South Ulster Housing Association. Development Manager. Candidate Information Pack April 2013

Transcription

1 South Ulster Housing Association Development Manager Candidate Information Pack April 2013

2 Appointment of Development Manager INFORMATION PACK CONTENTS 1. Introduction from The Chairman 2. South Ulster Housing AssociationBackground 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 SUHA website Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Association s website Community NI website 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.

3 A Letter to Applicants from the Chair of South Ulster Housing Association Dear Candidate Thank you for your interest in the position of Development Manager of South Ulster Housing Association, based in Portadown, Co. Armagh. South Ulster Housing Association is one of the oldest housing associations in Northern Ireland. The challenges facing social housing organisations are well known. In our case challenges have been exacerbated by difficulties specific to the association. However, the organisation has embarked on a significant programme of change and performance improvement. It will be your role to build on these foundations and drive forward the change and improvement programme in the interest of our tenants and other key stakeholders. 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 levels of customer services in a viable, efficient and effective manner and responding to our customer and stakeholder needs. This will be an opportunity to contribute tothe Development strategies of an important organisation in South Ulster that works closely with a range of strategic and locally based partners to improve the quality of life of our communitiesby 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 Development Manager opportunity and we very much look forward to receiving your application. Yours sincerely Jim Haslam Chairman

4 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 form IN FULL. Incomplete applications will not be considered. CVs will also not be considered in place of an application form. 3. Please note the key dates listed below and advise if you would be unavailable and suggest any alternative dates. 4. Completed applications should be sent by to 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 Friday 17 th May 2013 at 12 noon. Late applications will not be considered. All applications will beacknowledged. Short Listing 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 the interview. We reserve the right to enhance criteria in order to facilitate the short listing process. It is therefore essential for your Application Form to give full concise information and evidence relevant to the position. Applications 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.

5 Job Description Post Title: Development Manager Department: Development Responsible to: Chief Executive Responsible for: Development Assistant Salary: 28,636-33,661 P01-P03, Spine Point Job Purpose: To identify, follow up and secure new development activity 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 the 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 assist the Chief Executive and Senior Management in negotiating new projects. 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 of Social Development s (DSD) Housing Association Guide and other public procurement policies. 11. To collaborate constructively with other associations within the Abacus Procurement Group to achieve common procurement objectives. 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), DSD, Health & Social Services Trusts, Housing Associations and other relevant organisations on development issues.

6 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 Housing Services Team Leader 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 Planners 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 Planners 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 affordable housing, then assists 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, DSD, 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, DSD 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 the Housing Association Guide 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. 5. Monitor Inspection and Audit Reports for Development from internal auditors, DSD, 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

7 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 for managers, 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 of one or more specific issues 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 such other duties as the Chief Executive or Board of Management may reasonably require. 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 religion, community background, gender, marital status or disability. This job description may be amended to facilitate changes in the better organisation of the Associations activities following consultation with the job holder.

8 Personnel Specification Criteria Essential Desirable Education And Qualifications Experience Knowledge Skills Personal Attributes Other Degree qualification in a relevant area Minimum of 5 years previous development experience in Housing Development or in a related field with demonstrable transferable experience 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 Knowledge of NI and EU Public Procurement Law Thorough understanding and working knowledge of the NEC Suite of contracts Strong teamwork, interpersonal and organisational skills Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) including negotiation Good IT skills in particular Word and Excel Negotiation skills Leadership skills 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 Clean driving licence and use of a car Professional qualification in construction, development or design (including architecture, quantity surveying or building surveying) Qualification in Project Management in a development environment (eg Prince2 methodology) Membership of CIH Experience within a successful Registered Social Landlord or housing related organisation. Previous work experience gained as a Development Manager or equivalent role.

9 Summary of Conditions of Service Salary Scale: 28,636-33,661 P01-P03, Spine Point dependent on experience Hours of Work: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday. The Development Manager 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 Carleton Street Portadown BT62 3EN Notice Period: 1 Month Pensions: As an employee of the Association you will automatically be contracted into the NILGOSC Pension Scheme unless you formally contract out. The pension is contributory by both employer and employee. You are required to contribute at a rate of between 5.5% and 7.2% with the Association contributing at a rate of 20% from annual salary Private Medical Insurance We offer Private Medical insurance with Aviva 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 hours. Probation: You will be on probation for a period of up to six months.

10 Employment Policies The terms of appointment to the post of Development Manager includes a one month period of notice of termination of employment. The appointment is subject to satisfactory employment references, satisfactory checks of qualifications and a medical check. 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 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 voluntary. 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.

11 JOB ADVERTISEMENT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER South Ulster Housing Association owns and manages over 1000 homes in Northern Ireland. The Association employs 17 staff and has an annual turnover of 3.6 million. Development Manager The successful candidate will manage housing development activity and explore opportunities as well as identify, follow up on and secure new schemes. A minimum of 5 years previous experience in Housing Development would be essential or in a related field with demonstrable transferable experience. Detailed recruitment packs for each position are available by download from the SUHA website ( NIFHA ( or Community NI website ( The closing date for these roles is 12 noon Friday 17 th May South Ulster Housing Associationis an Equal Opportunity Employer