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Role: LUF Programme Manager

Reporting to: RDC Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) and LUF Programme Board

Rate: Flexible depending on experience

Employment: Freelance, outside of IR35

Period: Initial 6-month contract with potential to extend

Location: Hybrid – remote working with the requirement to undertake site visits and attend in-person meetings as necesary. An expectation of an average of 2 to 3 days per month on-site either at Rother District Council offices or De La Warr Pavilion.

The Council

Rother District Council (RDC) is based in Bexhill-On-Sea and is the freehold owner of the two project sites – the De La Warr Pavilion building and Sidley Recreation Ground. RDC are the accountable body for LUF grant, having overall responsibility for claiming and spending grant funding.

Our Partners

RDC has partnered with two Charities who have championed the Programme and the projects within, including the various funding bids that have been made or are underway:

De La Warr Pavilion Charitable Trust (DLWP) – the Trust are leaseholders of the Pavilion. The Trust encourage exploration, collaboration and innovation by providing a venue where artists from different disciplines and audiences can meet, engage and share their thinking and ideas. Offering free access to exhibitions all year round, plus live performances, a dynamic learning and participation programme, indoor and outdoor events, and bespoke venue hire, the Trust aims to live up to the name given by audiences when the building first opened – the People’s Pavilion. The Trust are the key beneficiaries of works to the Pavilion as occupants/ operators.

Heart of Sidley (HoS) – The Heart of Sidley is a Partnership made up of residents and those with a business within the Heart of Sidley area. It was formed to make use of funding secured through various bids. The Trust will take possession of the new community building under a new Lease.

The Programme

The Levelling Up Fund from MHCLG is the primary funding source for both projects with the following funding being awarded:

  • De La Warr Pavilion – £17m
  • Heart of Sidley – £3m

In addition to LUF, RDC and DLWP Trust are working to secure additional funding for the Pavilion project. At present, we expect to secure £7.35m from National Heritage Lottery (for the Capital project) and up to £2.3m of funding from other sources.

The HoS are also continuing to try and secure additional funds to support that scheme.

The Projects

Heart of Sidley (HoS): Full Planning Permission was granted in July for the proposed new Community Hub building along with ancillaries such as parking and external areas. A competitive tender process is currently underway to procure a Main Contractor under JCT Design and Build to construct the building. Award of contract is expected in early November 2024.

De La Warr Pavilion (DLWP): The project is approaching the end of RIBA Stage 2 with the intention of setting a clear, deliverable scope and concept for subsequent stages including cost plan.

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity for the right individual to lead the Programme of two strategically significant projects and ensure successful delivery of the much-needed outcomes. The Programme Manager will have responsibility for the operation and running of the Programme, reporting to the Board and SRO, making recommendations as needed and receiving decisions and instructions. The role includes senior responsibility for both projects with the Project Manager for each project reporting in. Please refer to the Terms of Reference and Person Specification below for full details.

Next Steps

If this role is of interest and you have the background, experience and capability to add value to this Programme, please submit your CV along with a supporting statement (maximum 2 sides of A4) setting out how you would go about fulfilling this role, and how your abilities and experience will support this. CV’s should be submitted to Lloyd.exley@rother.gov.uk by no later than the 15th of November 2024. We will then undertake a shortlisting process followed by interviews of shortlisted candidates – interviews are expected during the week of the 18th of November.

Please ensure your submission includes:

  • Required Day Rate
  • Location
  • Confirmation of ability to travel to site

PLEASE NOTE: We are seeking submissions from individual candidates. As the role is outside of IR35 we accept candidates working through Personal Service Companies and similar arrangements. This role is advertised directly by Rother District Council, RDC will consider candidates submitted via agencies, however, will not pay introductory fees.

Terms of Reference