Chair of the Board - s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.coms3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/24jobs-recruiters/5/ISHA - Chair... · priority for ISHA in 2011-12. ISHA also wants to build on its strengths

September 2012

Chair of the Board

Recruitment Pack

Olympic Office Centre, 8 Fulton Road HA9 0NU

Telephone 020 8830 6777 Fax 020 8450 9777

[email protected] www.campbelltickell.com

Campbell Tickell Ltd Incorporated in Cardiff (England & Wales) Registration number 4713939

Registered office 14 Accommodation Road, London NW11 8EP VAT number 743 6943 08

September 2012 Dear Applicant Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association – Chair recruitment Thank you for your interest in this position. Enclosed is the information you will require to assist you in completing your application. To apply please can you:

Provide an up-to-date CV which shows your full career history with any breaks explained – we recommend that this is no longer than three pages;

Write a supporting statement detailing how you are a good candidate for this post and how you fulfil the person specification – we recommend that this should be a maximum of around three pages;

Complete the combined compliance and equal opportunities form; and

Indicate if you cannot attend any of the interview dates. Please note that applications can only be considered if all the documentation is completed. The information requested is only for monitoring purposes in line with our commitment to equality and diversity, and will not affect the outcome of your application. Once complete, please send your application, preferably in MS Word format, by email to [email protected] or by post to: Campbell Tickell Recruitment Olympic Office Centre 8 Fulton Road Wembley HA9 0NU However, due to postal unreliability we would recommend that you e-mail your application to us wherever possible to avoid disappointment. Continued…/

mailto:[email protected]

Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association Chair Recruitment

September 2012 Page 3 of 15

/…continued Applications must be received by Tuesday 9 October 2012 at 12 noon.

It is your responsibility to ensure that we have received your application. If you do not receive confirmation of receipt of your application from us within 24 hours of sending, please call 020 3434 0990 to ensure it has arrived. You should also ensure that you use a secure email address from which to send your application, as our system will filter out emails if it believes them to have been sent from unsecured sites that are often used to send spam emails. In order to avoid last-minute IT issues, we also ask that you allow yourself ample time to submit your application in advance of the deadline. Should you be shortlisted for interview, the first interviews will be held on Monday 29 October 2012. Following this process, successful candidates will be asked to attend a Board networking event during late afternoon and early evening of Monday 5 November 2012. This will be followed by a final interview on Wednesday 7 November 2012. If you would like to discuss this opportunity further or have any questions, please contact me on 07802 187 867 or [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely Maggie Rafalowicz Senior Consultant




CONTENTS

Page

Welcome letter from Chair 5

About ISHA 6

Role profile 8

Person specification 11

Meet the Board 12

ISHA structure chart 13

Key dates 14

The media advertisement 15

Equal opportunities monitoring and compliance application forms

- attached separately to download from www.campbelltickell.com

The following supplementary information can also be downloaded from www.campbelltickell.com:

- Annual report 2011

- Financial statements 2011

Further information on Islington & Shoreditch Housing Association can be found at www.isha.co.uk.

http://www.campbelltickell.com/

http://www.campbelltickell.com/

http://www.isha.co.uk/



Dear Applicant Chair – Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association I am delighted that you have expressed an interest in becoming Chair of Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association. We are proud of ISHA’s history and what has been achieved, including a reputation and respect in the areas we operate that is more often commanded by a much larger organisation. Our success and pride is shared by Board members, the Executive and staff, who share in the mission to retain our community based, resident focused ethos to manage and deliver more homes in the key Boroughs of Hackney, Islington and Waltham Forest. We want ISHA to stand out of the crowd as a special housing association, that:

Consistently provides excellent services,

listens and acts upon feedback from our customers;

continually improves the efficiency quality and value of our services;

and goes the extra mile to make sure things get done quickly.

Our challenge is to retain these values with an increasing stock base, whilst at the same time being assured that we are providing a consistently high standard of service to all our customers. ISHA has come a long way, and for the last two years has been awarded the highest validation of financial viability by our regulator. The last resident satisfaction survey was carried out in 2011, where ISHA increased its already high satisfaction rate with the overall service to 83%, and attained a similar satisfaction rate with its most used service, repairs and maintenance. At the time I retire ISHA will be entering into the fourth year of its 5 year strategic plan cycle. I am confident that the long term targets set in 2010 to be achieved in 2015 will be met, and that this will be an ideal time to reflect on existing priorities and set the future strategic direction of the organisation. I have found being a member of ISHA’s Board, and leading the direction of the organisation for the last six years tremendously rewarding. We are a Board with a diverse breadth of skills and experience, which has been a strength in validating the principles of good governance. Please feel free to contact me for an informal chat about the role. Home number: 0207 249 1729, mobile: 07818 047232, or email: [email protected] Yours sincerely

Jim Cannon

Chair of the Board




About ISHA

ISHA is a community and neighbourhood-based housing association managing and developing quality affordable housing for people in North London, particularly in Hackney, Islington, Waltham Forest and adjoining areas.

Our performance ISHA was subject to a short notice inspection by the Audit Commission in January 2010 in the areas of day to day repairs, resident involvement and gas servicing. The Audit Commission found that ISHA’s strengths outweighed weaknesses in each of these service areas, but found that weaknesses outweigh strengths in the cross-cutting areas of diversity and value for money. An inspection action plan has been completed with residents which addressed weaknesses in value for money and diversity. These cross-cutting themes remain a priority for ISHA in 2011-12. ISHA also wants to build on its strengths. The Audit Commission found high levels of customer satisfaction and this was confirmed by the increase in overall satisfaction from our residents in the 2011 full resident survey.

Our housing The roots of ISHA go back to 1933. Thanks to a strong presence in local communities, the Association has grown rapidly in recent years and now has close to 2,000 homes in management and development. ISHA is a major provider of affordable housing in N rth London and leads the North River Alliance, a development consortium of small-medium, BME and supported housing associations working across North London. We work in close co-operation with Local Authorities, the Greater London Authority and the Homes and Communities Agency, and local community organisations. The Islington and Shoreditch Group includes Lien Viet Housing Association which provides good quality homes for the Vietnamese, South East Asian and wider communities. We offer a wide range of housing choices including social rented housing both in new build and refurbished accommodation, shared ownership housing, some intermediate rent and market rent housing, supported housing and frail elderly options.



Working with residents and our local community We aim to provide a locally-based and efficient housing management and maintenance service. ISHA’s interim repairs contractor is Chigwell, and ISHA will be appointing its repairs contractor with residents in 2012. To ensure continuous improvement, the Association regularly collects, monitors and publishes information on its performance as a social housing landlord. The Association is committed to resident participation. A wide range of activities, led by our Resident Involvement Manager, takes place across ISHA’s areas of operation. All staff have a responsibility to ensure that residents are listened to and to proactively work with residents to improve our services. The Residents’ Forum is open to all residents, and works with ISHA to voice residents’ concerns and ideas to achieve service excellence. The impact of resident involvement is measured across the organisation yearly.

Equality and diversity ISHA operates in some of the most diverse areas of London; rich multi-cultural localities that create a unique set of demands upon us as a housing association. Consequently, the association strives to ensure no person should suffer disadvantage by reason of their race, colour, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, marital status, age, or HIV/AIDS status. We have a diversity strategy & action plan and work within this framework as well as all current legislation and codes of practice.

Development opportunities for staff None of the above would be possible without the recruitment and retention of high-quality staff. A high priority is placed on good communications and development of staff. Through the use of training plans and competency frameworks the Association will identify with you development opportunities to benefit your career and ISHA’s services to residents. ISHA has also adopted family-friendly policies which facilitate the balance of family life-work. ISHA undertook a review of its benefits in 2010, and was externally validated as being in the top quarter of best terms for staff compared to other housing associations.



ROLE PROFILE

Purpose of role:

To lead the Board of Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association in its responsibilities for setting the strategic vision and direction of the organisation, and maintaining its unique local community focus.

Key role relationships

External: To maintain and develop good relationships with residents, shareholders, the local authorities with which we work, North River Alliance members and other partners, the regulator, our lenders and other agencies relevant to the work of the Board.

Internal: To maintain good relationships with other members of the Board, the shareholders, the Chief Executive and other key members of senior staff.

Core tasks and responsibilities

Leading the organisation and the Board

1. To play an active leadership role in developing, approving and ensuring implementation of ISHA’s values, strategies, objectives and policies.

Good governance

2. To oversee governance of the organisation, ensuring:

Compliance with the Association’s financial regulations, standing orders, delegated authorities and the regulatory frameworks;

That the Association follows the recommendations of the National Housing Federation Code of Governance;

That the Board and sub-committees are comprised of suitably skilled and experienced members who understand their roles and responsibilities;

That Board members make effective contributions and work as a team;

Appropriate Board member appraisal, development and support arrangements;

That critical issues are discussed by the Board in a timely manner with appropriate information available; and

That the Board receives professional advice when it is needed, either from its senior staff or from external sources.

Performance management

3. To oversee the performance of the Board, ensuring:

That the Board’s business is conducted efficiently and effectively through a framework of delegation and systems of internal control;



Implementation of frameworks for effective financial control and identification and management of risk; and

Delegation of authority to enable the business of the organisation to be carried on effectively between meetings of the Board.

Chairing meetings

4. To chair Board meetings, participating in other committees and groups as required:

Ensuring that agendas are agreed for Board meetings in consultation with the Chief Executive and/or other senior staff to whom this task has been delegated;

Ensuring that all members are given the opportunity to express their views before any important decisions are taken, and that appropriate standards of behaviour are maintained in line with an agreed code of conduct; and

Undertaking the lead on specific functions as approved by the Board, including Chair’s action.

Maintaining good relationships with staff

5. To build and maintain effective and constructive working relationships with the Chief Executive and other senior staff.

6. To line manage the Chief Executive, providing advice, support and challenge as required.

7. Annually to appraise the performance of the Chief Executive.

8. In conjunction with the Board, properly to determine the remuneration of the Chief Executive and other senior staff.

9. To ensure, when necessary, that the Chief Executive is replaced in a timely and orderly fashion.

Representing ISHA

10. To act as an ambassador and representative for the organisation, upholding the reputation of ISHA and its values and objectives.

11. To network and promote the achievements, purposes and benefits of ISHA.

Adding value

12. To apply personal expertise with regard to both the business and social aspects of the business.

13. To be familiar and keep up to date with sector issues.

14. To act as a role model for good governance practices and behaviours.

Payment

This position is unpaid and voluntary. ISHA last reviewed Board payment on 28 May 2012 and agreed that the voluntary nature of the position was consistent with the overriding ethos of the Association’s values.



Time commitment

Average three days per month which equates to approximately 80 hours a year in evening meetings. (Note this is based on the approach adopted by the outgoing Chair).

Meetings attended

Chair ISHA Board meetings

Attend Lien Viet Board meetings (ISHA subsidiary)

Attend Housing Services, Finance and Resources, Development, Governance and Remuneration Sub-committees



PERSON SPECIFICATION

Core competencies

Able to lead and inspire the Board, building confidence in the governance arrangements.

Communication and interpersonal skills, able to liaise effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and audiences.

Strategic thinking, able to analyse complex information, demonstrate clear analytical intellect and guide rational decision making.

Able to lead the organisation through periods of change.

Support the values, ethos and social housing objectives of ISHA.

Knowledge and experience

Experience of operating at a senior level (either executive or non-executive) within a service organisation.

Governance experience, as a Member or Chair of a Board or similar, with knowledge of good governance practice.

Wide-ranging understanding of commercial issues, with strong business acumen.

Skills and abilities

Strategic planning skills, able to develop strategic vision, and encourage others to contribute to this.

Able to assess risk and promote risk awareness without being risk averse.

Able to challenge appropriately and hold the Board and senior staff to account; with a wider vision to raise standards across the organisation.

Skilled at bringing people together to generate a strong team spirit, able to work collaboratively, building consensus and encouraging ‘cabinet style’ decision making.

IT literate, comfortable with using MS Office and e-mail.

Personal behaviour and style

Actively role models the professional conduct expected of the Board Chair.

Proactively demonstrates strong commitment to equality and diversity.

Passionate about service improvements; strongly champions the right of residents and customers to have influence and access to excellent services.

Listens to others and provides decisive decision making when it is required.

Enabling and supportive leadership style that motivates staff to deliver of their best.

Demonstrates credibility and integrity.

Open to learning and development, for self, staff, and the Board; fosters a learning culture throughout the organisation.

Has the time and commitment effectively to discharge the responsibilities of the post of Chair.



The Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association Board

James Cannon – Chair Retired IT Contracts Director Member since 2004 Pamela Awosika – Development Committee ISHA Resident Member since January 2002 Pamela Bachu - Chair of Finance Committee Solicitor Member since September 2007 Mary Ebbasi – Housing Committee HR Specialist Member since 2004 June Dawes - Chair of Development Committee Retired Senior Civil Servant Member since September 2004 Raj Gadawala – Finance Committee Accountant Member since 2004 Ai Huynh - Chair of Lien Viet Board Accountant Member since September 2009 John Jeremy – Development Committee Senior Local Government Officer Member since 2006 Nancy Korman - Chair of Housing Committee Retired University Administrator Member since September 2000, 2 year extension approved 2009 Jennie Rooney ISHA Resident Member since January 2006 Aaike Van Renssen – Housing Committee ISHA Resident Member since September 2010 Andrew Wade – Development Committee Solicitor Member since September 2009



STRUCTURE CHART – Organisation



KEY DATES

Closing date for completed applications

Tuesday 9 October 2012, at 12 noon

First interviews Monday 29 October 2012

Board networking event Monday 5 November 2012, late afternoon / early evening.

Second interviews Wednesday 7 November 2012



MEDIA ADVERT

Documents

Chair of the Board - s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.coms3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/24jobs-recruiters/5/ISHA - Chair... · priority for ISHA in 2011-12. ISHA also wants to build on its strengths