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Appointment details

London Surface Water Strategic Group (LSWSG)

Summary

Organisation
Environment Agency
Sponsor department
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Location
London
Sectors
Environment, Agriculture & Fishing
Skills
Major Projects, Transformation
Number of vacancies
1
Time commitment
4 day(s) per month
Remuneration
£16,800 per annum
Length of term
5 Years
Application deadline
Midday on 31 July 2023

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Timeline for this appointment

  1. Opening date

    20 June 2023

  2. Application deadline

    Midday on 31 July 2023

  3. Sifting date

    1 August 2023

  4. Interviews expected to end on

    18 August 2023

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction

Surface water flooding is one of the greatest unmitigated risks in London and following decades of urban development and the increasing impact of climate change, surface water presents one of the greatest risks to households, businesses and the London economy. A new strategy is being co-developed by responsible agencies in the city to establish a long-term plan for managing surface water across the capital and an independent chair is sought to lead the group.

The position of Chair of the London Surface Water Strategic Group (LSWSG) provides a unique opportunity to drive the strategic co-ordination and collaboration necessary to create a step-change in London’s resilience to surface water flooding. As Chair, you will lead a senior-level, multi-agency group of partners in developing and delivering an ambitious new vision and world-leading strategy for London.

We require a visionary, dynamic chair to unite and harness the commitment of the many partners, including the public, in creating a London that is not only much more resilient to the rising risk of surface water flooding, but a more sustainable and equitable city.

You should have a good understanding of the London political environment but remain impartial in your role as chair. You should have the necessary technical skills and understanding of London’s water management. You need to be able to drive change, build consensus whilst at the same time challenge the normal constraints of partnership working to deliver a cohesive surface water strategy and implementation plan to help protect Londoners, visitors and businesses long into the future.

This is a ‘hands on’ role over a period of five years during which you will be responsible for both steering the development of the strategy as well as its subsequent implementation. This will include raising awareness of flood risk and the long-term adaptation actions needed to mitigate this risk. As chair, with support from your dedicated project team, you will work closely with the team of consultants who will be appointed to develop the strategy and associated action plans to support its implementation.

The complexity of raising awareness in London is just one of the challenges you and the LSWSG face. The position requires someone

who is passionate about the role, understands how surface water can affect people's lives and is empathetic. Accordingly, you will be committed to the objective of making London and London’s communities, resilient to the direct and indirect impacts of surface water flooding, now and in the future.

The LSWSG was set up following severe flash flooding affecting the city in 2021. The LSWSG is overseeing a programme of improvements to address this. It comprises senior-level representatives from London’s Lead Local Flood Authorities and other organisations with a flood risk management or strategic governance role. The LSWSG has made considerable progress already to identify all relevant stakeholders and begin raising awareness of the work underway to create a pan London strategy, as well as defining the scope of work. You will work with the LSWSG to take this initial work to the next stage and beyond. You will lead the LSWSG and report on progress.

We need someone who can provide a vision for the future that national and local government and all partners in London can engage in to deliver a greener, more sustainable future for London.

Members of the LSWSG:

  • London Boroughs – maximum total of six representatives drawn from Chair and vice chairs of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee and/or Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC) Strategic Partnership Leads
  • Mayor of London – Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy 
  • Environment Agency – London Area Director 
  • Transport for London – Chief Health, Safety and Environment Officer  
  • Thames Water – Strategic Resource and London Operations Director 
  • London Fire Brigade – Assistant Commissioner  
  • Thames RFCC – Independent Member

Appointment description

You will lead the LSWSG, whose purpose it is to drive greater collaboration between the partners to manage surface water flooding and lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy to address surface water flood risks in London. You will work collaboratively with the members of the LSWSG to ensure the LSWSG identifies and delivers effective solutions to mitigate the impacts of surface water flooding in the city. You will, where necessary, broker differences of opinion.

Key outcomes of the role

   Drive the co-ordination and collaboration of the LSWSG and wider partners to enable a step change in surface water flood risk in London. 

   Deliver a strategy and implementation plan to manage surface water flood risk across London in collaboration with all key stakeholders.

You will lead the LSWSG, whose purpose it is to drive greater collaboration between the partners to manage surface water flooding and lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy to address surface water flood risks in London. You will work collaboratively with the members of the LSWSG to ensure the LSWSG identifies and delivers effective solutions to mitigate the impacts of surface water flooding in the city. You will, where necessary, broker differences of opinion.

Key outcomes of the role

   Drive the co-ordination and collaboration of the LSWSG and wider partners to enable a step change in surface water flood risk in London. 

   Deliver a strategy and implementation plan to manage surface water flood risk across London in collaboration with all key stakeholders.

   Drive forward implementation of the strategy and plan including creating opportunities for enhanced collaboration to deliver actions needed on the ground.

   Identify and secure funding to help deliver the plan.

   Raise and sustain awareness of Londoners on surface water flood risk and empowering people to take action to help manage the risk.

In agreement with the LSWSG, you may direct the creation of one or more task and finish groups, or other suitable sub-groups, to make more rapid progress on particular issues and report back to the LSWSG.

Key Responsibilities:  

1.   Provide strategic direction and leadership to the LSWSG in the development and implementation of a comprehensive surface water flooding strategy for London.

2.  Maintain and enhance the LSWSGs’ commitment to working together to manage the risk of surface water flooding.

3.  Liaise with key stakeholders, including local and national government, and other London based organisations to ensure effective collaboration and alignment of goals.  

4.  Identify funding opportunities to resource the necessary actions needed for the strategy and plan to be successfully implemented.

5.  Work with local authorities and risk management authorities to ensure that the strategy and implementation plan can be effectively delivered.

6.  Work with London’s diverse communities and representative organisations to ensure engagement and involvement with the strategy and implementation plan.

7.  As a public facing role, you will need to engage with and represent the LSWSG in relevant forums, meetings, and governmental committees while speaking for the LSWSG nationally and internationally.

8.  Facilitate the sharing of knowledge, resources, and best practices within the LSWSG and with external partners.

9.  Monitor and evaluate the progress and success of the LSWSG initiatives, reporting back to stakeholders on a regular basis.

10.  Ensure that the LSWSG operates with transparency and accountability, adhering to relevant regulations and guidelines.

Person specification

Essential criteria

1.     Proven leadership experience, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse group of stakeholders and experts. Ability to collaborate, resolve disputes, encourage consensus, and engage in negotiation.

2.     Understanding of London’s water management structures, organisations involved and governance arrangements. Familiarity with London's unique urban and political context and its complexities in organisations structure. 

3.    Prior experience of working with or for local government organisations responsible for local surface water management. 

4.    Extensive experience in water management, environmental planning, or a related field, with a strong understanding of surface water flooding issues and mitigation strategies. Demonstrable understanding of inequities around climate impacts and commitment to environmental sustainability, social equity, and climate resilience.

5.      Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of audiences, including senior-level decision-makers, technical experts, and the public.

6.      Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a track record of delivering successful projects in complex environments.

Desirable criteria

Knowledge of relevant regulations, policies, and frameworks related to water management and flood risk reduction in the UK.

Experience in managing or participating in public consultation processes, stakeholder engagement, or community outreach initiatives.

Application and selection process

How to apply

All candidates are required to complete the following forms:

  • Monitoring form 1 (Conflicts of interest conduct and advertising Questionnaire) 
  • Monitoring form 2 (Diversity Questionnaire)

Candidates should submit their CV with education, professional qualifications and employment history and the names and contact details for two referees, together with their statement of suitability.

The statement of suitability should give evidence of the strength and depth of your ability to meet the essential criteria for this role. Please provide specific examples to demonstrate how you meet each of the criteria (max two pages please).

Your CV and statement should be returned to Georgia.Randall@london.gov.uk by the closing date: 31 July 12.00 (midday)

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

Charlotte Wood, Area Director London, Environment Agency, Representative of Organisation, Panel Chair

Mayor Philip Glanville, London Borough Hackney and Chair of Transport and Environmental Committee, London Councils, Representative of Organisation. Political Activity: Mayor of London Borough

Nevil Muncaster, Strategic Resource and London Operations Director, Thames Water, Representative of Organisation, 

Eligibility criteria

In general, you should have the right to work in the UK to be eligible to apply for a public appointment.

There are a small number of specialist roles that are not open to non-British citizens. Any nationality requirements will be specified in the vacancy details.

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. 

You cannot be considered for a public appointment if:

  • you are disqualified from acting as a company director  (under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986);

  • have an unspent conviction on your criminal record;

  • your estate has been sequestrated in Scotland or you enter into a debt arrangement programme under Part 1 of the Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 17) as the debtor or have, under Scots law, granted a trust deed for creditors.

When you apply, you should declare if:

  • you are, or have been, bankrupt or you have made an arrangement with a creditor at any point, including the dates of this. 

  • you are subject to a current police investigation.

You must inform the sponsor department if, during the application process, your circumstances change in respect of any of the above points. 

When you apply you should also declare any relevant interests, highlighting any that you think may call into question your ability to properly discharge the responsibilities of the role you are applying for. You should also declare any other matters which may mean you may not be able to meet the requirements of the Code of Conduct of Board Members (see Outside interests and reputational issues section below)
If you need further advice, please contact Georgia.Randall@london.gov.uk

Security clearance

The successful candidate will be required to undertake Baseline Personnel Security Standard checks in line with the Civil Service guidelines. Additional Security Clearance may also be required for certain roles. However, where this applies, candidates will be notified during the appointment process. Further information on National Security Vetting can be found on the Gov.uk website here.

Additional information for candidates

Disability confident

We are a member of the Government’s Disability Confident scheme. We use the Disability Confident scheme symbol, along with other like-minded employers, to show our commitment to good practice in employing people with a disability. The scheme helps recruit and retain disabled people. 
When you apply you will have the opportunity to select if you would like your application considered under this scheme.

Principles of public life

Holders of public office are expected to adhere to and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life. These are:
  1. Selflessness - Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.
  2. Integrity - Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.
  3. Objectivity - Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.
  4. Accountability - Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.
  5. Openness - Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.
  6. Honesty - Holders of public office should be truthful.
  7. Leadership - Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour and treat others with respect. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.

Code of conduct for board members

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. In support of this, all non-executive board members of UK public bodies must abide by the principles set out in the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. The Code sets out the standards expected from those who serve on the boards of UK public bodies and will form part of your terms and conditions of appointment.

Management of outside interests and consideration of reputational issues

Holders of public office are expected to adhere and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life and the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. Before you apply you should consider carefully: 
  • any outside interests that you may have, such as shares you may hold in a company providing services to government; 
  • any possible reputational issues arising from your past actions or public statements that you have made; 
  • and/or - any political roles you hold or political campaigns you have supported; 
which may call into question your ability to do the role you are applying for.
You will need to answer relevant questions in relation to these points when making an application. Many conflicts of interest can be satisfactorily resolved and declaring a potential conflict does not prevent you from being interviewed. If you are shortlisted for an interview, the panel will discuss any potential conflicts with you during that interview, including any proposals you may have to mitigate them and record that in their advice to ministers. Alongside your own declaration, we will conduct appropriate checks, as part of which we will consider anything in the public domain related to your conduct or professional capacity. This may include searches of previous public statements and social media, blogs or any other publicly available information. The successful candidate(s) may be required to give up any conflicting interests and their other business and financial interests may be published in line with organisational policies. 
Details of declared political activity will be published when the appointment is announced, as required by the Governance Code (political activity is not a bar to appointment, but must be declared).

Status of appointment

As this is an office holder appointment, you will not become a member of the Civil Service. You will not be subject to the provisions of employment law.

Appointment and tenure of office

Appointments are for the term set out in this advert, with the possibility of re-appointment for a further term.  Any re-appointment is subject to satisfactory annual appraisals of performance during the first term in the post. There is no automatic presumption of reappointment; each case should be considered on its own merits, taking into account a number of factors including, but not restricted to, the diversity of the current board and its balance of skills and experience. In most cases, the total time served in post will not exceed more than two terms or serve in any one post for more than ten years

Remuneration, allowances and abatement

Remuneration for this role is treated as employment income and will be subject to tax and National Insurance contributions, both of which will be deducted at source under PAYE before you are paid.

Pension and redundancy

This is an office holder appointment and does not attract any benefits under any Civil Service Pension Scheme. You will not be eligible for redundancy pay as you are not an employee. No other arrangements have been made for compensation upon the end of your term of appointment because an office holder who is appointed for a limited duration would have no expectation of serving beyond that period.

Application feedback

We will notify you of the status of your application. We regret that we are only able to offer detailed feedback to candidates who have been unsuccessful at the interview stage.

How to complain

We aim to process all applications as quickly as possible and to treat all applicants with courtesy.
Please contact Georgia.Randall@london.gov.uk if you would like to make a complaint regarding your application. Georgia will acknowledge your complaint upon receipt and respond within 15 working days.

Data protection

The Cabinet Office will use your data in line with our privacy policy.

Contact details

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