Recruitment Pack Board Member Recruitment Greatwell Homes June 2019

Greatwell Homes 12 Sheep Street

Floor 5 Wellingborough

NN8 1BL Email : Recruitment@greatwellhomes.org.uk

www.greatwellhomes.org.uk

http://www.greatwellhomes.org.uk/

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Greatwell Homes will work successfully with its customers and communities to provide great services and high-quality living environments.

Dear Candidate,

Thank you very much for your interest in this post. On the following pages you will find details of the role, if you are interested in applying for this role please view our application pack which will assist you in applying for the position.

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: recruitment@greatwellhomes.org.uk

Applications must be received by 12 noon on Monday 8th July 2019.

You will receive an acknowledgement the following working day of receipt and we suggest that if after that time you have not heard from us, you telephone the office to ensure that it has arrived. Using a secure email address and putting the role Board Member Application in the subject line reduces the chances of any email going into spam.

Please do contact Jo Savage Chief Executive 01933 231302 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.

Regards

Mandy Meanwell

Director of Housing and Support (Company Secretary)

mailto:recruitment@greatwellhomes.org

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Contents

Page No. 1. Hello and Welcome ................................................................................................................................ 4

2. About Greatwell Homes ...................................................................................................................... 5

3. Meet the Board .................................................................................................................................... 6-7

4. Meet the Exeecutive Management Team ........................................................................................ 8

5. What is expected of a Board Member ...................................................................................... 9-11

6. Remuneration ....................................................................................................................................... 11

7. Role Profile ..................................................................................................................................... 12-13

8. Person Specification .................................................................................................................... 14-15

9. Timeline .................................................................................................................................................. 16

10. Advert .................................................................................................................................................. 17

The following supplementary information is available: • Corporate Plan 2019 - 2022

Further information is available on our website www.greatwellhomes.org.uk

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Hello and Welcome

Dear Candidate,

Thank you for considering becoming a Board Member at Greatwell Homes.

I think it is a great time to be part of our Board as you will have a real opportunity to influence our strategic direction. We recently launched our new Corporate Plan 2019-2022, and work will begin soon with the Board to map our future beyond 2022.

We are an ambitious Housing Association based on our values of Respect, Trust, Empowerment, being Efficient and Effective and working as One Team. These values under pin what we do within the Board and across the organisation

Our mission statement challenges us to provide great services and high-quality living environments for our existing customers and deliver much needed new homes across Northamptonshire.

This ambition means increasing the number of homes we own or manage by 600 over the next 3 years; undertaking significant estate improvements and identifying areas for regeneration whilst ensuring we are financially robust to meet these aims.

If you feel Greatwell Homes is an organisation that you would like to be part of as a Board member and you are interested in helping us shape the next stage of our journey, please complete your application. I hope we will get a chance to meet soon.

Best wishes

Yours faithfully

John Lewis Chair

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Greatwell Homes

We are a locally based Housing Association in and around Northamptonshire with a commitment to:

• Develop a diverse range of new homes to meet local needs. • Work with our customers to provide great homes and value for

money services. • Invest in communities where it supports our customers and protects

our business.

Greatwell Homes is a not for profit housing association.

Mission

Greatwell Homes will work successfully with its customers and communities to provide great services and high-quality living environments.

Corporate Objectives

Our Corporate Plan 2019 – 2022 is based around four main strategies:

1. Transforming our Future 2. Asset Management 3. Growth 4. Finance

These strategies are supported by four frameworks:

1. Customer Involvement 2. Communications 3. Value For Money and Procurement 4. Risk, Assurance and Compliance

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Meet the Board

John Lewis – Chair John Lewis is Executive Director of Thamesmead at Peabody Housing Association. He is also responsible for Peabody’s Commercial Property portfolio. John is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and has a Master of Arts in Urban Regeneration.

Martin Lord Martin has substantial local knowledge and understanding having worked for 13 years at CEO of Central and East Northamptonshire Citizens Advice. He currently works as Head of Guidance at the Electoral Commission, leading a team of Electoral Administration and Political Finance experts.

Simon Brooksbank - Vice Chair Simon has considerable experience and background in customer insight and marketing having worked in consumer knowledge, market insight and storytelling for 10 years at GFK, one of the largest global business intelligence organisations, and is currently Head of Customer Insight and Planning at Fox’s Biscuits. Simon is also a Non-Executive at Johnnie Johnson Housing Trust (JJHT)

John Welch John has 30 years’ housing experience and is CE of Howard Cottage HA. John holds an MBA from the Open University, is a chartered building surveyor and a CIH member.

Cheryl Armatrading Cheryl has over 25 years’ experience working within the community professionally, as well as voluntarily. She is the Director of the Antoin Akpom Achievements Foundation, providing workshops for young people; challenging behaviours and changing lives.

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Doug Livingstone Doug is a qualified accountant with extensive housing experience. Formerly at the Homes and Communities Agency, he was responsible for risk management and assurance. He was also secretary to the Milton Keynes Partnership Committee and a member of the local planning committee.

David Beale David has substantial experience within the financial sector and specifically credit risk, currently a senior executive for Nationwide Building Society heading up the Commercial and Treasury Credit Risk and Credit Risk Control function. Previously worked for several financial institutions, including Merrill Lynch and Standard and Poor’s, working in the capital markets, debt funding and rating bonds for the loan securitisation market.

Martin Wheatley Martin brings more than 20 years’ experience of national and local housing, planning, environment and social policy. His national and local political contacts and knowledge help us fully understand the environment we are working in and plan for the future.

Revd Richard Coles Our Patron Richard is the Vicar of Finedon, Strictly Come Dancing star and presenter of Radio Four’s Saturday Live. He grew up in Northamptonshire and attended school in Wellingborough. He was one half of eighties pop band the Communards. He then worked in BBC Radio before ordination in 2005.

Ian Hill Ian has housing sector experience in governance, regulation, strategy and business improvement and transformation having previously worked for WM Housing Group as Director of Governance. Ian’s governance and business transformation background includes ICT. Ian is currently working at Saffron as interim Co Sec and is making some key changes to their Board and Governance arrangements.

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Meet the Executive Management Team (EMT)

Jo Savage - Chief Executive Mandy Meanwell - Director of Housing and Support Services and Company Secretary

Jo joined in November 2014. She has worked in housing for over 25 years, starting her career as a housing officer. She has worked for a council and four housing associations, gaining promotion with each new job role. For the last 10 years Jo has worked at Executive Director level. Jo also spent 4 years as Chair of Women in Social Housing (South West branch). Jo is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing and a fellow of the Institute of Directors

Mandy joined in October 2014. She has worked in housing for over 25 years, with 10 years at a senior leadership level. Mandy has held varied roles within housing, having started her career working with homeless people in East London. Mandy recently spent four years as a Board member for the Chartered Institute of Housing in the South West, three years as a Secretary for Women in Social Housing and also a Board Member of Selwood Housing Society.

Denise Lewis - Director of Asset and Development

Julie Robinson - Director of Resources

Denise joined in May 2015 and has 20 years’ experience in social housing. She started her career as a housing officer for a local authority and has held a variety of roles, including many at senior management level. Whilst most of her career has been spent in local government, Denise has experience of working for a new housing association set up following a stock transfer by Broadland District Council.

Julie joined Greatwell Homes in June 2016 and has over 20 years’ experience in the housing sector. Julie is a qualified accountant and previously spent the last eight years as Director of Resources at Watford Community Housing Trust. With extensive knowledge of housing finance, treasury, development and business planning Julie is able to ensure that organisations achieve financial success and continued viability.

L-R Denise Lewis, Jo Savage, Julie Robinson and Mandy Meanwell

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What is expected of a Board member?

The main responsibilities of all board members are to: • Ensure viability, long term success and growth and that the organisation

operates in line with the law, regulation, rules and good practice • Agree the organisations mission and values and to develop, review and

own the corporate plan, business plan and budgets • Agree, implement and monitor the outcomes of the organisations business

strategies • Agree and oversee the implementation of key policies, standards and

frameworks • Agree and oversee borrowing and ensure the organisation is finally viable

and able to deliver on its commitments • Protect the organisations social housing properties and agree all matters

that might create significant financial or other risk for the organisation • Ensure customer service in line with agreed strategies, policies and

standards • Establish and maintain appropriate levels of engagement with customers,

local authorities, regulators, lenders, contractors and suppliers, voluntary and statutory partner organisations

• Establish strong and effective working relationships with the Executive Management Team

For more details, please refer to the representation of our formal role profile and person specification, starting on page 11.

Skills required by the Board

The Board are seeking candidates who have knowledge, skills and expertise in one or more of the following areas and this must be demonstrated within your supporting statement:

• Governance • Regulation • Compliance • Risk and assurance • Legal

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Skills included in Board Skills Matrix include:

• Finance and Treasury – Budget setting, analysis of financial information, financial management and understanding accounts

• Business effectiveness including Strategic IT – Setting the strategic direction, corporate social responsibility, data analytics and channel shift

• Community understanding – customer and community engagement, involvement and participation, voluntary activities, understanding of current and future demographics and trends in Northamptonshire, strong connection or commitment to the local area, understanding customers (current and future) and demands on future services

• Housing management and/or asset management – Tenancy and estate management, customer service, housing repairs and maintenance and surveying and project management

• Development and regeneration – New build construction, property procurement, regeneration and development appraisals

• External relations – Acting as an ambassador for organisations and working with key stakeholders such as local authorities

• Personal effectiveness – Demonstrates a commitment to and ability to uphold the values of the Association.

Board and Committee meeting dates

Board Members are expected to attend Board meetings, training sessions and the annual two day off site event. Attendance will also be expected at the Remuneration and Selection Committee (RSC) which meets three times a year. We anticipate a time commitment of around 24 days per annum and have provided a timetable of Board meetings below. This will typically include attendance over a 12 month period at: 12 Sheep Street, Wellingborough NN8 1BL. Free parking is currently available in various local car parks. The nature of this role makes it impossible to be specific about the maximum time commitment required. From time to time they may be additional commitments, particularly when the Association is going through a period of increased activity. At certain times it may be necessary to hold additional Board, committee or general meetings.

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Full Board events for Sept 2019- May 2020

Date: Start time: Event:

5th September 2019 4.00pm Board Meeting 26th September 2019 4.00pm AGM 26th & 27th September 2 Full Days Board Off Site – Rushton Hall 31st October 2019 4.00pm Training Workshop

7th November 2019 4.00pm Audit and Risk Committee

28th November 2019 4.00pm Board Meeting

16th January 2020 10.00am – 3.00pm

Business Plan and Budget Workshop

30th January 2020 4.00pm Remuneration and Selection Committee

6th February 2020 4.00pm Audit and Risk Committee

27th February 2020 4.00pm Board Meeting

12th March 2020 4.00pm Training Workshop

30th April 2020 4.00pm Remuneration and Selection Committee

7th May 2020 4.00pm Audit and Risk Committee

21st May 2020 4.00pm Board Meeting Remuneration We pay our Board Members in line with the Board Remuneration Policy which is currently £4,500 per annum. Remuneration is reviewed every two years. The next review is due April 2020.

We will also reimburse any reasonable and allowable expenses including travel costs, which may be taxable.

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Role Profile Purpose Board members are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Association; and ensuring its continuing financial viability. Board members should: • Exercise independent judgment, reasonable care, skill and diligence. • Act in accordance with the rules and promote the success of the Association. • Uphold the Board Members Code of Conduct. • Be highly accountable to a variety of stakeholders including customers. • Have regard to any relevant advice provided by the executive, work with

them effectively and hold them to account for running the Association. • Demonstrate commitment to equality and diversity. Key responsibilities Strategic leadership • To help develop the mission and uphold and demonstrate the values. • To participate in the development of the corporate plan, business strategies

and key policies. • To set and monitor objectives, performance targets and benchmarks for the

business. • To be aware of the external and internal operating environments. Good governance • To ensure legal and regulatory compliance. • To ensure the integrity of financial information. • To ensure robust frameworks are in place for financial planning, management

of risk, internal controls and the safeguarding of assets. • To fully participate in the work of the Board. Effective meetings and decision making • To fully prepare for, attend and participate in, meetings of the Board and its

committees. • To question/challenge reports constructively to ensure decisions are well

founded. • To avoid disclosing any confidential or commercially sensitive information. • To uphold the decisions of the Board or committees and ensure they are

made in the best interests of the Association.

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Working with employees • To recognise the Association’s duty of care as an employer. • To recognise the EMT’s responsibilities for management and supervision. • To be involved in the appointment (and if necessary the dismissal) of the

Chief Executive and other members of the EMT as required. • To ensure appropriate succession planning is in place for members of the

EMT. Performance, development, communication and relationships • To attend appropriate training and other events. • To participate openly and honestly in collective and individual appraisal

meetings, skills audits and succession planning. • To be open in communication and maintain good working relationships with

board members and employees. • To represent the Association as required and act as an ambassador for the

Association. Review This role profile will typically be reviewed annually or in line with relevant changes in the law, regulatory standards, codes of practice, or the constitution. Updates or recommendations for changes will be presented to the Board.

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Person Specification Skills, knowledge and experience Each board member is appointed on the basis that they can contribute strengths to the skills, knowledge and experience required on the Board and its committees. The extent to which individuals have made effective use of their strengths in skills, knowledge and experience will be taken in to account as part of annual performance review meetings. Core competencies Core competencies are used to measure personal effectiveness in the ability to lead, inspire and add value to the governance of the Association. The performance of board members will be assessed annually and will focus on the six core competencies and effective behaviours set out below. Strategic thinking and direction • Influences the development of business strategy. • Delegates responsibility for the delivery of strategy. • Understands the external and internal operating environment. • Anticipates and understands risks and consequences. • Encourages creativity and is open to new ways of working. Analysis and understanding • Demonstrates clear analytical intellect. • Focuses on the key issues and makes them clear to others. • Understands the sensitivities of key assumptions. • Satisfies themselves on the integrity of financial information and risk

appraisal. • Possesses confidence to provide appropriate challenge and inquiry. Decision making • Shows independent judgement and original thought. • Signs up to the collective ownership of decisions. • Applies objective analysis, reasoned and rational judgement. • Prepared to take difficult decisions and measured risks. • Respects and is open to the views of others. Communication and Interpersonal skills • Engages effectively with key stakeholders. • Builds relationships based on personal credibility and integrity.

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• Communicates clearly and persuasively. • Is self-aware and expects constructive feedback. • Gets to know individuals and their aspirations. Team working and development • Able to work collaboratively in relationships built on mutual respect. • Adds value to the work of the Board. • Demonstrates commitment, reliability and preparedness. • Supports others and celebrates success with the team. • Open to learning and development, for self and others. Organisational purpose and ethos • Committed to meeting housing need. • Open to the views of customers. • Supports the development of organisational culture. • Values successful partnership working. • Demonstrates leadership in equality, diversity and inclusion. Commitment to the role Board members are expected to have the capacity to be able to fulfil their duties and responsibilities as effectively as possible. After induction (typically 3–4 days over the six months) board members should anticipate being able to commit the equivalent of around 24 days a year to the role. This will include preparing for, attending and participating in meetings of the Board and other ad hoc groups; attending board off-site days and training activities; participating in discussions and electronic communications with other board members and employees; and preparing for and attending an annual performance review meeting. Review This person specification will typically be reviewed annually or in line with relevant changes in the law, regulatory standards, codes of practice, or the constitution. Updates or recommendations for changes will be presented to the Board

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Timeline

8 July 2019 Applications must be received

You will receive an acknowledgement email.

If you have not heard from us, please call Frania Jeff on 01933 231322 to ensure your application has been received

Week commencing 18 July 2019 Applications will be shortlisted

We will advise you of the outcome of the shortlisting

12 August 2019

A formal interview with a selection panel, stock tour and a ‘Speed Networking Event’ with a chance to meet members of the Board, EMT and Customer Assembly

A decision will be made and you will be contacted

If successful, you will invited to observe the Board meeting on 5 September 2019. An induction programme will also be delivered covering the first 6 months.

26 September 2019 The successful candidate will be formally appointed at the Annual General Meeting

(AGM)

25 and 26 September 2019 You will be required to attend a two day off-site event at Rushton Hall

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Board Member £4,500 p.a

Greatwell Homes is a provider of affordable housing and support services in the East Midlands. We own and manage around 4,600 homes with a £22 million turnover and our mission is to work successfully with our customers and communities to provide great services and high-quality living environments. We are a locally based Housing Association in and around Northamptonshire with a commitment to:

• Develop a diverse range of new homes to meet local needs. • Work with our customers to provide great homes and value for money services. • Invest in our communities where it supports our customers and protects our

business We are now looking for a Board Member to join our skills based board who will bring their enthusiasm and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Governance • Regulation • Compliance • Risk and assurance • Legal

The role of Board member is critical to the success of Greatwell Homes, supporting us as we embark on the delivery of our new Corporate Plan 2019-2022. As a Board Member the remuneration is £4,500 pa. At Greatwell Homes we are an equal opportunities and disability confident employer who welcomes applicants from all sectors of the community. We recognise that our Board are underrepresented in certain areas on the Board, therefore we encourage applications (though not exclusively) from candidates who are women, and people from minority-ethnic backgrounds. Full details about this role and how to apply can be found on our careers page at https://www.greatwellhomes.org.uk/careers/ alternatively you can request an information and application pack from recruitment@greatwellhomes.org.uk

CLOSING DATE: Your application must be submitted by 10am on 8th July 2019

INTERVIEW DATE: 12th August 2019. Please indicate on your application if you would be able to attend this date, if you are unavailable alternative arrangements may be considered including skype interview or an alternative date.

https://www.greatwellhomes.org.uk/careers/mailto:recruitment@greatwellhomes.org.uk