May 2019 - Campbell Tickell · a Board Member at Herefordshire Housing and then Connexus, I will be...

ChairRecruitment PackMay 2019

3Connexus-Group - Chair - Recruitment Pack Contents

Your application ........................................................................................ 04

Welcome to Connexus Housing Group .................................... 06

About Connexus Housing Group ................................................. 08

Structure ........................................................................................................ 10

Our Board Members ............................................................................... 14

Our Executive Management Team ............................................. 18

Role profile ................................................................................................... 20

Person specification ............................................................................ 22

Terms and Commitments .................................................................. 26

Key dates and the selection process ........................................ 26

Supplementary Information ............................................................ 28

The media advertisement ................................................................. 31

Contents

4 connexus-group.co.uk facebook.com/weareconnexus twitter.com/weareconnexus linkedin.com/company/weareconnexus

Thank you very much for your interest in this post. On the following pages, you will find details of the role and the selection process to assist you in completing and tailoring your application. In order to apply you should submit:• An up-to-date CV which shows

your full career history – we recommend that this is no longer than three pages;

• A supporting statement explaining why you are interested in this role, detailing how you are a good candidate for this post and how you fulfil the person specification – we recommend that this is no longer than three pages;

• The declaration form – but completion of the equalities section is not mandatory, this is requested for monitoring purposes in line with our commitment to equality and diversity; and

• Indicate on the declaration form if you cannot attend any of the interview dates.

Please note that applications can only be considered if all the documentation is complete. Please send your application, preferably in MS Word format by email to: [email protected] must be received by Tuesday 28th May 2019 at 12 noon.Please ensure we receive your application in good time. If you do not receive confirmation of receipt within 24 hours of sending, please call us on 020 3434 0990. To help avoid your submission being treated as spam, please use a secure email address from which to send your application and refer to the role and organisation in the header.Do call me if you wish to have an informal discussion about the role and organisation, or if you have any other questions to help you decide whether to apply.

Kind regards,

Denise KirkhamDenise KirkhamSenior Associate Consultant07833 475669

Your application

Connexus-Group - Chair - Recruitment PackYour application

5


Thank you for your interest in the role of Chair at Connexus. After a thoroughly enjoyable 9 years as a Board Member at Herefordshire Housing and then Connexus, I will be stepping down as Chair and Board Member at the forthcoming AGM in September.These are exciting times for Connexus. We are only two years old, having been formed in 2017 from the merger of Herefordshire Housing and Shropshire Housing Group. Both of our legacy organisations had a strong track record of delivery. We now deliver homes and services across Shropshire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire. We are a key regional provider in these markets, providing over 10,000 homes and with a turnover of £56m and over 600 staff. We have an ambitious development programme and are absolutely committed to continuing to deliver much needed homes and services across our counties. As a large rural housing provider, we face some unique challenges, but we know that our services are needed now more than ever. We have an almost completely new Executive team full of energy and dynamism with Richard Woolley becoming Chief Executive on the 1st April from his former role as Director of Resources. both Victoria Tomlison and Lynsey Squair joining us in June as Director of Development and Director of Assets and Repairs respectively. They join Christine Duggan who has recently taken additional responsibilities for the Well being

and support services within her directorate and a new Director of Resources whom we are recruiting now. Alongside the recruitment of the new Chair of the Board, we are recruiting a new Chair of Audit and Risk Committee as well as several other new Board Members so there will be significant change at Board level. We will want the successful candidate to participate in the selection of the other new Board Members if possible. We want to continue to deliver great properties in communities where people really want to live, ensuring that some of our most rural communities can continue to thrive. To do this, we need to ensure that we provide great homes and services, but also deliver desperately needed new homes in Shropshire and Herefordshire. We have a committed group of colleagues, strong finances and great relationships with our partner local authorities, so all is in place to deliver our ambitions, achieve our targets and secure our future.This is an exciting time to be joining us and we are seeking a new Chair of the Board with a passion for the issues that face us and for meeting the needs of the communities and people we serve, the capability to provide excellent strategic leadership of an organisation of our size and scope, skilled at building a highly effective team at Board level and

able to develop excellent working relationships with our Chief Executive and the Executive team.Connexus is at an important stage in its journey, aligning what we do and developing our future strategy and our leadership.I hope you will be interested in applying.

Ruth CookeRuth Cooke Chair, Connexus

Welcome to Connexus Housing Group

7Connexus-Group - Chair - Recruitment Pack Welcome to Connexus Housing Group


Connexus is proud to have some of the UK’s most exciting and forward thinking housing and support services. From the leading Careline service, providing telecare to over 37,500 customers, to more local innovative services such as the mobile responder service, reducing the impact on ambulance and hospital services and the Ludlow Foyer, providing a supported environment for young people.With over 600 employees and a portfolio of over 10,000 homes, we support people, create places, and work in partnership with like-minded providers to help our customers reach their potential.

Our group includes:

Herefordshire Housing – with over 5,800 homes across Herefordshire

South Shropshire Housing Association – with over 2,370 across South Shropshire and Herefordshire

Meres and Mosses Housing Association – with over 2,350 homes across North Shropshire

Floreat Homes – a profit for purpose arm with a fresh approach to delivering brilliant new homes

Independence Trust – providing a range of innovative services that support peoples emotional and physical wellbeing

Connexus is at an exciting stage in its journey, aligning what we do and developing what we call The Connexus Way – our way of thinking, behaving and working. This framework supports our corporate plan, providing a foundation for the way we will deliver core objectives to;

empower people to meet their needs and aspirations, provide great homes and sustain communities, create and value partnerships, and be well run, delivering value for money.Our transformational change programme – One Connexus – takes us further on our journey as one organisation, with projects focussed around;Where we work – ensuring we meet the needs and requirements of our colleagues and customers, we understand the demands and are fit for the future.The way we work – ensuring we are efficient and effective, emphasising our organisation as a single system and branded as one, with high colleague morale and satisfied customers and, The people of Connexus – our colleagues embrace and deliver The Connexus Way and our customers are treated as individuals based on what matters to them.

About Connexus Housing Group

9Connexus-Group - Chair - Recruitment Pack About Connexus Housing Group

The Board structureWe operate a co-terminous Board arrangement within the Group structure with all Connexus Housing Group Board Members also being Board members of the other three registered housing providers. Our Enterprise and Development Committee members also form the Board of the other subsidiaries (other than our capital companies). Looking to the FutureWith a new Chair, a new Chief Executive and several other new Board and executive members we are planning to review our Corporate Plan with the new Board and executive so that we have a new one in place by March 2020. The new chair will lead this process. We are currently the primary social housing provider in Herefordshire and one of the main providers in Shropshire focused largely in North Shropshire and South Shropshire (rather than Shrewsbury or areas to the East and West of the county). We want to use our financial strength to build on the fantastic schemes developed by the Shropshire and Herefordshire housing groups prior to merger which included regeneration

projects, bringing redundant buildings back into use and specialist housing for older people. As key housing providers we see ourselves as having an important place-shaping role and understand the importance of working closely with our two local authority partners. As well as improving our core housing services and seeking new funding to extend our development programme we want to further develop our support and well being services which currently extend into Gloucestershire and in the case of our Careline provide a national service to over 50,000 users. We were delighted to be shortlisted for three UK housing awards this year and were successful in winning the award for the Best Older People’s Landlord.Following a historic problem in 2016/17 in one of the housing association groups which formed Connexus and which highlighted some weaknesses in our governance we were downgraded by the regulator to a G2 rating in November 2018. We have been implementing a major programme of work to strengthen and improve our governance since then and are confident that the problems that

existed have been resolved. We will continue this focus to ensure that our grading is increased to G1 and we will be seeking a new Chair of Audit to continue this work and further strengthen our governance arrangements.We merged in July 2017 and the process of merger still has some way to go. We have a transformation programme called “One Connexus” led by the Chief Executive and overseen by the Board which is developing a single culture for our Group, exploring new ways of working, reducing the complexity of our group structure, streamlining our ICT systems, reviewing our office portfolio, developing a single set of terms and conditions for staff and ensuring our services are high quality and consistent.

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Structure Chart

Head of Insight and Change

Chief Executive

Interim Deputy Chief Executive

Executive Director of Housing

and Wellbeing

Interim Director of

DevelopmentTo be replaced by

permanent Director in June 2019

Head of Wellbeing and

Contracts

Head of Governance

Head of Support

Head of Housing

Head of Customer Services

Head of ICT

Head of HR

Connexus-Group - Chair - Recruitment PackStructure Chart

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Interim Director of Assests and Repairs

To be replaced by permanent Director in

June 2019

Head of Assets and Compliance

Head of Connexus

Repairs

Interim Director of

Finance

Head of Finance and Procurement

Commences July 2019


Our Board Members

Ruth Cooke – Chair

Ruth is currently the Interim CEO at GreenSquare Group and is the former CEO of Clarion, one of the largest housing and care organisations in the country. Ruth is passionate about the delivery of quality housing and care services, and has a particular interest in the challenges of providing affordable housing in rural communities.

Gill Jones

Since April 2014, Gill has been self-employed, working with a range of public, private and voluntary sector clients in areas of business development, project management, fund finding and neighbourhood planning.

Liz Walford

Liz has a lifetime’s experience in the social housing, having held a number of executive positions within leading organisations in the sector. She retired as Group Chief Executive of Walsall Housing Group in 2009 following five years in that post.

David Lincoln

David has previously worked in the gas and electricity industries, in roles ranging from operational to business and systems development and change management. David is also a volunteer adviser with Herefordshire Citizens Advice Bureau.

15Connexus-Group - Chair - Recruitment PackOur Board Members

Our Board Members

Allison Taylor

Allison has many years’ experience at a senior level with a particular emphasis on people management and helping organisations create a climate to enable people to work at their best. Allison runs her own consultancy offering leadership development and executive coaching.

Paul Smith

Paul is the Cabinet Paul Member for Housing at Bristol City Council and a member of the Advisory Panel for the Housing Ombudsman. Paul has also served as the Chief Executive of two national charities, the Furniture Re-use Network and Housing Potential (the skills agency for housing).


Hilary Gardner

Hilary has over 30 years experience in the Housing Sector both at an executive and non-executive level. Hilary is currently a non-executive Director of Sanctuary Students and from 2013-16 was Chair of Sanctuary (North West). Hilary now has her own housing consultancy business.

John Cross

John has extensive senior level experience leading on the development of new affordable homes and has worked as a highly successful Chief Executive for a number of organisations including bpha. He previously served as Chair of the National Housing Federation for three years.

Connexus-Group - Chair - Recruitment Pack 17


Our Executive Management Team

Richard Woolley - Chief Executive

Richard has over 20 years’ experience in the housing sector, gained with both Large Scale Voluntary Transfers (LSVTs) and traditional housing associations. Richard is the newly appointed Chief Executive.

Christine Duggan - Director of Housing and Wellbeing

Christine has worked in the social housing sector in Herefordshire for over 15 years. She has experience across all parts of the business having previously led amongst others; homelessness and floating support, business improvement, and neighbourhood services.

Duncan Forbes - Interim Deputy Chief Executive

Duncan started out as a legal aid lawyer working in London law centres. He then set up his own legal practice in Wales. Duncan was the lead consultant on the setting up of Bron Afon Community Housing and then went on to become their first CEO and spent over 9 years there.

Greg Van Enk-Bones Interim Director of Finance

Greg has 18 years’ experience in housing. As part of his MBA at Manchester Business School, Greg specialised in how regulation and culture impact on Value for Money in Housing Associations. Greg is a qualified accountant and a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA).

Connexus-Group - Chair - Recruitment PackOur Executive Management Team

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Vivien Knibbs - Interim Director Assets and Repairs

Vivien’s an experienced housing professional, having worked across both the housing association and ALMO sectors (arm’s-length management organisations). She has experience in all aspects of strategic and operational housing delivery and has a significant track record in delivering organisational change programs.

Vivian Knibbs is Interim Director of Assets and Repairs until July 2019 to be replaced by Lynsey Squair.

Rowan Kirk - Interim Director of Development

Rowan has over 30 years of experience working in senior development roles in the residential and care markets in the public, third and private sectors. Rowan has worked as a Director at Sanctuary Group and Keepmoat Ltd.

Rowan Kirk is Interim Director of Development until July 2019 to be replaced by Victoria Tomlinson.


Role profile

Overall PurposeProvide leadership to the Board in establishing the Connexus vision, values, and strategic direction. Lead on the development of an agile and aspirational organisation through:• Providing challenge and support

for the Chief Executive and Executive team.

• Acting as an ambassador for the organisation.

• Ensuring strong governanceKey Responsibilities• Chairing meetings and ensuring

that the meetings are managed effectively.

• Ensure that the Board environment is constructive, with all members encouraged to express their views and challenge when necessary.

• Ensure strong Board member performance through appraisal, attendance, participation and debate. Ensure that the training needs of individual members are addressed.

• Ensure overall Board effectiveness by periodically reviewing committee structure, delegation frameworks, compliance and collective Board effectiveness.

• Maintain a balance of Board attention to strategy, policy, key decisions, financial and risk management and performance review.

• Ensure that the Board has appropriate advice from internal or external specialists to take informed decisions.

• Act as an ambassador for Connexus, raising awareness with political and business leaders - including guest speaking and conference attendance.

• Be a role model of the social ethos and values of the organisation, both internally and externally.

• Encourage a culture of aspiration and innovation to deliver Connexus’ agenda to support people, create places, and work in partnership with like-minded providers to help our customers reach their potential.

• Ensure a continued focus on local customer need and involvement.

• Build a relationship of mutual respect and trust with the Chief Executive, ensuring open and regular communication.

• Support the Chief Executive and Executive Team in their leadership of the organisation.

• Provide challenge and scrutiny on the performance of the Chief Executive. Conduct the Chief Executive’s appraisal, ensuring that appropriate development is provided and any issues of underperformance are addressed.

• Co-ordinate the recruitment and induction of the Chief Executive, should the need arise.

• Be available for attendance at a minimum of 4 Board meetings per year, 2 Board away days and committee attendance and other events totalling up to 24 days per year time commitment (including preparation time).

• Connexus currently has offices north to south - from Wem in Shropshire to Stroud in Gloucestershire. The Chair will be expected to attend meetings and other events throughout our geography – Shropshire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.

ValuesOur values reflect our culture, ethos and are an integral part of the services we deliver:• Passionate - We care deeply about

our work and our customers and take pride in serving people and communities. This shows in our energy, enthusiasm and commitment to going the extra mile, and building for the future

• Respectful - We deal with people of all ages, all backgrounds, all needs and requirements and we treat everyone fairly, considerately and as individuals.

• Involving – We develop services for people, making sure we listen to what they need and involve them all the way. We learn from our experiences and always look to grow and develop together. our approach to shaping the best solutions for our customers

• Determined - When we start something, we see it through. We’re decisive, focused, tenacious and work around challenges to find the best outcome.

• Effective - We aim to get it right first time and to do the simple things well, because that sets the standard any everything else follows. We deliver.

21Connexus-Group - Chair - Recruitment PackRole profile


Person Specification

Experience• Substantial experience as a Non-

Executive Board Member or Chair.• Experience of chairing meetings.• Good knowledge of the social

Housing sector and its current challenges.

• Current professional experience, profile and influence.

• Track record of senior leadership and achievement in a commercially focused environment.

• Experience in leading through organisational change and innovation.

• Experience and understanding of budgets and financial information.

.Abilities, Skills And Knowledge• Ability to represent and promote

the organisation with a range of stakeholders.

• Ability to consider the wider strategic context of the organisation in discussion and decision-making.

• Ability to lead discussion and debate at meetings with a willingness to challenge constructively and express opinions.

• Ability to absorb and evaluate a wide range of complex written material, including financial information.

• Ability to marry social aims and objectives with a commercial focus in a challenging environment.

Personal Attributes• Personal and professional credibility

that will command confidence across a wide range of stakeholder interests.

• A warm and engaging style, with the gravitas to influence others.

• Enthusiastic approach – with a desire to make a positive contribution.

• Inclusive and supportive of others.• Open to change and encourages

innovation and creativity in others.• Committed to Connexus’

ethos and values.• Resilient approach – with

appropriate self-confidence

23Connexus-Group - Chair - Recruitment PackPerson Specification


Key Terms and Commitments

Key dates and the selection process

Renumeration:£15k pa

Location of Meetings:Meetings will take place at locations within Herefordshire or Shropshire.Time commitment:c. 25 days pa

Meeting schedule:See downloadable document for the meeting schedule.Committee meetings are held in the morning (10.30 am) and occasionally the afternoon (1.30 pm).

All Board meetings are held in the afternoons (1.30 pm).In addition, there are two strategic days held per year. Each meeting can last up to 3 hours and the strategic days are held between 10-4.

Terms of office:Three, three-year terms not exceeding the nine year rule.

Closing date:Tuesday 28th May 2019 at 12 noonSuccessful candidates will be informed by Thursday 30th May 2019. All unsuccessful candidates will be offered feedback by Campbell Tickell.

First interviews:Tuesday 4th June 2019Longlisted candidates will be interviewed by a Campbell Tickell panel. This will take place at Campbell Tickell’s office in Wembley.

Final interviews:Tuesday 11th June 2019Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with a Connexus and Campbell Tickell panel.Interviews will be held at Connexus, Legion way, Hereford, HR1 1LN.

27Connexus-Group - Non-Executive Directors - Recruitment Pack

connexus-group.co.uk facebook.com/weareconnexus/ twitter.com/weareconnexus linkedin.com/company/weareconnexus28

Supplementary Information

Connexus Brand Story

The Connexus Way – Corporate Plan 2018 - 2021

Connexus Financial Statements 2017/18

Connexus Group Documents

Connexus Group News

Connexus Group – Our Brands

Full details of Connexus can be viewed at https://connexus-group.co.uk

https://connexus-group.co.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2017-08/connexus-brand-story-2017.pdf

https://connexus-group.co.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2018-04/connexus-corporate-plan.pdf

https://connexus-group.co.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2018-04/connexus-corporate-plan.pdf

https://connexus-group.co.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2018-09/connexus-financial-statement-2017-2018.pdf

https://connexus-group.co.uk/documents

https://connexus-group.co.uk/news

https://connexus-group.co.uk/group

https://connexus-group.co.uk/

£15k remuneration package / West Midlands

Formed in July 2017, Connexus brought together two successful housing groups providing homes and delivering services across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Gloucestershire. With a combined portfolio of over 10,000 homes, a £56m turnover, and more than 600 sta� we are an important regional provider whilst also having a key role as place-shaper and community anchor. This is an exciting time to play a key role at Connexus as a Chair, working with a new Executive team to lead the second phase of our development as one organisation in the following role:

Board ChairWe are looking for an outstanding candidate with substantial governance experience as a Chair to provide leadership to the Board in establishing Connexus vision, values and strategic direction.Connexus is at an important stage in its journey, aligning what we do and developing The Connexus Way – our way of thinking, behaving and working. We are looking for people who are motivated by the opportunities this brings, and committed to our core objectives to empower people to meet their needs and aspirations, provide great homes

and sustain communities, create and value partnerships, and be well run, delivering value for money. If you are interested in finding out more take a look at the pack at www.campbelltickell.com/jobs/ and contact our lead consultant, Denise Kirkham on 07833 475669 for an informal discussion.Closing date: Tuesday 28th May 2019 at 12 noon

Chair


Third Floor Olympic Office Centre 8 Fulton Road Wembley Middlesex HA9 0NU020 8830 6777 020 3434 0990 (Recruitment)[email protected] www.campbelltickell.com

May 2019 - Campbell Tickell · a Board Member at Herefordshire Housing and then Connexus, I will be...

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