Principal Valuation Surveying Lead – Compulsory Purchase
Valuation Office Agency
Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 6th October 2024
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About the job
Job summary
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) are the public sector’s property valuation experts and advisers with a vision to be a world-leading provider of public sector valuations. As one of the largest employers of surveyors in the country, our work is vital to the collection of over £60 billion of revenue which goes back into communities, touching every citizen and every business across England and Wales.
We champion the values of professionalism, integrity, respect and innovation. We are committed to providing a collaborative and supportive working environment that encourages every colleague to contribute, grow and excel together. With opportunities to drive your own development and growth, we empower our colleagues to succeed by ensuring support at every step of their career journey.
Job description
Principal Valuation Surveying Lead – Compulsory Purchase – Role Overview
District Valuer Services (DVS) provide professional property advice across the public sector, including private and third sector clients involved in delivering public services and functions of a public nature. Our clients include the Central, Local and Devolved Government, Health and Transport.
This role sits within the Transport sector, we work with major infrastructure providers including Highways England, Transport for Scotland, Wales and HS2. We deal with all issues of compulsory purchase and compensation. We work as part of multi-disciplinary teams to deliver infrastructure projects from early scheme design to final settlement of compensation.
You will work within a fast-paced team to meet increased client requirements, across a range of complex Compulsory Purchase casework including litigation cases. You will deliver complex casework, provide technical guidance to clients and support caseworkers within DVS.
On occasions, the role may require you to undertake work outside the usual area. On occasions, the role may require the successful candidate to undertake work outside the usual area. We are reasonable with our expectations and provide flexible working arrangements to support this need.
This exciting opportunity will include project management and leading high-profile casework for high profile clients.
Principal Valuation Surveying Lead – Compulsory Purchase – Key responsibilities
- Dealing with a large complex portfolio of work requiring extensive experience of complex Compulsory Purchase casework.
- Providing leadership and technical guidance/support to colleagues working on compulsory purchase work.
- Overarching responsibility for client and contract management.
- Engaging with team on client matters and bring key client issues to the attention of Sector Head.
- Maintaining and applying an advanced level of valuation surveying knowledge to casework activity, review of high profile or complex valuations and project management.
- Managing all associated communication and engagement with stakeholders including the client, other private sector suppliers and sub-contractors, land & property owners, and their agents.
- Identifying risks and issues and making recommendations on action to be taken
- Collaboration with all internal stakeholders across DVS.
- Ensuring an awareness of the wider political, economic, social, technical, environmental, and legislative agendas that impact the Transport Sector.
- Acting as an expert witness, appearance before arbitrators or submission of evidence to independent experts and Lands Tribunals, where required.
Person specification
Our ideal candidate will have advanced technical surveying knowledge, with a strong understanding and experience of compulsory purchase and compensation legislation.
The role requires the successful candidate to possess exceptional negotiation skills, along with the ability to build strong, credible relationships with colleagues, clients, and agents. The successful candidate will have strong leadership skills and will be able to engage with, and influence, stakeholders at all levels.
Essential Requirements
- Full RICS or IRRV Surveying Qualification.
- The candidate must be eligible to join the RICS Valuer Registration Scheme (VRS), criteria as determined by the RICS is as follows: https://www.rics.org/globalassets/rics-website/media/upholding-professionalstandards/regulation/rules-for-registration-of-schemes_2020.pd
- You should have a strong understanding of the Compulsory Purchase legislation and a good understanding of current market circumstances.
- You will possess an advanced level of technical knowledge, including the application of relevant legislation, case law, and codes of practice.
- The ability to understand and challenge the needs of the client in the delivery of high value /complex work.
- Be able to lead a team and develop and maintain client relationships.
- Be able to coach individuals to improve their progression of cases.
- Be able to identify risks and issues, proposing solutions as appropriate.
- A full UK driving licence is required.
- Willingness to travel.
Licences
Qualifications
Memberships
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Managing a Quality Service
- Leadership
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- As part of the interview you will be asked technical questions to assess your technical skills.
Benefits
We offer a range of flexible working options, a generous leave allowance that starts at 25 days and goes up to 30 days after 5 years’ service and a Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%.
- Learning and development tailored to your role.
- An environment with flexible working options.
- Family friendly policies including 26 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption or shared parental leave.
- Employee Assistance Programme offering comprehensive wellbeing support.
- To learn more about the extensive benefits we can offer you as a VOA employee please download our Benefits Booklet: pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Things you need to know
Selection process details
If you can meet our person requirements above, we are keen to hear from you.
To apply for this post, you must complete an online application with the following:
A CV setting out your Job History, Full Qualifications and Previous skills & Experiences.
A Personal Statement (maximum 750 words), please outline your suitability for the role. Please pay particular attention to the ‘Essential Criteria’ and ‘Person Specification’ outlined in the advert when providing your answer.
Sift - W/C 6th October. Please note these dates are provisional and may be subject to change.
We will assess you on your CV, Personal Statement, Licences and Qualifications.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the CV. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview.
Interviews - 28th October 2024. Please note this date is provisional and may be subject to change. This will be confirmed should you be invited to interview.
Interviews are currently taking place using Microsoft Teams Video. We will provide more detail if you are shortlisted for interview.
We will assess you on the Behaviours listed in the job description, Technical questions, Strengths and a 10-minute Presentation.
At the interview, the panel can then probe further and ask applicants to provide further specific examples that show how they best demonstrate their skills.
Behaviours
The distinguishing Behaviours (the required skills, knowledge and behaviours) for this role are set out in the Civil Service Behaviours Framework 2018 (Success Profiles - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)) and should be referred to when making this application.
You are required, under the Behaviours approach, to describe how you have dealt with a specific situation.
You must give evidence of your knowledge, skills and behaviours and how you have applied this, such as what you did or said and how you interacted with other people.
When you are giving your examples, do not spend too many words on description and background information. Avoid using general or unspecific statements. Instead say what the situation was, what you did what your thought process was and so on.
Technical
As part of the interview you will be asked technical questions to assess your technical skills.
Presentation
You will also be required to conduct a 10-minute presentation. Information on the presentation topic will be provided to you if you are shortlisted for interview.
Application Hints and Tips
For more information on Success Profiles, tips on how to write a successful application and find out more about what’s involved in the application process please visit About the application process , Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk)
Further Information
The internal role title for this position will be District Valuer Services (DVS) Grade 7 Sector Leader
As part of the application process you will be asked to tell us which of the locations available you can work in. You will be able to specify up to 2 options. Please be aware that you can be posted to any location that you put in your preferences. If you would only like to be posted to one location, please confirm one location only.
Successful candidates must select one of the locations noted in this advert as their base office and will be expected to undertake regular travel to this location under the Agency’s hybrid working policy.
A full UK Driving Licence is essential to this role. However, if you are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 and do not hold a full driving licence, we will consider your application. Please contact resourcingteam@voa.gov.uk with your details to discuss this further.
Any move to VOA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
The VOA is an office-based organisation that supports flexible working. By default, everyone in the VOA is a hybrid worker with options to work in the office, at home or out and about, depending on the work they’re doing that day and where it’s best done.
VOA employees only: If you are currently in receipt of DTA as a result of a VOA office closure/restructure and it is agreed for you to take up this role in your current location, you may continue to receive DTA for the remainder of the period you can claim for. Please check with the Vacancy Holder on preferred locations for this role before you apply.
If you would require a Certificate of Sponsorship from the VOA to undertake this role, please contact resourcingteam@voa.gov.uk before submitting your application.
Pre-employment Checks
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Reasonable Adjustment
We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process because of a disability, condition, or impairment. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.
If you need a reasonable adjustment or a change to be made so that you can make your application, please click here for more information:
Reasonable Adjustments , Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk) and contact voarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible.
Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process.
Terms & Conditions
Voluntary terms apply.
Reserve Lists
If we have more successful candidates than available vacancies, we will hold a 3-month reserve list as standard.
During that time, we may use the list to fill the same, or similar roles with closely matching essential criteria, without further testing of merit. Any appointments from the Reserve list will be made in strict merit order.
Starting Work
The successful candidate will normally take up duty within one month from notification of successful completion of pre-employment checks.
Applying
All applications for these vacancies must be made online. There are limited exceptions to this. Paper applications will only be considered if you have a disability that will prevent you from applying online. If this is the case, please email voarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Once you have submitted your application it cannot be amended; only submit your application when you have completely finished and answered all the relevant questions.
Please note that late applications will not be accepted.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Use of AI
You may utilise artificial intelligence (AI) tools and platforms to support you during the application process however, as with any application all information submitted must be factually accurate and all examples provided must be taken directly from your own experience. All presented information will be assessed at interview. Any applications where factual inaccuracy, plagiarism or copying of examples/answers from internet sources is detected will be withdrawn from the process. Further action, including disciplinary action, may be considered in such cases involving internal candidates.
Concerns/Complaints
The Valuation Office Agency’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, which outlines that selection for appointment is made on merit based on fair and open competition.
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the values in the Civil Service Code and/or if you feel the recruitment has been conducted in such a way that conflicts with the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, you may make a complaint, by contacting the Central Recruitment Team at the following address: resourcingteam@voa.gov.uk
If you are not content with the outcome of your complaint you have the right to complain to the Civil Service Commissioners.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Richard Pugh
- Email : Richard.w.pugh@voa.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : VOARecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
