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A decision made (25/02/2008) regarding: Architectural Adviser – Urban Design. Application to the Population Office for a time unlimited "J" category Licence to be granted.

Subject:	Architectural Adviser – Urban Design Application to the Population Office for a time unlimited "J" category Licence to be granted.
Decision Reference:	MD-PE-2008-0043	Exempt clause(s):		N/A
Type of Report (oral or written):	Written	Person Giving Report (if oral):		N/A
Telephone or e-mail Meeting?	N/A	Report File ref:		N/A
Written Report Title:	Request for "J" Category Licence approval	Ministerial Decision – Author:		Jane Pollard
Decision(s): The Minister for Planning and Environment endorsed the proposal to secure the necessary approval in accordance with Regulation 1(1)(j) of the Housing (General Provisions)(Jersey) Regulations 1979 to enable the appointment of a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled person from outside the Island for the post of Principal Planner (Architect/Urban Design).
Reason(s) for decision: A local recruitment campaign during the summer of 2007 identified only one suitably qualified local candidate for this role, who was appointed into the post. The postholder has now decided to resign and we wish to recruit again. There is minimal probability of a local candidate with the possibility of holding dual qualifications of Architect and Planner being identified within the Island and the Department therefore wishes to recruit from outside the island. The post was advertised locally in January and 3 candidates were short listed and 1 declined the interview. A panel interview took place on 14 February 2008 but failed to appoint a candidate who met all the criteria for the post. The panel would like to carry out a more detailed search of the UK market. The role of Principal Planner (Architecture/Urban Design) is absolutely essential to provide architectural and urban design advice to the Department and the Minister. It therefore fulfils the criteria of ‘essential’ as defined under the housing regulations.
Action Required: The Chief Executive Officer to make an application to the Population Office for a "J" category Licence to be granted for the post of Principal Planner (Architecture/Urban Design) under the auspices of the Housing (General Provisions) (Jersey) Regulations 1970, Regulation 1(1)j; Subject to the approval of the application to the Population Office, the Planning and Environment Department will appoint a suitably qualified and experienced candidate from outside of the Island to fill this post.
Signature: (Minister/ Assistant Minister)			Date of Decision:

Architectural Adviser – Urban Design. Application to the Population Office for a time unlimited "J" category Licence to be granted.

Planning and Environment Department

Architectural Adviser – Urban Design

1. Purpose of the Report

To seek support for the approval of a J category licence for the post of Principal Planner (Architecture/Urban Design)

2. Background

2.1 The postholder will provide specialist architectural and urban design advice to the Department and to the Minister for Planning and Environment in relation to all aspects of development and urban planning. The number of planning applications which the Department receives is approximately 2,200 per annum and the Principal Planner (Architecture/Urban Design) will be responsible for ensuring that design principles are applied in each case. The impact of this advice will be very visible to Jersey residents, both now and for future generations, and will shape the built heritage of Jersey.

2.2 The key qualifications are:

Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects
Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute
Specialist qualification in urban design
A minimum of 7 years post-qualification experience

2.3 The post was advertised in the JEP in May 2007 and attracted two candidates, one of whom was fully qualified for the post and subsequently interviewed and appointed. However after six months the postholder has now decided to resign. The Department thinks that it is extremely unlikely that it will attract another suitably qualified individual from within the Island given that the requirement is for a professional qualification in two disciplines. The Department would therefore like to seek applicants more widely by advertising in the UK. If a suitably qualified Jersey resident applied for the post, then they would be considered before any non-qualified applicants.

2.4 The impact of not filling this vacant post at a time when large scale development is taking place is that there will be an inconsistent approach to design principles, the effect of which will be visible for many years.

3. Comments

3.1 Recent local advertisement failed to attract a locally qualified candidate who met all the criteria.

3.2 It is therefore proposed that candidates are sought who have both planning and architecture qualifications outside of Jersey.

3.3 It is expected that the successful candidate will need a Housing licence to occupy property in the Island.

4. Recommendation

4.1 The Minister is asked to support the recruitment of one Principal Planner (Architecture/Urban Design) and to agree to approach the Population Office seeking a time unlimited ‘J’ category licence.

January 2008