Person Specification

We are looking to appoint two Board Members with different knowledge and experience but a broad range of shared skills. Both roles require the following experience (and skills as set out below in Part Two of the person specification):

1. Track record of senior leadership and achievement within an organisation of a similar scale and complexity, whether in the commercial, public or third sectors.
2. Experience of being part of a board or working with a board, dealing with governance issues, ensuring high performance and good decision making.
3. A background of general management, with executive-level skills in finance, development or asset management.
4. Effective work with a wide range of stakeholders, preferably to include national and local politicians, investors and funders, commercial partners, government bodies and agencies, and local communities and customers.

The Board priorities for each of role are as follows:

Part One

Finance and Treasury

In addition to being a qualified accountant (CAAB) or Internal Auditor (MIIA) or similar qualifications and/or significant relevant experience at an equivalent level,  you will have one or more of the following:

• Ability to guide us in a strongly regulated sector with an understanding of the regulatory framework for registered housing providers.
• Motivation to oversee the Group’s systems of internal controls and frameworks for risk management to ensure that they are effective and robust.
• Expertise in internal and external audit functions, governance, risk and value for money.
• A senior finance leader with personal and professional credibility and track record of achievement within an organisation of a similar scale and complexity in the business or public sectors

Development and/or Assets

You will have one or more of the following:

• Experience of developing and maintaining a large number of properties that are safe and provide a good quality and attractive home for our customers which meets their needs and aspirations.
• Understanding customer needs and legislative/regulatory requirements relating to stock condition, major works programmes and financial requirements over multiple budgetary cycles.
• Knowledge and passion for sustainability including ways to improve energy performance and reduce our carbon footprint.
• Ability to appraise mixed tenure new build development schemes to support delivery of our corporate objectives.

Part Two

Both roles require the following:

Abilities, skills and knowledge

1. Non-executive leadership: Ability and vision to represent the organisation, contributing to a clear sense of strategic direction with an appreciation of the respective roles of the Chair, Board, Chief Executive and wider team members.
2. Customers: Awareness of the needs and aspirations of current and potential residents and customers and of the communities where they live.
3. Communication: Ability to present arguments with knowledge and understanding of the wider strategic context. Ability to represent and promote the organisation and to communicate effectively.
4. Working with stakeholders and partners: An ability to operate effectively at all levels, and to develop positive relationships that generate confidence and respect.

Personal attributes

1. Shares the vision, values and commitments of the organisation.
2. A decisive and effective decision maker who leads by example.
3. An open, engaging and enthusing style.
4. Personal and professional credibility that will command confidence at all levels across a wide range of stakeholder interests.
5. Able to work as a director of a team acting and thinking corporately with a collaborative style that engages at all levels and promotes positive relationships throughout the organisation and its partners.
6. Committed to the values of accountability openness, transparency and equality.
7. Has the time and energy needed to discharge the responsibilities of the post appropriately