The role of the Chair
5. The overall purpose of the job, as described in
the information pack made available to prospective applicants
for the post of Chair, is "To lead the Board and oversee
the overall strategic direction of the Infrastructure Planning
Commission." Since the IPC is a new organisation, the Chair
will be instrumental in establishing it as a body: recruiting
Commissioners; making preparations, including producing advice
and guidance for prospective applicants, to ensure that it is
able to function effectively when it begins operation; and putting
in place the necessary internal structures for appropriate corporate
governance. Throughout that process, and once the Commission is
fully up and running, the Chair will have to ensure that the Commission
functions effectively and to the highest standards of probity;
"actively promote the principles of sustainable development";
and represent the IPC publicly, gaining the confidence of key
stakeholders and partners, including infrastructure providers
and environmental organisations. The Chair may also—though
will not be obliged to—hear cases personally; and will be
responsible for making appraisals of the performance of Commissioners
and making recommendations to Ministers for their reappointment.
6. The full description of the key responsibilities
of the Chair is appended to this Report as Appendix 1.
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