for learning and developing your skills Investing in you – to ensure that we constantly improve as a company, we continually invest in enhancing the knowledge and skills of our employees. We place a high priority on learning and development and have a commitment to helping everyone realise their true potential Learning culture – you’ll find a work environment specially created to make the most of your unique talents, where you can express yourself and continuously learn. All new recruits and staff gaining promotion receive a bespoke induction programme for their new roles Learning opportunities – learning and development in NCH goes beyond attending a training course. We provide ‘on the job’ coaching, secondments, e-learning, lunchtime learning events and in-house development programmes, along with access to external academic and vocational qualifications Unlocking talent – Performance & Development Reviews (PDRs) for all, focusing on performance objectives and future learning and development. We work with all our people to identify their true strengths and inner talents, so that they grow and evolve along with the company NCH Academy and trade apprenticeships – we have established an NCH Academy providing paid work experience placements and opportunities to study for recognised qualifications for people who are experiencing difficulty in gaining employment. We also offer apprenticeships in a range of trades, such as carpentry, plumbing, heating and electrical Professional membership fees – we pay an annual professional membership fee where this is relevant to the role.

Our Total Reward Package

Balancing work, health and home Work-life balance – we offer a range of options including part-time, job share and compressed hours, as well as flexi-time for most jobs Health, safety and wellbeing – we provide a safe and healthy working environment including access to occupational health and counselling services, individual health checks and an occupational sick pay scheme with a sliding scale of benefi ts based on length of service Health and wellbeing scheme – we have a dedicated Health and Wellbeing Group to coordinate initiatives and activities, e.g. healthy lifestyle events, relaxation techniques and smoking cessation classes Free fruit – provided for staff and visitors

Family related leave – to include compassionate leave in the event of the death of a close relative, up to three days per annum paid leave for emergencies with dependents, and leave for medical reasons or to attend medical screening. Staff involvement Team ‘APP’ chats – with our Chief Executive to discuss Annual Performance Priorities (APP) TU recognition – under our Joint Consultative Committee Staff forum – with representation throughout NCH Opportunities for involvement – in decision making and improvement projects. Celebrating success and having fun A friendly, fun and professional place to work – our Staff Social Committee organises a range of activities throughout the year, which gives our staff the opportunity to interact in a relaxed environment. This includes a funded staff Christmas party Awards – we have a PRIDE award for our employee of the year, presented at the annual staff conference, and a quarterly ‘Who’s Your Hero?’ Award to recognise staff who have gone the extra mile in delivering excellent services.

Free VDU eye tests – and, if you need glasses for VDU use, a contribution will be made by us Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave Options for buying and selling holidays – opportunity to buy or sell up to one working week’s annual leave each year.

Childcare vouchers – for working parents, replacing part of their salary with vouchers and benefiting from government tax incentives

Job Purpose

Lead the Contract Management section of the Property Investment team in the delivery of Newport City Homes’ Asset Management Framework through a range of property investment projects including regeneration, improvement, major repair, new build. This includes:

Provide a strong community focus to improve the lives of our customers/residents.

Demonstrate Newport City Homes’ equal opportunities, health & safety, and customer service standards in all activities.

Ensure that resident engagement and participation is at the heart of all activities.

Ensure the activities of the organisation are carried out to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in accordance with all relevant legislation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Work with and assist the Head of Property Investment to deliver the investment programmes identified in “Our Strategy” and prioritised through the Asset Management Strategy.

2. Undertake contract administration and quantity surveying services on selected projects, contributing to the option appraisal of potential projects and participating in the procurement of consultants and contractors as required.

3. Lead, manage, and motivate team members, coordinating resources to ensure optimum resource allocation to deliver the desired project outcomes. Ensure all team members are effectively inducted, supported and developed to increase team capability, and that their performance is regularly appraised with clearly defined objectives.

Job Title: Managing Quantity Surveyor Responsible to: Head of Property Investment Responsible for: Senior Surveyor, Contracts Assistant, Preventative

Maintenance Surveyor, Adaptations Surveyor. Directorate: Asset Management and Investment Section: Property Investment Location: Nexus House

Role Profile

4. Monitor the contract administration and cost consultancy services provided by external consultants ensuring the spend for the final account on each contract does not exceed the contract sum.

5. Ensure contracts are compliant with all statutory and legislative requirements e.g. asbestos, fire regulations, building regulations, CDM Regulations etc and that relevant information (i.e. asbestos) is made available to contractors and others as required

6. Ensure the standard of work handed over to NCH by our contractor meets the agreed standard. Initiate action in a timely manner as appropriate to address any under-performance.

7. Attend site progress meetings and monitor each contract to ensure it completes by the agreed completion date, initiating action in a timely manner to address any under-performance and facilitating problem solving processes to ensure performance targets are achieved.

8. Monitor the adequacy of contractors’ communication with residents initiating action in a timely manner to address any under-performance and attend resident consultation events as necessary.

9. Ensure any complaints from residents relating to works are investigated and that an adequate response is provided within the agreed timescale.

10. Ensure data on completed works is provided in a timely manner in order to maintain the accuracy of NCH’s stock condition database.

11. Contribute to the development of materials and workmanship specifications to ensure the long term value for money of investment works.

12. Ensure the provision of information on completed works as necessary to enable applications for grant funding.

13. Ensure the provision of final accounts and other information as required to enable the recovery of costs from leaseholders.

14. Liaise closely with other teams to ensure full information transfer to meet their service delivery requirements

15. Ensure the delivery of an effective adaptations programme and preventative maintenance programme within available budgets.

16. Implement lessons learned, for example from resident feedback or post project reviews, as appropriate.

17. Undertake other relevant duties as directed by the Director of Asset and Investment and Head of Property Investment

This job description sets out the main duties of the post, which may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the post or the level of responsibility entailed.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge / skills / experience Essential

Relevant professional quantity surveying qualification (e.g. RICS) or substantial evidence of equal experience to include contract administration

Demonstrable ability to lead and motivate and develop a team

Understanding of the regulations relating to asbestos management and fire safety

Understanding of statutory legislation and regulations relating to construction

Demonstrable communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to develop positive relationships with other NCH teams, contractors and consultants

Able to demonstrate the achievement of customer satisfaction Commitment to continuous improvement in performance

standards Strong drive to achieve results IT literate and competent in using MS office applications

Desirable

WHQS investment programme experience New build/regeneration programme experience Experience in delivering adaptations for disabled people Contract management of housing investment works Health and Safety qualification

Competencies

(Behaviours which the role holder must demonstrate to be successful in the role)

Communication Ability to communicate at all levels, in a way that results in effective action, expressing ideas and decisions in an open and confident manner

Understands the importance and benefit of two way communication, asking questions and checking understanding

Leadership Proactively communicates the vision and values both inside and outside the organisation. Has high credibility and is able to get buy-in from others

Team working Collaborates and cooperates to get the job done, values the input and know-how of other team members

Works with others towards the achievement of a common goal

Ethical behaviour Deals sensitively and appropriately with others and works in an honest and ethical way

Change orientation Able to manage cultural change. Acts as a role model in demonstrating a positive attitude, proposing and supporting change initiatives and managing change programmes to continuously improve

Business awareness Challenges and questions the status quo in order to identify ways of improving performance

Innovation Innovative and imaginative in approach; takes allowable risks

Customer focus Strong understanding of meeting the needs of customers, achieving and sustaining customer satisfaction

Maintain effective working relationships with partners

Achievement orientation

Strives for excellence, managing workloads and priorities to meet targets.

Clarify expectations, set clear objectives and provides honest and constructive feedback

Values

Fair Fair and consistent in dealings with staff and tenants.

Innovative Encourages new approaches and creative solutions to exceed standards and achieve service excellence.

Respectful Recognises and respect the needs of others; respectful

and caring in dealings with tenants and staff. Values diversity.

Sincere Passionate and committed to the aims and ethos of the organisation.

Trustworthy Builds trust by being open, honest and transparent. FIRST FOR PEOPLE , PLACES AND PARTNERSHIPS

Head of Investment

Programme Manager

Managing Quantity Surveyor

Senior Surveyor

Project Surveyors x6

Preventative Maintenance

Surveyor

Adaptations Surveyor

Contracts Assistant

Energy & Compliance

Manager

H&S Advisor/ CDM Co-ordinator

Assets & Investment Contract Management Team

Post: Managing Quantity Surveyor

Salary: Circa £45k

Location: Nexus House, Newport

Leave: Minimum of 25 days holiday per year, increasing each year to a maximum 30 days, plus 8 bank holidays.

Notice required: 1 week during probation 1 month once confirmed in post

Sickness Pay: Up to 3 months full pay and 3 months half pay after a five year period.

Pension: An occupational pension scheme – on starting your employment you can join our pension scheme, to which NCH will contribute.

Terms and Conditions

Before completing your applicationWe advise that you read through the Role Profile taking note of the skills, experience, abilities and personal qualities that are required for the post that you are applying for.

When completing the form make sure that you complete all sections in as much detail as possible. However, we understand that some parts of the application may not be relevant to you or the role; where this is the case please write ‘N/A’.

Your Personal DetailsPlease ensure that you provide your most up to date telephone number and email address.

It is important that you declare if you have been employed by us in the last 12 months or if you are related to a Board Member or member of staff. We need this information as we have to gain permission to offer employment in these circumstances from Welsh Government.

ReferencesPlease provide reference details from two people; one of which should be your current or most recent employer.

If you have a full employment history then a second employer reference should be given. However, if you are unable to provide a second employer then please provide a reference from a school, college teacher or personal reference.

If the role requires a DBS check then you will be required to provide employer references for the last three years.

Equal Opportunities Monitoring FormWe require this information to check the effectiveness of our Equality and Diversity Policy and to ensure that we are reaching all sections of the community.

Please note that we are committed to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

Guidance Notes for Completing Your Application

Each application is important to us and, in order to ensure we get the right person for the right role, it is important that all candidates have the same opportunity to succeed when applying.

A completed application form is the only information considered when we select candidates for interview. We do not accept CVs alone, but you may wish to submit yours in addition to your application to provide additional information.

It is important that you read these guidelines to understand what makes a successful application.

The first part of the application form contains information about you. Please note this information is not included as part of the shortlisting or interview process.

Record of ConvictionsYou are required to advise us of any unspent convictions.

If the post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 you are required to complete a record of convictions form declaring any current or previous criminal convictions.

It is essential that you complete this part of the form regardless of whether you have a criminal record.

Failure to disclose a criminal record may result in an offer of employment being retracted or the employment being terminated.

Knowledge, Skills and ExperienceThe next part of the application form is the most important because it is where you get the opportunity to demonstrate how your knowledge, skills and experience match those outlined in the role profile.

You should draw on your current and previous job roles and other relevant situations to demonstrate how your skills and experience are compatible with those of the profile. Please note that we require you to give examples of these and match them to the requirements of the role profile.

Your InformationPlease note that all application forms received are kept by our HR team. If your application is successful then your application form will become part of your HR file. If you are unsuccessful we will retain your form for six months, in line with the Data Protection Act, after which it will be destroyed securely.

Part of your application form may be held on a computer database and used to provide information for administration and reporting purposes. However, when application forms are used for this purpose no applicant can be identified from this information.

Submitting Your Application There are a number of ways that you can submit your application form to us.

By email to recruitment@newportcityhomes.com.

By post to: Human Resources Newport City Homes Central Office Nexus House Mission Court Newport NP20 2DW

You should ensure that your application form is received by us by midday on the closing date. Unfortunately we cannot accept any applications after this time and as a result these will not be processed.

Guidance Notes for Completing Your Application

We look forward to receiving your application. If you have any queries please contact our HR team on (01633) 227770.