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Join Our Family Family Housing Candidate Pack

Director Finance, Assets and Business Services

Swansea, £72,835

Making a positive difference to people’s lives

Page Index

1 Index

2 Welcome

3 Who we are

4 Mission, Vision and Values

5 Our Performance

6 About you

7 Why join us – staff benefits

9 Job pack

10 Message from Chief Executive

11 Process & Timescales

12 Job Requirements

14 Competencies

16 Main Conditions of Service

17 Appendix: Proposed Governance Structure 2019

Family Housing

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Welcome

Dear Candidate,

Thank you for your interest in our Director Finance, Assets and Business

Services vacancy and in joining Family Housing. This brochure will provide you

with information about us and details of the opportunity and the recruitment and

selection process. This should assist you in completing and tailoring your

application.

Family Housing is passionate about improving the quality of people’s lives. That

includes all of the people we work to house, support, and encourage, as well as the

people who do this work - our team.

We employ over 250 people in Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and

Pembrokeshire and offer a wide range of different work patterns in office or

community-based roles.

It is an important part of our Vision to ensure our staff feel valued, motivated and

developed and that their health, safety and well-being are looked after, as they play a

key part in ensuring the success of the organisation.

Our Values guide us in everything we do, how we treat each other at work and

how we treat our tenants and stakeholders. So, if you share our Values, are

motivated, hard-working, flexible, full of ideas and most importantly, you really

want to make a difference then we would love you to join our Family.

This recruitment process is being managed by retained agent, Sian Drinkwater at

Head4talent. For details of how to apply, please refer to page 11 of this pack.

For further information about Family Housing Association, including our annual

report and financial statements and Corporate Plan, please visit our website at

www.fha-wales.com/about-us/our-performance/

Good luck with your application.

Family Housing

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Who we are

As at March 2019 the

Association had

approximately 2800

homes in management

with the number of homes

per Local Authority

distributed as follows:

We are accredited in The Sunday Times Best Companies to work for, offering

desirable, affordable homes for rent and sale, to people with different needs.

We were established in 1975 to meet the housing needs of families, older

and more vulnerable people. We manage over 2,800 high quality affordable

homes and provide a range of services – including the development of new

homes – to people and communities across Swansea, Carmarthenshire,

Neath, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

We are an ambitious and well-established independent housing association.

We have strong local roots, a reputation for providing quality homes, and a

track record for making a positive difference in our local communities.

Family Housing

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Mission, Vision and Values

Innovation - Honesty - Trust - Fairness - Respect - Accountability

Our Mission ... is to create strong, vibrant and resilient communities

where people can live active, fulfilling, lives - living independently and safely.

Our Vision ... is that by 2025 we will be a landlord; employer and partner of choice;

we will continue to make a positive difference to the lives of our tenants, staff and the communities we work in; we will have achieved an ambitious development programme and supported the circular economy within the areas we work in Wales

Our Values

Our behaviour demonstrates what we value – our values determine how we behave

towards our customers, our colleagues, our partners and our work; our values

influence the decisions we make as individuals and as an organisation.

Family Housing

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Our Performance

At Family Housing, we are working with our tenants to set new standards, and

we monitor performance so that customers know how we’re doing.

The way we deliver services and the measures we set ourselves are decided

with the assistance of our tenants and external regulators such as the Welsh

Government, Care and Social Services Inspectorate for Wales and others.

The Regulatory Framework for Housing Associations Registered in Wales sets

out the expectations to be met by housing providers to ensure that tenants get

a fair deal and that public money is safeguarded.

The aim of the regulatory framework is to ensure that each association is:

• Well governed

• Financially viable

• Delivering high quality services

For information about our performance, including financial statements, visit:

www.fha-wales.com/about-us/our-performance/

Family Housing

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About You

From the Offset …

From the day you embark on your journey with us you will take part in a

comprehensive induction which is specifically developed to your individual job role.

At Family Housing, we are committed to your personal development by

encouraging you to develop your skills and gain new ones.

Staff Recruitment and Selection Statement …

It is our policy to recruit the best qualified and experienced person for each vacancy

without discrimination. To achieve this, we will ensure that its vacancies for

employment reach the widest possible group of applicants who will be given a clear

understanding of the organisation and what is expected of them.

Family Housing will support, where practicable, Government initiatives to encourage

young people, people with disabilities, long term unemployed and ex-offenders back

into work.

Some roles may require a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and may require

you to provide original identity documents.

For further information please www.gov.uk

Family Housing

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Why Join Our Family

Long service

award

Flexible Working

opportunities

Staff Mentoring

scheme

Excellent

annual leave

Childcare

vouchers

Free Private Health

Care Plan

Free uniform for

relevant staff

Enhanced Sickness

and Maternity

The great benefits of

working at

Family Housing

Cycle to work

scheme

Excellent training and

development opportunities

Reduced gym membership-

via payroll deduction Contributory Pension

Scheme

Our staff are an important part of our Vision. We want all staff to feel valued,

motivated and developed, also that their health, safety and well-being

are looked after, as they play a key part in ensuring the success of the

organisation.

If you want to be part of something special and make a positive difference to

people’s lives we would love to hear from you.

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How we look after our Family…

Free Private Healthcare Plan that includes ...

• Payment towards dental costs

• Payment towards optical costs

• Free flu jab

• Day 1 support to help cope with stress

• Payment towards therapy treatments

• Payment towards consultant fees

• The full cost of MRI, CT and PET scans

• Access to a 24-hour counselling and advice line

and up to 8 face to face counselling sessions.

Also ...

• Dedicated Health & Well-being Group providing information and support

• Sports and social events throughout the year

• Annual staff conference

“We pledge to change the way we think and act about Mental health at work “

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Job Specific Information

Director Finance, Assets and Business Services

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Message from our Chief Executive, Karen Dusgate

Thank you for your interest in the Executive Director role. Enclosed is the information you will require to assist you in completing your application. Over the last few years Family Housing has experienced significant challenges and change. Following an Options Appraisal and a decision to remain an independent association in 2016, the Association has strengthened its Board, restructured staffing and aligned services to ensure we are able to deliver our business plan objectives and fulfil our vision, mission and values. We have worked closely with our tenants, our staff and our partners – to deliver significant change to address, financial and governance areas of improvement, specifically around values, culture and leadership. Our progress in these areas was recognised in September & December 2018, when the Association achieved Standard/Standard Regulatory Judgements for Financially Viability & Governance. The work we have undertaken to achieve this now provides us with a sound foundation to move the organisation forward. Working collaboratively with our tenants, staff and partners we will continue to work towards our vision for the future, where:

• Our tenants and partners are delighted with our services and support

• Staff are telling us it’s a great place to work and are really excited about our future

• Technology is supporting us as staff and making things easier for our tenants; enabling staff to focus time and energy where it’s needed most

• We are strong financially; able to invest in new and existing homes – ensuring they are modern, efficient and affordable

• We will be working towards being a carbon neutral company

• We will be using local products and services, supporting local businesses, communities and the local and Welsh economy

• Collaboration, transparency, honest, timely communication with staff, tenants and partners will underpin the way we work

• We get things ‘right first time’; this will be achieved by having a culture where ‘management’ listens to staff and tenants; where we are learning all the time; where staff are trusted, confident, empowered and motivated

It is our belief that if we are bold and do these things, we will create a sustainable organisation with a sound reputation as an employer and which is well thought of by both our tenants and our communities. With this in mind we are seeking someone to join our executive team to lead the organisation through the next exciting stage of its development. Together with me, the two Directors will share collective accountability for ensuring we provide excellent services to both our tenants and communities whilst successfully delivering against our business growth agenda. We are looking for someone who:

• Can lead with authenticity, inspiring trust, and empowering staff

• has a collaborative style, is facilitative and can help us embrace innovation

• is politically astute, with the skills to nurture and influence partnerships, policy and external relationships

• can achieve a strategic alignment of frontline and business partnering services

• can empower our people to work collaboratively to deliver services

• will ensure we are a people focused organisation, getting the best out of staff at all times

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• can build credibility through effective networking, seeking opportunities for business development and growth

• will increase our financial strength and business growth

• will be part of a transformational process for staff, systems and services

• will use their skills flexibility in staff and project management Please note that we are actively encouraging applications from candidates who are currently working outside of the sector, as well as those who have experience within housing. If you feel you are able to demonstrate all of this then we would love to hear from you! To apply please send your CV and covering letter to sarah.gilbert@head4talent.com and copy in sian.drinkwater@head4talent.com As a guide, your cover letter should be no longer than 2 A4 pages. It should briefly summarise why you are interested in the opportunity and how well you demonstrate the relevant qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge. To have an informal and confidential discussion about this role, the organisation or if you have any other questions to help you decide whether to apply, please contact Sian Drinkwater, Director at Head4talent on 02920 351440 or by email at sian.drinkwater@head4talent.com

We look forward to hearing from you.

Karen Dusgate Chief Executive

Process & Timescales Closing date for applications Midnight on Monday 27th May 2019

Stage 1 interview: Informal coffee and chat with stakeholder groups (staff, tenants and Board/Chief Executive)

Wednesday 12th June 2019

Online profiling questionnaire By Monday 17th June 2019

Stage 2 interview: formal Wednesday 19th June 2019

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Job Requirements

Director Finance, Assets and Business Services

About the Job Family Housing Association (FHA) is building a small executive team to lead the organisation through the next exciting stage of its development. Together with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Director, People and Communities, this role will carry collective accountability for ensuring that the Association successfully delivers against its business growth agenda whilst continuing to provide excellent services to both tenants and the community.

Corporate Role As a member of the executive team and using a value-based leadership style, the Executive Directors together with the CEO will:

• Create the right cultural conditions to foster excellent performance and innovation amongst staff

• Ensure a focus on outcomes and customer service for our tenants and communities

• Develop effective partnerships both externally and internally, across the organisation

• Act as a champion for the Association’s values, equality, safety, transparency and efficiency

• Personally, lead on cross-cutting internal and partnership projects

• Ensure sound governance

• Development of the business and income generation - leading implementation of new services and business developments

• Embed the principles of value for money in all that we do

• Support and facilitate effective risk identification & risk management

• Providing timely information and support to the Board

• Health & Safety

• Promotion of equality & diversity

Specific Accountabilities In addition to corporate leadership, this role is accountable for the effective delivery of a portfolio of functions and services. Currently, these are:

• Health & Safety

• Financial Management

• HR & OD

• Risk Management and Business Continuity

• ICT – management of external service provider

• Procurement and contract management

• Asset Management – Register of Assets & Liabilities

• Regulatory Engagement (i.r.o. Finance & Governance)

• To act as the Data Controller, Anti- Money Laundering, Anti-Fraud officer Accountabilities are likely to change from time to time to meet business needs and reflect experience and skills.

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Person Specification Required Experience and Qualities: Corporate Leadership Role

• Experience of effectively leading transformational change across organisations and with partners

• Proven ability to develop effective partnership relationships and experience of working collaboratively across all sectors

• A track record of contributing to corporate management and business development, delivering effective and efficient outcomes

• Experience and knowledge of building corporate capacity

• Demonstrates values-based leadership which fosters trust, open communication and innovation throughout the organisation

• A strong sense of probity

• Demonstrates the ability to be a team player in order that the Executive Team can work together seamlessly

• A track record of good financial management

• Excellent communicator who creates enthusiasm and buy in to FHA values and goals

• Business/commercial acumen

• Programme and project management experience

• The ability to speak Welsh is desirable

• Demonstration of continuous professional development

Required Experience and Qualities: Additional for Specific Service Portfolio

• Knowledge of appropriate legislation and national policy relating to the service area

• Qualified Accountant with current membership of ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA

• Proven first class financial management skills

• Experience of delivering excellent support services including developing/leading effective IT solutions

• A good understanding of the role of HR & OD and how it contributes to the development of high performing organisations

• Demonstrates excellent knowledge of and commitment to good governance

• Experience of procurement and sound contract management

• Experience of supporting the development of commercial opportunities – providing effective business intelligence and analysis

• An understanding of how to develop and deliver communication strategies and plans

• Proven track record of fostering new ideas and business development

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Core Competencies & Values

Every employee must be able to demonstrate our Values and the following Core Competencies regardless of their level in the organisation. These are behaviours that are valued and recognised by FHA and that drive successful performance. Our Values:-

• Innovation – we continuously strive to be the best we can whilst seeking creative ideas

to improve and grow

• Honesty – we will be clear and truthful in what we say and do

• Trust – relationships are built on mutual trust and respect; we trust people to do the right

things for the right reasons

• Fairness – we will endeavour to remove barriers and to treat people fairly and impartially

• Respect – we will treat people as individuals and value diversity

• Accountability – we will accept the responsibilities of our role and be accountable for

our actions and for doing what is right.

Core Competencies

Getting Things Done

Planning & Organising

FHA is measured by results. We are all capable of making plans but we also need to be able to put those plans into action and deliver on them. We all need to understand what is relevant in the Business Plan to our own role

Decision Making

We operate in a culture of trust. Every employee should be able to make decisions about their day to day tasks, given the information available to them and the parameters of normal authorisation levels. The decisions we take should always be fair and stand up to scrutiny.

Managing Self

We shouldn’t keep doing things just because we always have. We want everyone to be looking at ways to improve effectiveness and feel able to make suggestions about their role. Employees should be open to new ideas and be keen to develop the knowledge and skills.

Working With Others

Communication

Every one of us represents FHA to tenants and stakeholders. We all need to be able to communicate effectively at all levels both verbally and in written format to ensure our messages are understood.

Cooperation

Having good working relationships internally with team members and externally with stakeholders helps create an organisation people want to work with, enabling more effective delivery the strategic plan.

Team Working

We all need to demonstrate team working qualities, motivating and supporting others to achieve organisational, department and personal objectives. To provide excellent customer service we need to be proud of our values.

Understanding FHA

Customer Focus / Tenant

Understanding

At FHA we put tenants at the heart of everything we do. All employees must demonstrate an understanding of their needs and expectations to enable development and delivery of quality services. We must demonstrate the same courtesy to our internal customers

Managing Change

We operate in an environment that is constantly changing. (politically, socially and legally) We need to adapt positively and resiliently to ensure we continue to meet the needs and expectations of our tenants.

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Organisational Awareness

We all need to understand how our roles contribute to the Business Plan and how we can deliver objectives in line with FHA values. We also need to be aware of the wider Housing Sector ensuring we are balancing statutory responsibilities with local demands and agendas.

Leadership & Management

Developing Self & Others

We want to be the best we can be, this means encouraging everyone to use their skills and knowledge in the most effective way and develop to their full potential

Managing Resources

We want to provide maximum value for money now and in the future. This means acting with integrity, looking for new ways to drive efficiencies and generate income whilst maintaining our reputation.

Strategic Thinking

Our managers need to lead by example. They need to translate the Business Plan into meaningful departmental and personal objectives. In addition, they should be constantly scanning the horizon to identify current and future challenges and opportunities.

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Main Conditions of Service

Salary: £72,835

Pension You can chose between: Social Housing Pension CARE 1/80th Scheme. Social Housing Auto Enrolment

Contract Type

Permanent

Working Week:

35 hours a week, normally Monday - Friday There will be occasional evening work for attendance at Board Meetings There may be a requirement for work or travel on weekends to meet the needs of the business Flexible working in accordance with our Flexible Working Policy

Annual Leave

25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service plus bank holidays

Location:

Head Office, 43 Walter Road, Swansea, SA1 5PN You will be required to regularly visit our area offices and projects

References:

Two satisfactory professional references; including one from your current employer.

Business Mileage:

You may be required to use your own vehicle for use on business journeys. Mileage expenses paid at the locally agreed rate. You are required to insure your vehicle for business use

Probationary Period:

6-month probationary period

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Family Housing

Contact Us

Follow us on:

43 Walter Road,

Swansea,

SA1 5PN

01792 482766

hr@fha-wales.com

fha-wales.com

@fhawales

@fhawales

familyhousingassociation