HATC win GLA study on Housing Space Standards
HATC Ltd has been commissioned by the Greater London Authority (the GLA) to research into the possibility of the GLA setting space standards for housing developments in London through the planning system. The research is part of the current review of the London Plan policies. Full details of the review are set out in the Mayor's Statement of Intent which can be downloaded from: http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/strategies/sds/review.jsp
In summary the Mayor is publishing his intention to review some (10 out of 50) of the policy directions of the existing London Plan, one of which is Housing. The Statement of Intent says:
“In reviewing the London Plan the Mayor proposes to:
- include revisions to reflect the alterations to housing targets;
- strengthen policies and review targets in relation to the provision of affordable housing
- consider the possibility of introducing internal and external space standards
- ensure that larger households including families, have access to appropriate housing in order to achieve sustainable communities and to avoid imposed out-migration by reviewing housing mix policies
- improve planning for infrastructure and related services, both to provide for population growth and to deal with deficits in current provision, especially of transport and provision for children, childcare facilities, play space and healthcare provision
- clarify the need for additional housing in commercial and other non-residential developments
- strengthen policies to ensure safety and security in housing developments and the adjacent public realm whilst not restricting accessibility or resorting to walled or gated developments
- include policies on affordable housing thresholds and off site provision”
This research and policy proposal is therefore part of the process of reviewing the London Plan.
Competency-based Reward Systems in Development
The HATC Knowledge Matrix has been developed into a Competency Matrix for a major London association to help them develop and reward their staff in their Development, Regeneration and Asset Management teams. This significant development goes beyond undertaking training needs analyses, forming the core of a Talent Management strategy.
The development of the Competency Matrix and its associated assessment methodology clarifies for staff what knowledge and skills they need to develop in order to improve their competency. But the most significant step forward comes from un-linking job titles and salaries from the organogram, and instead linking staff salaries and grades to competency. By allowing staff to earn progressively more as they develop their abilities and for this development to be recognised in their job title as well as their pay packets, the Association is offering a powerful stimulant to staff's professional development. Furthermore, linking salary and grade to the competence of staff provides a powerful way of rewarding - and therefore retaining - valued staff. We think that this approach is likely to spread quickly throughout the sector.
For further details on the HATC Knowledge Matrix or Competency Matrix call us or click here.