Pitt gets top IPC job

Domenic Donatantonio, PlanningResource, 10 March 2009

Pitt is currently chair of NHS South West, the General Medical Council's programme board, and oversaw the national review into the summer floods of 2007 and continues to provide advice to government on the implementation of his report's recommendations.

The IPC will be based in Bristol.

Pitt said: "This is an exciting opportunity.  I am looking forward to assembling the team and working closely with all concerned in order to establish the commission's new role in a 21st century planning process."

A select committee of MPs will scrutinise the government's decision in Whitehall next week, before submitting a report to planning minister Margaret Beckett.

The minister will consider the report before making her final decision on Pitt's appointment later this month.

This follows the latest round of recruitment for the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC). The Sunday Times published adverts for two deputy chairs at £125,000 per annum pro rata, three commissioners at £100,000 per annum pro rata for three to five days a week, and a full time chief executive at £120,000-£160,000.

The chief executive role, of which Kevin Williamson is currently overseeing in an interim role, will be responsible for the leadership of the corporate functions that support the case management and decision making processes of the commission.

The role will help create the executive team, contribute to the first business plan, and help promote the validity and fairness of the IPC’s judgements.

To find out more about the roles, including details on how to apply, visit www.veredus.co.uk.

The government reaffirmed that the commission will be launched in October 2009.

domenic.donatantonio@haymarket.com