Board Member

Recruitment Pack

June 2020

Contents Page

• Letter from David Pickard, Managing Director, Hilldale Housing Association

• Company Profile • Structure Chart

• Advert • Role Descriptions and Person Specifications

• Remuneration and Time Commitment

• Application Guidelines – How to Apply

• Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form*

*(Word version available to download)

About Hilldale Housing Association

About the Role

Other Important Documentation

Introduction

Introduction

Welcome Letter

Hilldale Housing Association was established in 2009 and became a registered provider in April 2013. Our model was conceived from a recognition of the need for suitably adapted specialist accommodation in Wigan combined with the personal stories families shared with us and their belief that their family members were entitled to ordinary lives in high quality accommodation in the town in which they grew up.

Working closely with strategic partners, initially in Wigan, and now across a number of local authorities we have been increasingly requested to provide further schemes for independent living both on a single and multiple property basis. We have excelled at providing bespoke solutions for people who communicate through challenging behaviour and this is an area we will continue to specialise in.

We are going through a period of substantial change, development and growth and as a result have taken the opportunity to review the Governance structure. This new Board will lead, guide, and support the organisation through the next stages of its development.

Recently appointed to the role of Managing Director I welcome the opportunity to be recruiting and then working alongside the new Board delivering our ambitious business plan and ensuring that we continue to grow our financial capacity to deliver more high quality homes and deliver great services providing those life changing opportunities for people who need our help

We are looking for the Board and its members to not only provide strategic direction and leadership but also to bring skills and experience that Hilldale can use to manage our risks, grow our opportunities and develop new approaches to working with funders and partners.

We are therefore looking to ensure the Board has a blend of professional skills and is dynamic and knowledgeable as a team, developing, supporting and challenging itself and the Executive officers.

This is an exciting time to be part of the Hilldale journey building on the success that it has so far achieved and providing influence and guidance as it continues to grow and innovate to find housing and support solutions to suit the needs of a wide range of people

I look forward to hearing from you and the experience, skills and knowledge you can bring to Hilldale, its team and our residents.

David Pickard

Managing Director, Hillside Housing Association

About Hilldale Housing Association

History

Hilldale HA was established in 2009 and became a registered provider in April 2013. Our model was conceived from a recognition of the need for suitably adapted specialist accommodation in Wigan combined with the personal stories families shared with us and their belief that their family members were entitled to ordinary lives in high quality accommodation in the town in which they grew up.

Services and Activities

Hilldale Housing Association has circa 900 units from the North West to the South East, we are a specialist housing landlord and provide housing management services that go above and beyond what other ordinary and specialist landlords provide.

The sole purpose of our existence is to provide high quality housing to people who need additional support. We only provide homes for people who need help to live more independently, in their own home, in their own community and who would otherwise have difficulty finding a home elsewhere. We offer homes for life, or for as long as tenants need and want our services.

We ensure that appropriate care and support is provided to tenants as defined by management agreements with support providers, contracts with commissioners and is in line with our organisational values and delivers on the promise we make to our tenants.

It is because of our values and promises that we do not need to market our services as customers, commissioners and support providers actively seek us out.

Who we work with

We fully recognise the importance of effective partnership working to ensure we can meet the holistic needs of our tenants, safeguard and protect them, avoid duplication of services, remain strategically relevant, well-connected and accountable to stakeholders.

We are committed to working with commissioners, helping them fill gaps in the market and predicting future need, however our focus is our current tenants, their families and their carers. Where we do develop, we will only work with commissioners and support.

We are looking for the Board to inform and lead the future development of the business plan and to lead the Hilldale team to strengthen our Tenancy offer, the relationships that we have with our partners and care providers and direct the opportunities and the risks we are and will face. We are therefore looking for Board members that have a range of professional skills and expertise and can contribute to further developing the governance of the organisation and constructively challenging itself and the Executive officers.

This is an exciting time to be part of the Hilldale journey building on the success that it has had and providing influence and guidance as it continues to grow and innovate to find solutions for those that need our help and support

Our vision:

‘The provision of high-quality housing for people who need additional support’

Our values:

• We care about our tenants and their families • We believe all our tenants are entitled to high quality, responsive services • We believe tenants should be offered a home for life for as long as they need support • We will be innovative and develop bespoke homes for tenants that enable them to

fully experience life in the way they choose and become as independent as possible • We are passionate about enabling people to become more independent and move

away from our support • We believe in celebrating the changes in people’s lives, small or huge all are

significant to us

Our Promise:

• To treat all our tenants and our staff with kindness, respect and dignity • To ensure our tenants and our staff have a voice • To ensure our tenants and staff are safe • To support our tenants and our staff in a person- centred way • To safeguard private information about our tenants and our staff • To continuously assess, manage and where appropriate address risks to ensure our

long-term viability, safeguard our assets and ultimately our tenancies • To ensure our services provide value for money

Our Plan:

Our plan is around getting better at what we do – consolidating our successes and building on best practice in line with our vision and values rather than all outgrowth.

To achieve this, our plan set out four strategic objectives;

• Internal growth – getting better and more efficient around everything we do • Sustainable growth – only where this brings added value to the organisation • Continuously improve our financial health - securing our business and tenants long

term future • Additional services - that add value to our business or tenants’ lives

Each of these objectives will be backed up by clear performance management system that measures, reports and seeks to build on current levels of performance, will be delivered by our dedicated team and will lead to ever improving customer satisfaction with the diverse services received. Hilldale Housing Association Board will monitor and challenge progress towards our strategic aims and priorities. We will undertake an annual review of the plan. In addition, the organisation will continue to monitor changes in our operating environment to manage risk and capitalise on opportunities that compliment Hilldale’s vision and values.

Chair of the Board

Board Member

Legal

Board Member

Finance

Board Member

Managing Director and Company Secretary

Board Member

Commercial

Board Structure

About the Role

Hilldale Housing Association was established in 2009, working closely with strategic partners, providing schemes for independent living both on a single and multiple property basis. Hilldale has excelled at providing bespoke solutions for people who communicate through challenging behaviour and are going through a period of substantial change, development and growth.

We are particularly interested in applicants with the following disciplines; financial, legal, commercial, housing or strategic organisational development. In addition, you must have a track record of delivering strategic business change and growth. A sound understanding of the regulatory environment of which social and supported housing operates would be highly beneficial. You will have a track record at board or senior executive level, delivering outcomes in customer and partnership focused environments,

For a confidential discussion, please contact; Senior Consultant at ema; Susan Richardson on 07366 890790 for an informal and confidential discussion.

Closing date: 9:00am Monday 20 July 2020

Board Member

2 Roles

£5k p.a.

Legal – Board Member

Role Summary, Role Description and Person Specification

Role Summary Members of the Board of Hilldale HA are fully accountable members of the organisation following the 9 principles of good governance as set out in the National Housing Federation Code of Governance 2015

The Boards’ role is to ensure that Hilldale is managed efficiently, effectively and in accordance with the requirements of the Regulator of Social Housing (RoSH), the National Housing Federation Code of Governance and best practice. The Board should conform to the highest standards of probity, performance and conduct.

The Board operates under the leadership and guidance of the Chair and works in partnership with the Managing Director and the Senior Management Team.

As a Board Member you agree to work with other Board Members to ensure that the Board carries out its responsibilities effectively.

Role Description

The Collective Responsibilities of the Board Are:

1. Ensure compliance with the values, vision, mission and strategic objectives of the organisation, ensuring its long-term success;

2. Establish a framework for approving strategies, policies and plans to achieve those objectives

3. Satisfy itself as to the integrity of financial information and approve each year’s accounts prior to publication, and approve each year’s budget and business plan;

4. Establish and oversee a framework of delegation and systems of internal control, which are reviewed annually;

5. Establish and oversee a framework for the identification, management and reporting of risk to safeguard Hilldale HA assets;

6. Agree or ratify policies and decisions on all matters that might create significant financial or other risk to Hilldale HA or that raise material issues of principle;

7. Monitor performance in relation to strategies, plans, budgets, controls, and decisions and in the light of customer feedback and the performance of comparable organisations;

8. Establish and monitor a mechanism for communicating and receiving feedback from stakeholders and shareholders and Tenants

9. Establish a strong working relationship between the Board, the Managing Director and other senior staff;

10. Appoint the Managing Director following agreed procedures, and approve his or her salary, benefits and terms of employment;

11. Satisfy itself that Hilldale HA affairs are conducted lawfully and in accordance with generally accepted standards of performance, probity, good practice and regulatory requirements

12. Demonstrate that Hilldale HA follows the recommendations of the Code of governance and state compliance and non-compliance in its annual review and accounts;

13. Follow Hilldale HA constitution in appointing the Chair of the Board; and 14. Establish a Code of Conduct and standards of expected behaviour for the Board.

Role Description (cont)

Additional Responsibilities of the Board Are:

1. Take decisions on the expansion, contraction, or cessation of Hilldale HA operations; 2. Determine any changes to corporate structure, include setting up any subsidiaries; 3. Approve resolutions to be put forward by the Board at a general meeting; 4. Approve any changes to the structure, size and composition of the Board; 5. Oversee major capital projects; 6. Ensure adequate succession planning for Board and senior management appointments; 7. Approve key policies, including a Code of Conduct and standards of expected behaviour; 8. Determine any conflict for interests arising for individual Board members;

9. Approve any changes to the schedule of matters reserved for Board decisions.

Legal - Board Role Person Specification

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE

Qualified and senior level experience in the legal profession •

Understanding and knowledge of legal risk, governance and contract law

•

Previous board experience in a legal capacity •

Understanding of current issues in social/supported housing •

Understanding of the social, economic and/or political environment within which Change Housing operates

•

Experience of organisational performance frameworks •

SKILLS AND ABILITIES Ability to make a constructive contribution to meetings through preparation and understanding

•

Ability to understand financial information •

Ability to work constructively with others to achieve corporate objectives

•

Good interpersonal and communication skills •

Ability to work as a member of a team of Board members •

Ability to attend Board meetings, training and development events and other corporate activities which may be held in the evening and at weekends

•

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Commitment to the visions and values of Hilldale HA •

Commitment to equality and diversity in employment and service delivery

•

High standards of personal and professional integrity •

High level of personal drive •

Finance – Board Member

Role Summary, Role Description and Person Specification

Role Summary Members of the Board of Hilldale HA are fully accountable members of the organisation following the 9 principles of good governance as set out in the National Housing Federation Code of Governance 2015

The Boards’ role is to ensure that Hilldale is managed efficiently, effectively and in accordance with the requirements of the Regulator of Social Housing (RoSH), the National Housing Federation Code of Governance and best practice. The Board should conform to the highest standards of probity, performance and conduct.

The Board operates under the leadership and guidance of the Chair and works in partnership with the Managing Director and the Senior Management Team.

As a Board Member you agree to work with other Board Members to ensure that the Board carries out its responsibilities effectively.

Role Description

The Collective Responsibilities of the Board Are:

1. Ensure compliance with the values, vision, mission and strategic objectives of the organisation, ensuring its long-term success;

2. Establish a framework for approving strategies, policies and plans to achieve those objectives;

3. Satisfy itself as to the integrity of financial information and approve each year’s accounts prior to publication, and approve each year’s budget and business plan;

4. Establish and oversee a framework of delegation and systems of internal control, which are reviewed annually;

5. Establish and oversee a framework for the identification, management and reporting of risk to safeguard Hilldale`s assets and operations

6. Agree or ratify policies and decisions on all matters that might create significant financial or other risk to Hilldale HA, or that raise material issues of principle;

7. Monitor performance in relation to these strategies, plans, budgets, controls and decisions and in the light of customer feedback and the performance of comparable organisations;

8. Establish and monitor a mechanism for communicating and receiving feedback from stakeholders, partners and Tenants

9. Establish a strong working relationship between the Board, the Managing Director and other senior staff;

10. Appoint the Managing Director following agreed procedures, and approve his or her salary, benefits and terms of employment;

11. Ensure that Hilldale HA affairs are conducted lawfully and in accordance with generally accepted standards of performance, probity, good practice and regulatory requirements

12. Demonstrate that Hilldale HA follows the recommendations of the Code of governance and state compliance and non-compliance in its annual review and accounts;

13. Follow Hilldale HA constitution in appointing the Chair of the Board; and 14. Establish a Code of Conduct and standards of expected behaviour for the Board.

Role Description (cont)

Additional Responsibilities of the Board Are:

1. Take decisions on the expansion, contraction or cessation of Hilldale HA operations;

2. Approve resolutions to be put forward by the Board at a general meeting; 3. Approve any changes to the structure, size and composition of the Board; 4. Oversee major capital projects; 5. Ensure adequate succession planning for Board and senior management

appointments; 6. Approve key policies, including a Code of Conduct and standards of expected

behaviour; 7. Determine any conflict for interests arising for individual Board members; 8. Approve any changes to the schedule of matters reserved for Board decisions.

Finance - Board Role Person Specification

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE

Qualified experience in finance/accountancy/audit capacity •

Knowledge of current UK finance and tax regulations •

Oversee Audit and Risk and have an understanding of best practice in corporate governance, risk, and VFM Standard required by the regulator

•

Understanding of current issues in social/supported housing •

Understanding of the social, economic and/or political environment within which Hilldale HA operates

•

Experience of organisational performance frameworks •

SKILLS AND ABILITIES Ability to make a constructive contribution to meetings through preparation and understanding

•

Ability to explain complex financial information •

Ability to work constructively with others to achieve corporate objectives

•

Good interpersonal and communication skills •

Ability to work as a member of a team of Board members •

Ability to attend Board meetings, training and development events and other corporate activities which may be held in the evening and at weekends

•

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Commitment to the visions and values of Hilldale HA •

Commitment to equality and diversity in employment and service delivery

•

High standards of personal and professional integrity •

High level of personal drive •

Commercial – Board Member

Role Summary, Role Description and Person Specification

Role Summary

Members of the Board of Hilldale HA are fully accountable members of the organisation following the 9 principles of good governance as set out in the National Housing Federation Code of Governance 2015

The Boards’ role is to ensure that Hilldale is managed efficiently, effectively and in accordance with the requirements of the Regulator of Social Housing (RoSH), the National Housing Federation Code of Governance and best practice. The Board should conform to the highest standards of probity, performance and conduct.

The Board operates under the leadership and guidance of the Chair and works in partnership with the Managing Director and the Senior Management Team.

As a Board Member you agree to work with other Board Members to ensure that the Board carries out its responsibilities effectively.

Role Description

The Collective Responsibilities of the Board Are:

1. Ensure compliance with the values, vision, mission and strategic objectives of the organisation, ensuring its long-term success;

2. Establish a framework for approving strategies, policies and plans to achieve those objectives

3. Satisfy itself as to the integrity of financial information and approve each year’s accounts prior to publication, and approve each year’s budget and business plan;

4. Establish and oversee a framework of delegation and systems of internal control, which are reviewed annually;

5. Establish and oversee a framework for the identification, management and reporting of risk to safeguard Hilldale HA;

6. Agree or ratify policies and decisions on all matters that might create significant financial or other risk to Hilldale HA that raise material issues of principle;

7. Monitor performance in relation to these strategies, plans, budgets, controls and decisions and in the light of customer feedback and the performance of comparable organisations;

8. Establish and monitor a mechanism for communicating and receiving feedback from stakeholders’, partners and tenants;

9. Establish a strong working relationship between the Board, the Managing Director and other senior staff;

10. Appoint the Managing Director following agreed procedures, and approve his or her salary, benefits and terms of employment;

11. Satisfy itself that Hilldale HA affairs are conducted lawfully and in accordance with generally accepted standards of performance, probity, good practice and regulatory requirements

12. Demonstrate that Hilldale HA follows the recommendations of the Code of governance and state compliance and non-compliance in its annual review and accounts;

13. Follow constitution in appointing the Chair of the Board; and 14. Establish a Code of Conduct and standards of expected behaviour for the Board.

Role Description (cont)

Additional Responsibilities of the Board Are:

1. Take decisions on the expansion, contraction or cessation of Hilldale HA operations; 2. Determine any changes to corporate structure, include setting up any subsidiaries; 3. Approve resolutions to be put forward by the Board at a general meeting; 4. Approve any changes to the structure, size and composition of the Board; 5. Oversee major capital projects; 6. Ensure adequate succession planning for Board and senior management appointments; 7. Approve key policies, including a Code of Conduct and standards of expected behaviour; 8. Determine any conflict for interests arising for individual Board members; 9. Approve any changes to the schedule of matters reserved for Board decisions.

Board Role Person Specification

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE

Experience of committee work •

Senior/Executive Management experience in a commercial environment

•

Senior/Executive management experience in development, property development, project management

•

Understanding of best practice in governance •

Understanding of current issues in social/supported housing •

Understanding of the social, economic and/or political environment within which Change Housing operates

•

Experience of organisational performance frameworks •

SKILLS AND ABILITIES Ability to make a constructive contribution to meetings through preparation and understanding

•

Ability to understand complex issues including financial information

•

Ability to work constructively with others to achieve corporate objectives

•

Good interpersonal and communication skills •

Ability to work as a member of a team of Board members •

Ability to attend Board meetings, training and development events and other corporate activities which may be held in the evening and at weekends

•

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Commitment to the visions and values of Hilldale HA •

Commitment to equality and diversity in employment and service delivery

•

High standards of personal and professional integrity •

High level of personal drive •

Remuneration and Time Commitment

Chair of the Board, Remuneration 10k

In addition to the qualities that the Chair will need to possess in that role, their background should be in at least one of the key skills that we are looking for:

• Finance

• Legal

• Commercial

• Strategy development

• Housing

• Health and social care

• Technology

• People and organisational change

• Property development

• Risk management

2 x NED Director Roles – Remuneration £5k

Hilldale are looking for a blend of skills that will compliment that of the Chairs position.

Time Commitment:

6 meetings each year plus 2 away days, in the short term this could be monthly. Also maybe required to Chair one of the Committees and represent the organisation at events from time to time.

Other Important Documentation

How to Apply

Board Member – 2 Roles

Thank you for expressing an interest in the above position. If you have read the candidate briefing information and you would like to apply, please follow the guidelines below.

Application Process

Please submit an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) and covering letter ensuring that you quote reference number ema390

It is important that your CV highlights supporting evidence of how your previous experience and skills relate to the criteria outlined in the role description and person specification. Within your CV, please supply the following:

• Full name and postal address;

• Work and home telephone number, mobile number and email address (NB most written communication with you will be electronic);

• Employment history (explaining any gaps);

• Education and dates your qualifications were obtained;

• Current Memberships of relevant professional associations/Institutes and dates.

We also request that you complete an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (Word version downloadable from www.emaconsultancy.org.uk)

Your covering letter (maximum of 3 pages) should be used to convey why you are attracted to this role and how your experience will be able to develop Hilldale Housing Association. The covering letter is considered an important aspect of your application and will be used to assess your motivation for the role.

Personal Data

In line with GDPR, we ask that you do NOT send us any information that can identify children or any of your Sensitive Personal Data (racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, data concerning health or sex life and sexual orientation, genetic and / or biometric data) in your CV and application documentation. Following this notice, any inclusion of your Sensitive Personal Data in your CV/application documentation will be understood by us as your express consent to process this information going forward. Please also remember to not mention anyone’s information or details (e.g. referees) who have not previously agreed to their inclusion.

The timetable for the Selection Process is included below. In your supporting letter, please advise us if you have any difficultly with the outlined dates and/or any other dates when you are unavailable for assessment. We try to offer flexibility but it can be difficult to convene the selection panel outside the advertised selection dates due to diary commitments.

Please return your application by 12 noon, Monday 20 July 2020 (electronic submissions) to our retained consultants at ema to responsehandling@emaconsultancy.org.uk. Your application will be treated with strictest confidence.

Assessment and Selection Process

All applications will be considered and assessed against the requirements of the Person Specification in order to select an initial long list of candidates. If you have been successful at this stage ema will contact you via telephone/email immediately following the initial longlisting meeting with Hilldale.

Timetable

Process Date

Advertised Closing Date for Applications 12 noon, Monday 20 July 2020

Initial Interviews and Assessments w/c 27 July 2020

Final Interviews w/c 3 August 2020

Contact Details

If you have any queries about the position or the selection process; or if you would like an informal and confidential discussion with our consultant, please do not hesitate to contact Susan Richardson at ema on 07366 890790.

Thank you for your interest in this position

Susan Richardson

Susan Richardson Managing Consultant ema

Equality and Diversity Monitoring

Hilldale Housing Association are committed to promoting equality and valuing diversity. The information you provide will be used for statistical purposes to enable us to gain a clear picture of the equality impact of our recruitment and selection policy. This information will be separated from your application as soon as it is received and will be processed in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1988. This information provided in this form is not mandatory. The following characteristics have been identified by Hilldale Housing Association as the most likely to result in people being treated unfairly or to require different consideration in how we deliver our services. Wherever possible an option is provided to allow self-description. 1. Age: 16 - 24 25 - 34 35 - 44 45 - 54 55 - 64 65+

2. How would you describe you gender identity? Male Female Non-binary* Prefer not to

say *do not identify as male or female

Self-describe: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3. Do you consider yourself to be a transgender person? Yes No Prefer not to say

4. Disability Status A disability is defined by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 as a “physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day to day activities”. Disabilities can be hidden and include long-term conditions which can be controlled through medication, for example, epilepsy, asthma, heart conditions, diabetes etc. Do you consider yourself to have a disability? Yes No Prefer not to say

Self-describe: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

5. Sexual Orientation How would you describe your sexual orientation? Heterosexual Gay Woman Prefer not to say

Bisexual Gay Man

Self-describe: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

6. Religion How would you describe your religion or belief? Christian (all denominations) Hindu Buddhist

Jewish Sikh Muslim

None Prefer not to say

Self-describe: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7. Ethnicity Which section best describes your ethnic group or background?

White Mixed Asian or Asian British

Black or Black British

Chinese or other Ethnic

Group

British

White & Black Caribbean

Indian

Caribbean

Chinese

Scottish White &

Black African

Pakistani

African

Japanese

Welsh White & Asian

Bangladeshi Romany

Northern Irish

Irish Traveller

Irish Gypsy English European

Self-description: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 8. What is your marital status? Single Partnered Civil

Partnership Married

Self-description: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. How did you find out about this opportunity?