On behalf of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Design South East is pleased to announce an open call for design review panel members to join our Kingston Placemaking Panel.
About Design South East
Design South East is an independent not-for-profit organisation that has been supporting local authorities and their stakeholders to deliver high-quality places for almost 30 years. We manage multi-disciplinary design review panels on behalf of authorities in London and across the wider South East region.
We are refreshing the Kingston Panel and recruiting new experts to ensure the panel brings the thought leadership, diversity and expertise to support the borough’s development challenges. The panel will scrutinise applications, considering national and local planning policy, and offer feedback that will lead to the improvement of design proposals and give decision-makers the confidence and information to support innovative, high-quality designs that meet the needs of communities and clients.
As well as design review panels, panel members will have the opportunity to contribute across a range of training and workshop activities that Design South East undertakes with Kingston Council.
About Kingston upon Thames
The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames in south London is only one of four Royal boroughs in the UK and serves an increasingly diverse population of around 180,000 people which is projected to increase by 30% by 2036. The borough is a great place to live, work, study and visit, with rich heritage, fantastic cultural assets, and with well-loved parks and outdoor spaces. It is amongst the safest boroughs in London, with world-class education through its schools, college and university.
A higher proportion of the borough’s population consists of older residents (aged 65+) in comparison with other London boroughs. This age group is projected to increase by 32% from 24,300 (2018) to 32,000 by 2030, whilst the number of young people (aged 0-19) are anticipated to grow by 8% from 43,600 (2018) to 47,300 by2030.
The Council’s Corporate Plan 2019 – 2023 ‘Making Kingston Better, together’ sets out the medium-term vision, outcomes and priorities and is fundamental in ensuring that the Council manages its business and resources effectively, with activities aligned to achieving the outcomes in the Plan.
Joining the panel offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of Kingston as it experiences pressure for growth and change and to ensure that development meets the needs of Kingston’s diverse communities.
Expertise
We are seeking applications from people from a range of professions, backgrounds, and localities. We are absolutely committed to ensuring that the panel is inclusive, balanced, and diverse, and therefore strongly encourage applicants from those currently under-represented in design governance and the built environment sectors, including people with disabilities, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. We are keen to hear from those with local knowledge and expertise.
We welcome applicants with expertise in areas including, but not limited to:
- Urban Design
- Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
- Public Realm
- Heritage and Historic Environment
- Energy, Sustainability and Biodiversity
- Public Art
- Transport and Street Design
- Regeneration and Viability
- Local Authority Planning
- Inclusive Design
- Retrofit and Modern Methods of Construction
- Co-Design and Community Engagement
Appointment will initially be for two years starting July 2023, with a potential to extend for a further two years.
To apply
Please email panel.recruitment@designsoutheast.org – please specifically mention your interest in joining the Kingston Placemaking Panel in the subject of your email. We will issue our Recruitment Pack containing a set of FAQs (including panel remuneration fees) and a link to an online Application Form.
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 12th June 2023.
Panel member selection will take place in collaboration with Kingston Council officers, based on a set of clear and transparent selection criteria.
Please note, if you recently applied to join our wider expert network, you will still need to apply for the Kingston Placemaking Panel but will complete a reduced application form.
