We own and manage c.7,500 homes in the East of England, working closely with other agencies and stakeholders within our communities.
It’s a really exciting time to join us. Our new strategies build on the good foundations we have in place in being a customer-centric organisation, investing in our existing homes - including our zero-carbon journey - as well as building new homes. The Regulator of Social Housing has announced our regulatory gradings including that for the new Consumer Standard. We are very pleased to have been awarded the top grades for both the Consumer and Governance Standards and retained our compliant grade for Viability.
We are looking for a Audit and Risk Committee Chair and Board Member to join the team here at Havebury Housing Partnership. Working as a member of the Board, this roles purpose is to add value to Havebury’s business by contributing experience, expertise and insight to determine strategy and direction in the interest of our residents, stakeholders and the wider community. The Audit and Risk Committee is a committee of the Board and has oversight of our entire business. Its purpose is to ensure effective risk management oversight, controls and assurance by reviewing, advising or deciding upon matters, as set out in its Terms of Reference.
Experience of the social housing sector is not essential, and we welcome experience from outside the sector, but you must be empathetic with our values and aims.
Board experience is desirable for this role. We are looking for people who can bring an independent and diverse perspective. We appreciate that the skills we need may have been acquired in different roles, different capacities (either voluntary or paid), and different sectors or industries.
To find out more about us, please follow this link: https://www.havebury.com/about-havebury-housing-partnership/
To view our corporate plan, please follow this link: https://www.havebury.com/2023/08/01/our-corporate-plan/
Requirements
Outline of Key Responsibilities...
Audit and Risk Committee Chair
- Chair committee meetings efficiently and effectively, bringing impartiality and objectivity into the decision-making process
- Ensure that all members play a full part in the meetings and that a diverse range of views are heard and lead and support committee members to fulfil their responsibilities
- On an annual basis, undertake appraisals of independent members of the committee and a review of the committee’s effectiveness
- Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, standing orders and delegated authorities and the NHF Code of Governance 2020 and operate within delegated powers
- Ensure that appropriate standards of behaviour are maintained in line with the Code of Conduct 2022
- Ensure that the committee receives professional advice when it is needed, either from the executive team or from external sources
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with the Leadership Team
- Set the committee’s agenda, in conjunction with the lead executive member and considering the issues and concerns of all members of the committee
- Act as an ambassador for the organisation externally on occasion, promoting our social purpose and achievements
- Meet with residents and staff and visit Havebury sites periodically to gain insight into the work of the organisation and maintain the visibility
Board Member
- Utilise own expertise for the benefit of our business and act as a positive role model in relation to organisational culture and good governance practices and behaviours
- Ensure compliance with the Regulatory Standards, our Group Financial Regulations and Standing Orders, Group Terms of Reference and Schedule of Delegated Authority
- Establish a constructive working relationship with, and provide support to, the Chief Executive, the Leadership Team and other staff and residents participating in the governance framework
- Act in Havebury's at all times, upholding the values of the organisation and undertaking duties in a way that adds to public confidence and trust in us
- Maintain absolute confidentiality about all sensitive and/or confidential information
- Attend committee meetings and away days, as appropriate, ensuring sufficient preparation and review of committee papers and active participation in meetings
- Respond to business outside of the formal meeting cycle - being available for ad-hoc discussions and passing any electronic resolutions in writing
- Act as an ambassador, maintaining good working relationships with residents, other partners and other relevant agencies and on occasion, externally promoting our social purpose and achievements
- Meet with residents and staff and participate in site tours and community days, to gain insight into our work and maintain visibility. Carry out the role in the context of and demonstrate a commitment to our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
- Attend the agreed programme of meetings, plus other occasional meetings and events each year
- Be prepared to undertake induction and training as required; any training will be identified when you join or through the appraisal and skills reviews, which encompass the annual reappointment process
- Make an annual declaration of interest. Members should not work for or be involved with any organisation that would consistently create a potential conflict of interest
Time Commitment
- Up to six meetings a year, usually held between 5.00pm and 7.00pm on a weekday. Two all-day meetings are held annually, one being a Strategic Planning Event. You will be expected to spend additional time preparing for the meetings, reading papers and occasional other meetings (including stock tours) with members and/or our team
We are looking for someone who ideally has...
Experience
- Audit, risk management and controls assurance
- Corporate governance, regulation and stakeholder accountability
- Has a good understanding of the social housing sector and its wider operating environment
- Experience as a Member/Non-Executive Director within an organisation of at least a similar scale
- Demonstrates commitment to the vision, values and objectives of Havebury, as a social housing provider
- A commitment to ensure that residents’ needs, concerns and safety are at the heart of decision-making and oversight
- Takes a collaborative approach to working as part of a team
- Able to assimilate complex information, conflicting opinions and competing priorities to come to a conclusion
- Has the ability to encourage all participants to contribute and has an engaging style
Benefits
At Havebury we operate a no closing date policy and evaluate candidates upon application. Therefore please apply without delay.
Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form.
