Introduction

Thank you for your interest in the positions available (Chair and 5 Board Members) on the Board of the National Housing and Planning Advice Unit (NHPAU).

The NHPAU is a new advisory non-departmental public body with an important role in influencing future housing policy. It is an independent body accountable to Parliament and sponsored by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

The DCLG has a powerful remit to promote community cohesion and equality, as well as responsibility for housing, urban regeneration, planning and local government. A fundamental principle of sustainable communities is that everyone should have the opportunity of a decent home at a price they can afford, in a place in which they want to live and work. The Deputy Prime Minister's five-year plan 'Sustainable Communities: Homes for All' published in January 2005 sets out how the Department will do this.

The NHPAU Board will provide expert independent advice to Government and the regions on addressing long term market affordability and housing supply; and on the implications for the level and broad distribution of future house building. The Chair and Board Members will bring their particular expertise in housing economics, demography, planning, housing construction or related areas to this critical role. The Board will bring leadership, direction and clarity to the development of the NHPAU's independent advice.

We look forward to receiving your application for this exciting role which will contribute to the provision of quality, affordable homes for sustainable communities.

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Background

The National Housing and Planning Advice Unit (NHPAU) is being set up in response to recommendations made to Government in Kate Barker's review of Housing Supply in March 2004. The review identified a substantial under-supply of houses against demand, leading to long term affordability problems. The Government accepted the central conclusion of the Review that there should be a step-change in housing supply.

The Government also accepted the need for independent advice on housing supply and market affordability to be provided to the nine English regional housing and planning bodies to inform the evidence base for regional strategies and support decision making. In September 2004 the Government consulted on its proposal to establish an independent unit to provide expert analytical support to the regions. Following this, the Government response to Barker in December 2005 gave a commitment to set up the Unit by Autumn 2006. The NHPAU is being set up in line with this commitment. It will provide advice to Government and the nine English regions on the implications of the Government's ambitions for housing affordability and supply for the level and broad distribution of future house building.

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Structure

The NHPAU is an advisory Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). It is independent from the DCLG and has its own role and responsibilities. The annual budget for the NHPAU is up to £2m. The Chair and 5 members make up the Expert Panel/Board of the NHPAU and are ultimately responsible to Ministers for the NHPAU's performance.

These are the first appointments to the Expert Board of the NHPAU and will provide the opportunity to lay the foundations for the effectiveness of this body and the advice it provides. The Board will steer the work of the supporting technical analytical unit of 10-12 staff. The supporting unit will be headed by a senior civil servant and will include economists, statisticians, researchers and support staff. The unit is expected to be in place by November.

The Board will comprise leading experts from the field of housing who will help to build intellectual consensus on issues associated with housing market affordability and to ensure the credibility of the advice published by the Unit. The Panel will be the public face of the NHPAU and may be called upon to appear at the Examination in Public stage of the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) process. As part of RSS process, the Secretary of State for DCLG may appoint a panel to hold a Public Examination into the draft Strategy. The panel selects matters and participants for the Examination. The Secretary of State then consults on changes to the draft strategy in light of the panel's recommendations and issues the final version.

In setting up the new Board, the Chair and Board Members are being recruited at the same time. For future appointments, the Chair will play a role with DCLG in the selection process.

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Remit

The NHPAU's objective is to advise Government and the regions on the implications for the level and broad distribution of future house building of the Government's national ambitions for long term market affordability and housing supply.

The remit of the Unit is:

1. To provide and publish authoritative, non-binding advice to Government, the relevant Regional Assemblies (RAs) and the Mayor of London for the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) process (in London the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) process), on: a distribution of regional affordability targets that would be consistent with the Government's overall ambitions for housing affordability and supply; the methodology for translating regional affordability targets into housing numbers; its assessment of the implications of the recommended regional affordability targets for the level and broad distribution of future house building in the region.
   
   
2. To develop its advice in dialogue with the RAs, the Mayor of London and other regional stakeholders. The NHPAU should quickly establish strong clear links with these bodies. It should also seek to establish good working relationships with other relevant bodies to ensure consistency and to avoid duplication: for example the ONS, the Regional Observatories and the Academy for Sustainable Communities.
   
   
3. To provide authoritative advice to the Examination in Public on the RSS /SDS, including advice on the affordability implications of proposals for housing put forward by the RA or Mayor of London within the RSS /SDS and their consistency with other relevant regional strategies.
   
   
4. To encourage the compilation of nationally-consistent regional evidence in support of the preparation of the RSS/SDS and other relevant regional strategies.
   
   
5. To disseminate and help Government and the RAs develop consistent methodological practice in assessing the implications for economic, social and environmental sustainability at different spatial scales of different quantities and distributions of house building.
   
   
6. To commission research and disseminate good practice in support of the above activities

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Board Member

Job Description
Person Specification
How to Apply

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Board Member - Job Description

As a member of the Board, the post holder is accountable to Parliament, through the Chair and Ministers, for the advice that is provided by the National Housing and Planning Advice Unit.

The Board is supported by the NHPAU technical and support unit whose function is to deliver the NHPAU remit.

Objective

To provide advice to Government and the regions on the implications for the level and broad distribution of future house building of the Government's national ambitions for long-term market affordability and housing supply.

Principal Accountabilities

The Board takes collective responsibility for:

• Steering the work of the NHPAU in order to provide and publish authoritative advice to Government, Regional Assemblies (RAs) and the Mayor of London for the Regional Spatial Strategy process (in London the Spatial Development Strategy process, on:
  
  
  1. a distribution of regional affordability targets that would be consistent with the Government's overall ambitions for housing affordability and supply:
     
     
  2. the methodology for translating regional affordability targets into housing numbers;
     
     
  3. its assessment of the implications of the recommended regional affordability targets for the level and broad distribution of future house building in the region
     
     
• Ensuring the NHPAU's advice is developed in dialogue with the RAs, the Mayor of London and other regional stakeholders and that the NHPAU has strong clear links with these bodies. Ensuring the NHPAU also establishes good working relationships with other relevant bodies to ensure consistency and to avoid duplication: for example with the ONS, the Regional Observatories and the Academy for Sustainable Communities.
  
  
• Providing authoritative advice to the Examination in Public on the RSS /SDS, including advice on the affordability implications of proposals for housing put forward by the RA or Mayor of London within the RSS /SDS and their consistency with other relevant regional strategies.
  
  
• Steering the work of the NHPAU on the following:
  
  
  1. to encourage the compilation of nationally-consistent regional evidence in support of the preparation of the RSS/SDS and other relevant regional strategies.
     
     
  2. to disseminate and help Government and the RAs develop consistent methodological practice in assessing the implications for economic, social and environmental sustainability at different spatial scales of different quantities and distributions of house building.
     
     
  3. to commission research and disseminate good practice in support of the above activities
     
     
• Ensuring that the supporting Unit effectively carries out its key tasks in order to deliver the NHPAU remit.

• Attending Board meetings.
  
  
• Acting as the public face for the NHPAU, engaging constructively with key players and explaining the NHPAU's work and policies.
  
  
• Adhering to the Code of Practice for NHPAU Board Members that will be put in place based on the Cabinet Office model for Board Members of Public Bodies.

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Board Member - Person Specification

In your written application, please provide evidence of how you meet the required criteria set out in Parts One and Two below.

The Roles and Skills Required

The DCLG wishes to have an NHPAU Board that comprises individuals who between them have the right level and mix of skills and experience necessary to enable the NHPAU to provide expert advice on housing affordability and supply. The DCLG is therefore looking for Board Members who are able to show that they have the required knowledge/experience and skills/abilities set out below.

Required criteria for all members:

Part One - Knowledge and Experience

• Specialist in either housing economics, demography, planning, the housing construction industry or related areas who is respected as a leading authority in their field.
  
  
• A good understanding of current housing market affordability, housing supply and planning issues, sufficient to direct and challenge the work of the supporting technical unit and to draw conclusions from it.
  
  
• Strong analytical skills, evidenced in areas such as housing economics, demography, planning or housing construction.

• Excellent communication, presentation and influencing skills.
  
  
• The ability to provide leadership, adopt a strategic overview and steer the work of the NHPAU technical unit.
  
  
• The ability to contribute positively to debate and work effectively within a team.
  
  
• The ability to provide independent advice.
  
  
• The personal credibility to represent an organisation and to establish constructive working relationships with regional stakeholders and national bodies.
  
  
• A commitment to tackling housing market problems.
  
  
• Sensitivity to regional issues and the impact of housing on the environment, infrastructure and economies.
  
  
• Professionalism, impartiality, integrity and objectivity.

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Chair

Job Description
Person Specification
How to Apply

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Chair - Job Description

The Chair of the Board is accountable to Parliament, through Ministers, for the advice that is provided by the NHPAU.

Purpose of the Role

The Chair of the Board is the public face of the NHPAU and is responsible for its leadership and giving direction, clarity and impetus to the development of the NHPAU's advice. As this is a new body, the Chair will need to decide with the Board the strategy for best delivering the remit of the NHPAU.

The Board is supported by the NHPAU technical and support unit whose function is to deliver the NHPAU remit.

Principal Accountabilities

• Providing clear and energetic leadership and direction to the NHPAU.
  
  
• Providing a strong sense of purpose, energy and enthusiasm in making a real impact on planning and housing delivery through the advice of the NHPAU.
  
  
• Acting as the key representative and ambassador for the NHPAU in meetings with Ministers and key stakeholders.
  
  
• Being the key representative of the NHPAU at the Examination in Public stage of the Regional Spatial Strategy process and the key spokesperson in dealing with the media.
  
  
• Establishing with the Board how the remit of the new NHPAU can best be taken forward and lead in setting and monitoring delivery of objectives.
  
  
• To ensure the views of stakeholders are heard in balance with each other and taken on board.
  
  
• Chairing the NHPAU Board meetings, ensuring that strategy and policies are fully discussed and that clear decisions are taken and disseminated properly.

• Ensuring that a Code of Members' Conduct is in place based on the Cabinet Office model for Board Members of Public Bodies. This will include a publicly available register of Board Members' interests.
  
  
• Undertaking an annual assessment of other Board members' performance
  
  
• Producing an annual report.

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Chair - Person Specification

In your written application, please provide evidence of how you meet the required criteria set out in Parts One, Two and Three of the person specification below.

The Roles and Skills Required

The DCLG wishes to have an NHPAU Board that comprises of individuals who between them have the right level and mix of skills and experience necessary to enable the NHPAU to provide expert advice on housing affordability and supply. The DCLG is therefore looking for Board Members who are able to show that they have the required knowledge/experience and skills/abilities set out below.

The Chair should meet the criteria required of all Board Members plus the additional criteria indicated below for the position of Chair
Required criteria for all Board Members.

Part One - Knowledge and Experience

• Specialist in either housing economics, demography, planning, the housing construction industry or related areas who is respected as a leading authority in their field.
  
  
• A good understanding of current housing market affordability, housing supply and planning issues, sufficient to direct and challenge the work of the supporting technical unit and to draw conclusions from it.
  
  
• Strong analytical skills, evidenced in areas such as housing economics, demography, planning or housing construction.

• Excellent communication, presentation and influencing skills.
  
  
• The ability to provide leadership, adopt a strategic overview and steer the work of the NHPAU technical unit.
  
  
• The ability to contribute positively to debate and work effectively within a team.
  
  
• The ability to provide independent advice.
  
  
• The personal credibility to represent an organisation and to establish constructive working relationships with regional stakeholders and national bodies.
  
  
• A commitment to tackling housing market problems.
  
  
• Sensitivity to regional issues and the impact of housing on the environment, infrastructure and economies.
  
  
• Professionalism, impartiality, integrity and objectivity.

• Well-developed leadership skills. Ability to provide energetic direction and leadership.
  
  
• Drive and determination, sound judgement and decisiveness.
  
  
• Ability to think clearly and analytically and grasp complex issues.
  
  
• Ability to deal with the media and public speaking as the Chair will predominantly be the public voice for the Panel.
  
  
• Be a strong networker with excellent interpersonal/communication skills

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Terms and Conditions

The Board Members and Chair are appointed by Ministers. The following provides an outline of the terms and conditions of appointment.

Period of Appointment

Appointments are for a period of 3 years and are expected to commence in October 2006 subject to the approval of Ministers. Re-appointment at the end of the term cannot be guaranteed although Ministers may appoint for a further period, subject to satisfactory performance.

Time Commitment

The time commitment is expected to be 2-3 days a month: 1 day a month for Board meetings and the remainder for other requirements associated with the post. In total the time commitment is not expected to exceed 30 days a year. Those who are unable to contribute the time currently specified should not rule themselves out if they can demonstrate a high level of fit with the requirements.

Meetings of the Board will generally be held in the NHPAU's offices in Titchfield near Fareham, Hampshire.

Remuneration

A daily fee of £350 will be paid to Board Members. A daily fee of £468 will be paid to the Chair. Remuneration is subject to tax and national insurance. Reasonable travel and subsistence costs will be reimbursed. Child and elder care costs will be reimbursed at Civil Service rates.

Conflicts of Interest

Board Members should avoid conflicts of interest where their Board duties and private interests conflict, and should ensure the openness of the Board's activities in line with the Seven Principles of Public Life (see below). There is a section in the application form which asks you to declare whether you have any conflicts of interest.

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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.

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The Recruitment Process

The Department for Communities and Local Government is committed to making appointments on merit, seeking candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds and taking full account of equal opportunities. Applications are particularly welcomed from women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds and disabled people who are under-represented at this level in public life.

These appointments fall within the remit of the Commissioner for Public Appointments, and will be carried out in accordance with the "Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies", available from www.ocpa.gov.uk or OCPA 3rd floor, 35 Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BQ.

The OCPA leaflet "Your Application for a Public Appointment" explains more about the process.

Please Click Below to view The OCPA leaflet "Your application for a Public Appointment".

OCPA leaflet - "Your application for a Public Appointment"



Timetable
How to Apply
Complaints
Expenses

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Timetable

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How to Apply

You should download and complete the application form (below) and also ensure you attach a comprehensive CV.

The application form includes a section on information required for public appointment monitoring which you are asked to complete please. This information will be kept separate from your application and will not be seen by the sift or interview panel.

Once you have completed the application form, save it to your computer and proceed to apply online, where you will be prompted to attach your application form and CV.

Application Form

Board Member - Apply Online

Chair - Apply Online


The closing date for applications is 1st August.

For an informal discussion about any of these roles please call Baljit Dhadda on 020 7017 0934 or Balvinder Sangha on 020 7017 0919.

Rockpools will, of course, respect the privacy of any conversations regarding any of these roles.

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Complaints

Should you have any complaint about the way your application is handled you should contact Department for Communities and Local Government, Affordable Housing Division, Zone H1, Eland House, Bressenden Place, London SW1E 5DU. If you are not happy with the response you receive, you should contact the Commissioner for Public Appointments. A leaflet setting out the procedure is available at http/www.ocpa.gov.uk. For a paper copy contact Rockpools and ask for either Baljit Dhadda on 020 7017 0934 or Balvinder Sangha on 020 7017 0919, quoting reference DCLG001. For more information on complaints please click on the link below.

OCPA leaflet - "Your application for a Public Appointment"

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Expenses

Any reasonable travel expenses incurred by candidates in attending for interviews will be reimbursed by Rockpools.

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Site Map

Introduction

Background

Structure

Remit

Board Member

Job Description
Person Specification

Chair

Job Description
Person Specification

Terms and Conditions

The Principles of Public Life

The Recruitment Process

Timetable
How to Apply
Complaints
Expenses

Help
Site Map
Accessibility

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Help

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Word Viewer 2003
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If you are experiencing any other problems with this site, please contact Samuel Dorne on 0207 017 0938 or e-mail: samuel.dorne@rockpools.co.uk.

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Accessibility

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