HBF Chief Executive Rob Ashmead has implemented a reorganisation of the HBF’s staff and structure to boost its ability to give added value to members.
HBF Chief Executive Rob Ashmead has implemented a reorganisation of the HBF’s staff and structure to boost its ability to give added value to members.
Following a programme of consultation with HBF regional chairmen and with the support of HBF Officers, Major House Builders and the Metropole group a new National Planning Team has been set up to handle all national policy issues including the strategic housing requirements and the geographical distribution of housing. The central team will tackle regional planning guidance submissions and will be able to share and co-ordinate experiences across the regions.
The reorganised HBF will also provide a greater focus on external affairs, with a new External Affairs directorate designed to create a better business environment for the industry and will be available to deal with local and regional issues as appropriate The team`s role will include:
· Developing well-reasoned persuasive representations that win round rather than alienate, key stakeholders. Strong skills in policy development and excellent research back up are necessary
· Forming and deepening relationships with all external audiences (political, media, policy etc), creating alliances and marginalising opponents. Strong skills in communication and campaigning techniques are necessary.
· Looking for future opportunities and threats and creating strategies to deal with them before they become an issue for the industry
The delivery of an appropriate service at regional level remains an absolute priority for the House Builders Federation. Rob Ashmead reported that "although the planning resource at regional level has been reduced," he said, "flexible deployment of central resources in support will enable HBF to meet relevant needs at local level." The Regional Managers will continue to provide the core service to members through the regional structure and the regional forums. Each regional office will have a planner, who will be able to call on the expertise based centrally at the Head Office – both planning and external affairs.
Working closely with the external affairs team, the new national planning team will consider policies that restrict development, including landscape and wildlife protection, flooding, archaeology, other forms of protectionism and issues of land availability, including promoting the availability of brownfield land. It will make representations on related policy areas including affordable housing, economic development, transport, sport and recreation and urban regeneration. Urban Capacity Studies at regional, county and local authority level will be co-ordinated nationally.
Summing up, Rob Ashmead said: "HBF represents, advises and leads its members on a wide range of issues. With limited resources, we must prioritise what we do and put in place the structure and skills that will allow us to deliver. I believe that HBF is now set up to deliver high added-value to our members.
11 February 2002
NT