Job Description
Job Title: Head of Policy and Projects
Job Holder: Vacant from mid July 2008
Grade: JNC Band 1
Department: Environment and Planning
Location: Guildhall
Responsible to: Director of Environment and Planning
Responsible for: Staff
employed in Policy and Projects Division
Liaison with: Other members of the Departmental
Management Team and other staff in the Department, other Departments of the Council,
elected Members,
outside bodies (in particular the County Council, the Government Office of
the Eastern Region and neighbouring District Councils,) and members of the
public.
1.0 PURPOSE
1.1 1.1 To provide effective leadership and management of the Policy and Projects Service to deliver a high quality and professional service encompassing:
- Planning policy
- Climate Change Strategy
- Research, information and GIS
- Transport planning
- Environmental projects and improvements
- Economic Development
- Conservation and arboriculture
- Environmental Strategy
1.2 The Head of Service role not only makes a contribution to departmental, corporate and strategic management within the organisation but also ensures that the Service delivered is effective and meets key performance targets.
1.3 The role is to develop the Service in line with new legislative requirements and also to make a significant contribution in key priority areas such as addressing the sustainable development climate change priorities and ensuring that the growth agenda for the City provides real opportunities for improvements in the quality of life.
2.0 PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
2.1 For the development and adoption of imaginative and forward-looking policies which will address carbon reduction and Climate Change objectives whilst underpinning Cambridge's future economic vitality and environmental quality.
2.2 Manage, control and develop the Policy and Projects Service in a manner which aids staff motivation and equips individuals with the skills, knowledge and confidence necessary to perform their jobs.
2.3 For a positive contribution to the strategic development of the Environment and Planning Department and of the City Council as a whole.
2.4 For the competent management of projects and budgets.
3.0 KEY TASKS AND DUTIES
3.1 To promote the Council's corporate values and objectives through the work of the Policy and Projects Service.
3.2 To contribute to corporate initiatives and represent the Department on corporate working parties as agreed with the Director.
3.3 To deputise for the Director of Environment and Planning as required.
3.4 As a member of the Departmental Management Team, to assist in the development, implementation and review of departmental strategies and standards, including the Departmental Work Programme and customer care standards and procedures.
3.5 To be responsible for the effective delivery, review
and updating of the following key strategies:
(i) The Local Development Framework;
(ii) The Climate Change Strategy;
and to contribute to, and where appropriate to lead on, other departmental
projects and initiatives as agreed by the Departmental Management Team.
3.6 To take a leading role for the City Council in contributing
to the preparation of sub-regional planning and transport strategies including:
(i) Transport Innovation Fund and Congestion Charging proposals;
(ii) Post 2021 Spatial Strategies.
3.7 Responsibility for the provision of an effective, imaginative and technically competent Policy and Projects Service including:
- providing leadership and vision for the future direction of the Service within the framework agreed by the Departmental Management Team;
- preparing the annual Service Plan and review;
- ensuring that the quantitative and qualitative standards agreed by Committee are met;
- setting up and keeping under review information systems for monitoring key performance indicators and making quarterly reports to the Departmental Management Team;
- maintaining accessible and up-to-date records and information systems including the relevant Statutory Registers;
- keeping up-to-date with relevant new legislation and maintaining an awareness of good practice, ensuring that staff are well-informed;
- preparing and presenting evidence in person as an expert witness at major public inquiries as agreed by the Departmental Management Team;
- lead officer for Development Plan Steering Group; and
- promoting the work of the Policy and Projects Service both within the City and beyond, including attendance at County-wide and regional policy co-ordination meetings as appropriate.
3.8 Responsibility for advising the Director of Environment and Planning on the resources that are required to enable the Policy and Projects Service to meet its performance targets.
3.9 Responsibility for managing the Policy and Projects cost centres and ensuring that expenditure is maintained within agreed budgets.
3.10 Responsibility for ensuring that the Council's policy of Equal Opportunities on employment and service provision are actively pursued and promoted within the Policy and Projects Service, and that all staff receive appropriate training enabling them to act in accordance with these policies.
3.11 Responsible for staff development and training within the Policy and Projects Service, ensuring that all staff receive annual appraisals to enable performance standards to be set and monitored, and training and development needs addressed.
3.12 Be aware of, and comply with, the Council’s policies and procedures on health and safety at work by adopting safe working practices; reporting any accidents and/or unsafe or hazardous conditions to management; and to do everything reasonable to prevent personal injury to themselves, fellow workers and members of the public.
3.13 To carry out any other duties as required by the Director from time to time in accordance with the grading of the post.
3.14 To be responsible for identifying personal training and development needs in discussion with the Director. To participate in any training and development activities identified and agreed as relevant to personal development and/or development in the job.
3.15 To ensure confidentiality at all times in all matters relating to any work or communication within the Department and the City Council.
4.00 DIMENSIONS
Revenue budget (2008/9): £4.74m
Capital budget (2008/9): £1.51m
Current Staffing: 51