South Ulster Housing Association Head of Development Candidate Information Pack September 2017 1
Appointment of Head of Development INFORMATION PACK CONTENTS 1. Introduction from The Chairman 2. South Ulster Housing Association Background Information 3. The Recruitment and Selection Process 4. Job Description and Person Specification 5. Summary of Terms and Conditions 6. Employment Policies 7. Job Advertisement Downloads of this pack are available from the South Ulster website www.southulsterhousing.org, Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Association s website www.nifha.org and Community NI website www.communityni.org. Alternatively the application pack can be requested online at NI Jobfinder. An Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form is also included in the pack and should be completed and returned in a sealed envelope with the application form. If this form is not returned your application may be considered as incomplete. 2
A Letter to Applicants from the Chair of South Ulster Housing Association Dear Candidate, Thank you for your interest in the position of Head of Development of South Ulster Housing Association, based in Portadown, Co. Armagh. South Ulster Housing Association is one of the oldest housing associations in Northern Ireland. As a registered social housing provider we are committed to improve the services that we provide and to continue to work with our partners to make an even greater positive impact on the communities where we operate. This means delivering first class homes and levels of customer services in a viable, efficient and effective manner; and responding to our customer and stakeholder needs. This will be an opportunity for the successful candidate to contribute to the Development strategies of an important organisation in Northern Ireland that works closely with a range of strategic partners to improve the quality of life of our communities by supporting our Vision of Tenants first and foremost. To inform and assist your consideration and encourage your application we have prepared this candidate information pack about South Ulster Housing Association and the recruitment and selection process. Thank you for taking the time to consider applying for this Head of Development opportunity and we very much look forward to receiving your application. Yours sincerely Colin McCusker Chairman 3
The Recruitment and Selection Process How to Apply 1. If you wish to apply for this post you should examine the Job Description and Person Specification carefully to assess whether you are suitable for the job and then complete the Application Form. 2. It is important you complete the application and monitoring form IN FULL. Incomplete applications will not be considered. CVs will also not be considered in place of an application form. 3. Completed applications should be sent by email to recruitment@southulsterhousing.org. Conflicts of Interest If a prospective candidate has any actual or potential conflict of interest with the activities of South Ulster, this should be declared clearly in the application. Any indirect association of this kind through any family member or partnership must also be disclosed. Closing date Applications should be received by Thursday 12 nd October 2017 at 12 noon. Late applications will not be considered. All applications will be acknowledged. Shortlisting Decisions Only those candidates that demonstrate that they possess all relevant knowledge, experience, skills and abilities listed below in the Person Specification will be shortlisted for interview. We reserve the right to enhance criteria in order to facilitate the shortlisting process. It is therefore essential for your Application Form to provide full concise information and evidence relevant to the position. Application forms may be supplemented by continuation sheets as necessary. Those who have not been shortlisted will be notified. Pre-appointment Enquiries If you are successful, you will receive an offer of employment conditional upon receipt of satisfactory vetting, references (to be determined at the sole discretion of the employer), preemployment health check and confirmation of relevant qualifications. Subject to satisfactory completion of these pre-appointment enquiries, you will be invited to take up post as soon as possible. We would emphasise that these enquiries will be carried out in full compliance with our Equal Opportunity policy. 4
Job Description Post Title: Head of Development Department: Development Responsible to: Chief Executive Responsible for: Development Assistants Salary: 36,379-39,177 P04, Spine Point 41-44 Job Purpose: To develop and implement a strategic approach to new property acquisitions To identify, follow up and secure new developments To manage development activity and maximise development opportunities with or without the use of Housing Association Grant To lead and develop a team To achieve the Housing Association s Development programme ensuring that projects are delivered on time to agreed standards and within agreed costs Principal Duties and Responsibilities: 1. To be fully conversant with policy and practices, standards and trends, innovation and theory in connection with the development of social housing. 2. To conform to the requirements of the Association s policy, plans and procedures. 3. To prepare for approval annually by the Board of Management, the Association s Development Programme. 4. To keep the Property Services & Corporate Performance Committees and Chief Executive regularly informed about progress with the approved Development Programme. 5. To comply with the requirements of the Terms of Reference of the Association s Property Service s Committee. 6. To appoint and control external consultants and contractors in accordance with the Association s policies and procedures and current procurement legislation. 7. To actively seek and respond to new business opportunities (making presentations to interested parties as necessary) and lead in negotiating new projects with the support of the Chief Executive and Senior Management colleagues. 8. To develop and to maintain such systems and records appropriate to the effective functioning of the Development Department, in line with the Association s strategic and operational requirements and best practice. 9. To ensure that support work of colleague s and external consultants is properly integrated and optimised. 10. To ensure all projects conform to the requirements of the Department for Communities (DfC) Guidance and other public procurement policies. 11. To collaborate constructively with other Associations. 12. To liaise closely with Housing Management, Property Services and Finance staff over new development proposals. 13. To ensure viability of all new projects within the parameters of funding levels agreed by the Association s Board of Management. 14. To be lead contact with Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) (DPG), DfC, Health & Social Services Trusts, Housing Associations and other relevant organisations on development issues. 5
15. To ensure through effective management, motivation and appraisal that the Development Department is staffed by competent people. 16. To ensure staff are appropriately trained in safe working practices, to monitor staff and ensure they comply with instructed practices, to report defects to the appropriate department. 17. To provide support to the development programme of the Association. Specific Duties Development Programme 1. To work with the Head of Housing and the Head of Finance to identify unmet needs with a view to developing new business. 2. To establish effective working relationships with NIHE Managers and Place Shapers with a view to ensuring up to date knowledge of local housing needs. 3. To establish effective working relationships with Health & Social Services Managers and Place Shapers with a view to ensuring up to date knowledge of care needs. 4. With the assistance of the Head of Finance, evaluates potential of sites to determine the feasibility for using the site for social/affordable housing, then leads with negotiation of purchase agreements. 5. With the assistance of the Chief Executive and Head of Finance, evaluates financial feasibility and establishes a financing plan for the development. 6. Applies for, secures, and reports upon pre-development, construction, and permanent financing from conventional, public, and quasi-public agencies. 7. Establishes and manages budgets for each funding source. Capital Projects 1. To carry out activities necessary to acquire sites and properties in pursuance of the Association s Development Programme. 2. To project manage capital projects consistent with the requirements of the Housing Association Manual, the Association s policies, agreed programme requirements and such other requirements as may be agreed from time to time. 3. To establish and operate effective systems which will ensure constant analysis and monitoring of budgets and project costs. 4. To ensure effective liaison with all outside bodies connected with the Association s development activities including Consultants, DfC, NIHE, Vendors, Solicitors, Valuers and Planning Service. 5. To create and maximise effective liaison with building contractors and developers to procure opportunities for joint venture projects either privately or publically funded. 6. To provide statistics and information for the Board of Management, DfC or NIHE as required. 7. To ensure the legal status of projects conforms to the Associations policies and standards and to bring variations to the attention of the Chief Executive. General Duties 1. To attend and service meetings of the Property Services Committee and Board of Management as agreed with the Chief Executive. 2. To appraise/monitor the performance of all staff members of the Development Team, providing appropriate support and training and participate in employee induction; 3. To regularly review DfC Guidance with respect to Development policies and procedures, and annually confirm compliance to Board. 4. To participate in collaborative initiatives with Associations or other organisations as may be requested from time to time. 6
5. Monitor Inspection and Audit Reports for Development from internal auditors, DfC, etc. and ensure corrective actions are completed according to agreed timeframe. 6. Liaise as necessary with all statutory and voluntary groups in the furtherance of the Associations objectives and be involved in any joint working teams for policy development. 7. Respond to consultations on Development matters on behalf of South Ulster in consultation with the Board. 8. Observe the Code of Governance of the Association. Work within and ensure staff operate to the Scheme of Delegation and within financial authorities. 9. To service the South Ulster Property Services Committee in accordance with its terms of reference, whilst reporting to Board and the Monthly Management Meeting. 10. To prepare update and implement South Ulster s policies and procedures within Development, maintain timely reviews of same and ensure all policies and procedures are cascaded to staff through appropriate induction, training and awareness sessions. 11. To ensure staff fulfil requirements under Data Protection, Legislation policies and procedure and adequate security and confidentiality measures are in place around IT and documentary storage systems. 12. To ensure health and safety remains a key focus, that staff are trained in and regularly conduct risk assessments, incidents are reported to the appropriate authorities, and effective investigations are carried out. 13. To contribute to the overall strategic management of the Association through the Senior Management Team. 14. To undertake research and development as assigned with a view to promoting best practice. 15. To annually update the Development section of the 5 year Corporate Plan and deliver against agreed objectives. To undertake any other reasonable duties identified by the Chief Executive or Board of Management which are deemed to be within your capability. All employees have a personal responsibility to promote and to support measures designed to create a working environment that is free from harassment or discrimination on the grounds of race; national, ethnic or cultural origin; nationality; religious belief or lack of religion or belief; political opinion, gender; gender reassignment status; sexual orientation; being married or a civil partner; pregnancy or maternity leave; disability; age or membership or non-membership of the travelling community. This job description may be amended from time to time to facilitate changes in the better organisation of the Associations activities following consultation with the job holder. 7
Person Specification Criteria Essential Desirable Education And Qualifications Relevant degree qualification or equivalent within a construction/ development or design discipline Professional qualification in construction, development or design (including architecture, quantity surveying or building surveying) Qualification in Project Management in a development environment (e.g. Prince2 methodology) Experience Minimum of 5 years previous development experience in Housing Development or in a related field with demonstrable transferable experience or alternatively 5 years of applicable senior Project Management experience that would reasonably provide the required/equivalent knowledge and skills Experience within a successful Registered Social Landlord or housing related organisation. Previous work experience gained as a Head of Development or equivalent role. Experience in negotiating or procuring high value contracts Knowledge Skills Personal Attributes Other Knowledge of housing management legislation, basic building construction and relevant government policy including Funding Financial awareness and budgetary control; Understanding of current housing issues; Good understanding of public planning process Thorough understanding and working knowledge of the NEC Suite of contracts Strong teamwork, interpersonal and organisational skills Excellent time management and communication skills (verbal and written) Proficient in IT in particular MS Word, Excel, Outlook and Power-point Negotiation and influencing skills Leadership skills and ability to manage a team Ability to write business reports and presentations Sensitivity and the ability to relate well to people of all backgrounds and cultures; Good manner working with consultants and contractors on a range of projects; Common sense and the ability to use initiative when making decisions; The ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines; Ability to be assertive Valid, clean driving licence and use of a car Knowledge of NI and EU Public Procurement Law Planning and resource management demonstrable experience Ability to read drawings/ maps and Bills of Materials 8
Summary of Conditions of Service Salary Scale: 36,379-39,177 P04, Spine Point 41-44 dependent on experience Hours of Work: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday. The Head of Development is however expected to work such hours as required for the full performance of their duties. Leave Entitlement: 23 days per annum increasing to 28 days after 5 years service and 31 days after 10 years service. Place of Work: Offices of South Ulster Housing Association Limited 18-22 Carleton Street Portadown BT62 3EN Notice Period: 3 Month (after completion of a 6 month probation period) Pensions: As an employee of the Association you will be automatically enrolled/eligible to join the Association s defined contribution pension scheme. Private Medical Insurance We offer Private Medical insurance for all staff available after completion of probation, with the option to add family members at preferential rates. Flexible working We operate a flexi time scheme allowing for flexible working arrangements outside of core business hours. Probation: You will be on probation for a period of 6 months. 9
Employment Policies The terms of appointment to the post of Head of Development includes a three month period of notice of termination of employment after 6 months service with the Association. The appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of all pre-employment checks (employment references, qualifications and a medical review). As part of the selection process for the vacancy, you will be asked to provide, in confidence, evidence of entitlement to work in the UK and declare any criminal history information. You are invited to complete and return the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form to assist us in monitoring our Equalities Policy. The provision of this information is required. The information provided by you on the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form will not be made available to the selection panel. Statistical and anonymous reports will be produced for monitoring purposes from the information contained in the document for submission to the Equality Commission on an annual basis. The information provided by you on the application and any supplementary forms will be used for the purpose of selection, recruitment and any further subsequent employment administration if the application is successful. 10
JOB ADVERTISEMENT HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT About Us South Ulster is a Registered Housing Association (RHA) based in Portadown, which owns and manages over 1,100 homes across Northern Ireland. The Association employs 20 staff and has an annual turnover of over 6 million, not including Development. In 2016-17 we committed 13.6m in gross expenditure to provide 113 to the Social Housing Development Programme (SHDP). The Association has an ambition to build on its success in 2016-17 and to maintain its position as a significant provider to the SHDP in future years. About the Role We currently have an opportunity for a Head of Development who will ensure that South Ulster s development programme meets both its strategic plan and other corporate objectives and who will play a key role in the Senior Management Team and. The Head of Development will identify and analyse new business opportunities and lead the Development Team. A key requirement of the role is to also develop and maintain key stakeholder relationships with the Department for Communities (DfC), Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), and other organisations. About You We are looking for individuals who have a thorough understanding of technical aspects of development and building as well as a comprehensive knowledge of a Housing Association`s current operating environment. You will have excellent leadership, communication skills and management experience in the development of homes with the ability to analyse financial and other information to make sound judgements and manage risk. We are therefore looking for individuals who demonstrate a compassionate, enthusiastic and `can-do` approach. The successful candidate will manage housing development activity and explore development opportunities as well as identifying, following up on and securing new developments. A minimum of 5 years previous development experience in a Housing Development role would be essential or in another field with demonstrable transferable experience. Alternatively 5 years of applicable senior Project Management experience that would reasonably provide the required/equivalent knowledge and skills would also be acceptable. You must be able to work as part of a team to deliver an excellent service to the people we support and be flexible in your approach to work. You will have a commitment to equality and diversity and take a positive approach to supporting others. All applicants must hold a valid, clean driving licence. 11
The Benefits We offer a range of benefits which include: Generous annual leave allowance of 23 days per year, rising with service, plus statutory bank holidays Workplace pension scheme Life assurance of three times your annual salary Comprehensive training and development A detailed recruitment pack is available by contacting recruitment@southulsterhousing.org. The closing date for this role is 12 noon on Thursday 12 nd October 2017. South Ulster Housing Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer 12