Commission Chair

West Suffolk Council

Chair

Remunerated

Suffolk

Closing Date: Sunday 1 December

Are you ready to lead a transformative initiative that will shape the future of sustainable growth and environmental preservation? West Suffolk Council is seeking an Independent Chair to lead a groundbreaking commission focused on an East Anglian market town. We want this to be an exemplar piece of work and approach that can also be used by others.

This is an exceptional opportunity to steer a high-profile commission, engaging with diverse stakeholders and navigating the complexities of balancing development with the conservation of natural resources. As the Independent Chair, you will be responsible for leading a forward-thinking process that will help inform key decisions on growth, housing, biodiversity, and economic development in the area. Your leadership will help ensure a future where growth is both sustainable and inclusive.

Our Vision for the Future

This commission will explore innovative solutions for sustainable development, identifying viable growth options that address housing needs, economic opportunities, and infrastructure requirements, all while safeguarding the region’s natural heritage in line with legislation. With environmental constraints influencing development potential, the commission will play a pivotal role in recommending strategies that balance progress with protection of local ecosystems and biodiversity.

As Chair, you will lead a diverse team of experts—from ecology and planning to housing, economic development, and local business—ensuring that all perspectives are considered. You will oversee a comprehensive study on housing, community, and economic growth and lead the team in producing recommendations for the future, which will be submitted to the Leader of West Suffolk Council.

About the Role

The Independent Chair will oversee the commission’s work, ensuring that its objectives are met while maintaining transparency and accountability. You will guide the development of a Housing, Community, and Economy Study, ensuring its timely completion by mid-2025. In this role, you will be the commission’s public representative, leading communications and stakeholder engagement, including liaising with local residents, business leaders, and key government bodies.

Your responsibilities will include fostering collaboration among the commission’s members, providing strategic direction, and ensuring that the commission delivers independent, evidence-based recommendations. You will manage relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring their views are considered and fairly represented in the final recommendations. You will also be expected to represent the commission externally, engaging with the media and attending public events.

About You

We are seeking an experienced and independent leader with a proven track record of managing complex projects and working with multiple stakeholders. You should have significant experience chairing commissions or leading initiatives that require balancing various interests, particularly in areas such as economic strategy and regeneration, placemaking and creating cohesive, equitable and thriving communities, environmental policy and housing.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience engaging with senior stakeholders and the media. You will be adept at managing diverse teams, engaging strategic partners, influencing high-level discussions, and making balanced, evidence-driven decisions. Experience in economics, public policy, placemaking, and navigating complex political and environmental landscapes is essential.

Why This Role Matters

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a rural area, and to develop solutions for driving sustainable growth and ensuring that development aligns with environmental and community priorities that will have wider resonance elsewhere. As the Independent Chair, you will have a lasting impact, helping to create a future where growth and sustainability go hand in hand.

If you’re ready to take on this important leadership role and make a real difference, we want to hear from you.

To find out more click on Apply below and for a confidential discussion please contact Delicia Coutinho on 07741 264 892 delicia.coutinho@gatenbysanderson.com or Kembi Coakelin kembi.coakelin@gatenbysanderson.com at GatenbySanderson.