Executive Director, Finance

Briefing Papers January 2018

Contents 1. Welcome Letter 2. Executive Structure 3. Advert 4. Role Profile and Person Specification 5. Terms and Conditions 6. How to Apply

7. Recruitment Timetable 8. Further Information

9. Equal Opportunities Form

Welcome Letter

Dear Applicant Thank you for your interest in becoming the new Executive Director, Finance of Aspire. This is a great time to join our organisation with an exciting opportunity to contribute to the leadership of Aspire Housing, PM Training and Realise Charity. We are three businesses that come together under the we are aspire brand. Together we blend commercial expertise with social purpose and revitalise communities by providing homes, training, employment and support. Based in Newcastle Under Lyme, Staffordshire, the housing arm was borne out of the stock transfer of Newcastle Borough Council in 2000 and since that time we have grown with the acquisition of PM Training in 2008 and the formation of Realise Charity in 2009.

Aspire Housing We own or manage c9,000 properties and our annual turnover is c£50m. In 2016-17 we produced an annual surplus of c£11m Following the completion of a successful financing exercise in 2017, we have the capacity to deliver our ambitious growth target of developing an additional

1,700 homes over the course of our five year corporate plan to 2021.

PM Training PM Training is a leading training provider and social enterprise, preparing young people for work, supporting adults into employment, creating practical apprenticeships, helping organisational to up skill their workforce and enabling local areas to thrive. It has a £7.5m turnover. Realise Charity Realise is Aspire’s charity and through gift aid from PM Training and donations from local people and businesses, we are able to provide valuable support to help young people to progress in their personal development, education and gain employment.

The Executive Director, Finance plays a pivotal role in driving forward the organisation’s ambitions and a role-model for our three values of Ambitious, Creative and Collaborative. We are looking for an empowering leader with substantial experience of operating at a senior level in a financially-focussed role in a complex customer facing organisation. Substantial experience of investment planning and associated treasury activity will be required. Up-to-date knowledge of legislative frameworks, regulatory requirements and key issues relevant to the post will also be important, as well as the ability to work with boards and a wide range of stakeholders. If you would like a confidential conversation about the opportunity to be our new Executive Director, Finance, please contact our retained recruitment advisor at EMA Consultancy (contact details are at the further information section). The closing date is: 12 noon, Friday 16 February 2018 I look forward to receiving your application. Yours faithfully Sinéad Butters Group Chief Executive

Executive Structure

The Executive Team is made up of five members, including the Group Chief Executive, and work together to ensure the delivery of key priorities over the next few years. These priorities include:

• A continued push and exploitation of digitally enhanced services to customers

• Our response to welfare reform and the impact on resources (financial and people)

• Achieving our ambitious growth plans of 1700 homes

• Our involvement in the Midlands voluntary right to buy pilot scheme

• Our continued shift to a culture of ownership, agility and flexibility

• A review of our defined benefits pensions scheme

• A review of our terms and conditions and pay

• Ensuring we continue to achieve value for money and meet the regulatory standards in this regard

• Having better control and understanding of all data held across the organisation

• A review of our office accommodation infrastructure that drives forward and works in conjunction with our desired culture

• Growth ambitions for PM Training to attract a greater number of apprentices and associated funding

The structure is as follows:

Managing Director Aspire

Housing

Executive Director

Corporate Services

Executive Director Finance

Group Chief Executive

Deputy Chief Executive Managing Director

PM Training

we are aspire comprises Aspire Housing, a leading housing provider and PlaceShaper in North Staffordshire and Cheshire; PM Training, the largest apprenticeship provider in Staffordshire and our charity, Realise, which supports people and communities.

A financially strong business, with a turnover of around £50m and around 9,000 homes in management, we express our social purpose by reinvesting our profits in new homes, in revitalising communities and in a comprehensive range of innovative support services. We have ambitious plans to grow our housing and training business.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FINANCEc. £100k + benefits • Staffordshire

We’re looking for an exceptionally able, motivated and innovative finance professional to help us achieve our objectives and expand our ambition. Keenly strategic, with a track record of delivery, you will have extensive experience in housing, and you’ll be a team player with well-developed leadership skills who can collaborate effectively across the business.

Visit www.emaconsult.co.uk for more information and to apply. For an informal conversation contact Anne Elliott at EMA on 01926 887272. Closing date: 12 noon, 16 February. Please note: we are also inviting expressions of interest in two Non-Executive roles.

Job Description

Job Title: Executive Director Finance Reports to: Group Chief Executive Purpose: To provide strategic leadership and management for all aspects of

Finance To provide advice to Boards, Group Chief Executive and Executive

Team.

Overview As a member of Aspire’s Executive Team, you will play a pivotal role in its continued success. You will be an inspirational leader, able to clearly articulate vision and strategic direction. You will embody the values and ambitions of Aspire and motivate your team accordingly. Acting strategically, you will make this happen, lead the Finance Directorate, and be collectively accountable to the Board for the performance of the whole business. You will be someone who embraces innovation, welcomes and is an ambassador for new ways of working, are able to exercise sound judgement and provide clear direction and direction. Corporate Leadership

• To support the Group Chief Executive to deliver the we are aspire corporate plan and core strategies.

• Contribute to, and take collective responsibility for, all Executive Team decisions; providing effective levels of support and challenge to colleagues.

• Use business intelligence and customer insight to drive efficiency and deliver solutions in the finance directorate.

• Contribute to the approach of business transformation, enhancing organisational capacity so as to deliver lasting improvements in organisation efficiency and effectiveness.

• Develop and sustain excellent relationships with board members and key stakeholders, including funders, treasury advisers, credit rating agencies, bankers, regulators and auditors.

Functional Leadership

• To develop, maintain and update robust financial and business plans.

• To develop and ensure effective delivery of Aspire Housing’s Treasury Strategy.

• To ensure the financial viability arrangements, procedures, systems and documents remain effective and are regularly reviewed in line with relevant regulatory codes.

• To ensure the accurate and timely preparation and submission of all financial reports, accounts, budgets, returns, analysis and interpretation to meet all business, regulatory and statutory requirements.

• To be responsible for the approach to the HCA’s Viability Standard, including submission of the VFM statement.

• To direct and oversee the development of financial and treasury policies, procedures and standards, ensuring financial controls are in place and adhered to.

• To participate in, and adhere to, the group approach to risk management and assurance which satisfies the Boards and withstands regulatory scrutiny.

• As lead on the main Board on financial issues, to provide support and information to the Group Chair and Board Members. To provide support as required across all Boards and Committees within the Group, taking a lead in reporting to the Audit & Risk Committee.

• To identify and develop sources of investment funding whilst maintaining all existing covenants in line with expectations.

• To assess the financial risks facing the organisation and put in place necessary measures to control and manage those risks.

• To deliver effective financial systems, improving data and its reliability whilst sustaining efficient and customer focused services.

• To ensure all systems and processes deliver operational excellence, driving continuous improvement and systems thinking whilst ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulation, internal rules and procedures.

• To lead a group approach to pensions, ensuring the pensions strategy is deliverable, affordable and in line with peers.

• To ensure that all required annual returns to the Homes and Communities Agency, Companies House, Financial Services Authority and other relevant regulatory or funding bodies are completed.

General Obligations – All employees

• To take responsibility for own personal development and update knowledge and skills, with support from Aspire, to perform the role at an effective level. To undertake such training as is deemed necessary to improve personal performance and knowledge.

• To implement positively and ensure compliance with, the Group’s policies, procedures, codes of practice and initiatives relating to Equality and Diversity, Customer Service, Risk Management, Health and Safety, Data Protection and Information Technology, Financial Regulations, Standing Orders and the Code of Conduct and Probity Policy.

• To take responsibility for own wellbeing and safeguarding in the duties to be carried out for this post.

• To provide the highest quality services incorporating best standards and practice, promoting the Group to its tenants, clients and customers.

• Taking ownership and responsibility to respond to complaints positively and professionally (as appropriate to role).

• To ensure that maximum use is made of information technology systems and associated equipment in the provision of efficient and effective services.

• To perform any other duties not specifically identified in the job description but which are in line with the general responsibilities of the post.

Person Specification

Requirement Essential (E)

or Desirable (D)

Assessed by

Qualifications or Training

• Degree or equivalent through relevant training/experience

• Fully qualified accountant or similar relevant professional qualification

• Evidence of continuing professional development

E E E

A/C A/C

A/I/C

Experience • Substantial experience of operating at a senior level in a financially-focussed role

• Substantial experience in investment planning and associated treasury activity

• Experience of leading, managing and coaching individuals and teams

• Extensive experience of working with boards and key stakeholders

• Extensive experience of devising long term financial plans, complex organisational budgets and

delivery outstanding financial results

• Extensive experience of procurement and contract management

• Strong track record of collaborative leadership and delivering successful organisational change

• Experience and knowledge of funding arrangements within the Education sector

• Up-to-date knowledge of legislative frameworks, regulatory requirements, professional

standards and best practice relevant to the post

E

E

E

E

E

D

E

D

E

A/I

A/I

A/I

I

A/I

I

I

A/I

A/I

Skills, Behaviours • Strong business acumen, integrity and personal value

• Excellent verbal, written communication, presentation and interpersonal skills

• Strong influencing and negotiating skills

• High level IT literacy and enthusiastic adopter and driver of digital technology

• Able to make, and be accountable for, sound operational and financial judgements and advice

• Able to inspire employees through confident, energetic and visible leadership

E E E E E E

I/P

A/I/P

I/P

I/P

I/P

I/P

Assessment Methods Application (A), Certificates (C), Interview and/or assessment (I), Presentation (P).

Terms and Conditions

Salary: c£100,000 per annum

Car Allowance: £7,536 per annum

Pension: Matched contributions up to 10% of basic salary

Annual Leave: 32 days + 3 concessionary days at Christmas + 8 bank holidays

Healthcare: Private medical insurance for employee and spouse/partner

Notice Period: 6 months (1 month during probationary period)

Probation Period: 6 months

Office Location: Kingsley, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 0QW

Relocation: Negotiable, subject to HMRC regulations

Sick Pay: As per the table below

During 1st year of service Up to 1 month full pay and (after completing 4 months service) up to 2 months half pay

During 2nd year of service Up to 2 months full pay and up to 2 months half pay

During 3rd year of service Up to 4 months full pay and up to 4 months half pay

During 4th & 5th years of service Up to 5 months full pay and up to 5 months half pay

After 5 years’ service Up to 6 months full pay and up to 6 months half pay

How to apply

Thank you for expressing an interest in the Executive Director, Finance opportunity. If you would like to apply for this position, 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 EMA328 It is important that your CV highlights supporting evidence of how your previous experience and skills relate to the criteria outlined in the Job 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 bodies and dates;

• Full contact details (name, job title, organisation, phone and email) for three referees (including your current employer if applicable). Please note we will not take up references without your prior permission.

Your covering letter (maximum of 3 pages) should be used to convey why you are attracted to this role and what you will bring to the role to further develop Aspire. The covering letter is considered an important aspect of your application and will be used to assess your motivation for the role. Please also complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form (Word version available at www.emaconsult.co.uk The equality and diversity information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence, will not be disclosed to the interview panel and will form no part of the selection process. The timetable for the selection process is included below. In your supporting letter, please advise us if you have any difficulty 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, 16 February 2018 (electronic submissions preferred) to our retained consultants at EMA Business and Management Consultancy Limited (EMA) to responsehandling@emaconsult.co.uk. Your application will be treated with strictest confidence. If you wish to send a hard copy by post, the full address is as follows:

EMA Business and Management Consultancy Limited 13 Dormer Place Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 5AA

Assessment and Selection Process All applications will be considered and assessed against the requirements of the Person Specification 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 Aspire.

Recruitment Timetable

Process Date

Closing Date Noon, Friday 16 February 2018

First Stage Interviews Wednesday 7 March 2018

Second Stage Interviews Wednesday 28 March 2018

Further information

If you have any queries about the position or the selection process; or if you would like an informal and confidential discussion, please do not hesitate to contact Anne Elliott at EMA on 01926 887272.

Confidential

Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form

The information provided on this form is to ensure that Aspire Housing complies with its policy on ensuring Equality and Diversity in service delivery. To enable us to do this, we would be grateful if you would give us the details about yourself which are requested below. You do not have to complete this form, but it will help us to improve our services if you do. Job applied for: Executive Director, Finance How you heard of the post: ...................................... Gender Are You: Male Female Other description Question declined Ethnicity Are You: White British White & Black Caribbean White Irish White & Black African White & Asian White Other Mixed Other Asian/Asian British: Asian/Asian British: Indian Pakistani Asian/Asian British: Asian/Asian British: Bangladeshi Other Black/Black British: Black/Black British: East Asian Caribbean African Black/Black British: Other Chinese Other Ethnic Group Not Known Not Disclosed Date of Birth ………………… Age …………………… Disability Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Amendment) Regulations 2003 a person is considered to have a disability if he/she has a physical or mental impairment which has a sustained and long-term adverse effect on his/her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Do you consider yourself to be a disabled person? No Yes Question Declined Sexual Orientation How would you describe your sexual orientation? Heterosexual Homosexual Bisexual Trans Question Declined

Religious Beliefs What is your religious belief? Buddhist Muslim Christian Sikh Hindu Jewish No Religion Question Declined Other religious beliefs (specify) …………………………… Marital Status How would you describe your status? Single Married/Civil Partnership Widowed Divorced Declaration of Interest Are you a customer of the Company? Yes No Are you a Non-Executive Director or existing member of staff of the Company? Yes No If yes please give details: ……………… In order to comply with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 the successful candidate will be asked to provide evidence of his/her ability to work in the UK before commencing employment. Do you have the right to work in the UK? Yes No Data Protection Act 1998 This form will be detached and will not be seen by the selection panel. Information in this application will be kept confidentially by the Company and used for the exclusive purposes of recruitment employment. Once the recruitment and selection process is complete, the data will be stored and used for your personnel records. Please indicate your consent for the information to be used for this purpose.

Yes No