2981 Board Member Non Executive - LFHA

Board Members - Non Executive

LFHA

We’re looking for two Board Members to fill vacant posts due to current Board Members standing down at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September having completed their full term on the Board.

The impact of the cost-of-living crisis is well documented and highlights how social housing is as important as ever. At the same time, we’re having to deal with significant changes to the way we operate as a sector. The Board is at the forefront of addressing those challenges for Leeds Federated. Our social purpose is clear - ‘to help people make a home’. It is supported by our values of Passion, Honesty, Excellence and Innovation and our strategies of Sustain, Engage and Grow. We’re looking for people who are able to embrace our social purpose and passionate about making a difference for our customers.

We’re looking for people with skills and experience around one or more of the following:

• regeneration and asset management
• housing association finance and treasury management
• organisational development and culture setting. 

As a Board member you’ll contribute at a strategic level across all aspects of the business. There will be opportunities for you to learn about new areas of work, develop new skills and be part of a team which is passionate about the communities it serves.

The Board currently meets both virtually and in person approximately 7 times a year including additional Customer Experience, Audit & Risk, and Governance & Remuneration committee meetings. Your expected contribution will be approximately 15 days per annum.

If you wish to have an informal discussion about the role, please contact our Chief Executive Matthew Walker on 0113 3861012 or our Company Secretary Megan Henderson on 0113 3861100.

• Closing date for applications is noon on Wednesday 15th May 2024.
• Interviews will take place on Friday 31st May at a time to be agreed.

Please follow this link to apply: https://lfha.current-vacancies.com/Jobs/Advert/3480641

There are Board meetings on 11th June and 16th July and the successful applicants will be invited to attend these meetings as an observer prior to being appointed to the Board at the AGM in September.   

Purpose of the Role:

To work with the Board to develop and deliver Leeds Federated’s vision and strategic objectives, ensuring the values are maintained. Provide strong leadership and performance management of Leeds Federated. Background The Board has ultimate responsibility for the governance of the organisation, and its core purpose is to determine vision and strategy and direct, control and scrutinise the Leeds Federated’s affairs.

Board members will be instrumental in:

• determining the strategic direction and policies
• establishing and overseeing control and risk management frameworks
• satisfying themselves on the integrity of financial information
• ensuring that the organisation achieves its goals and objectives.
• Board Members will be asked to chair committees and share their experience and expertise.

Key Responsibilities:

• Setting and ensuring compliance with the values, vision and strategic objectives of the organisation, ensuring its long-term success.
• Setting a positive culture, with strong customer focus.
• Ensuring the organisation operates effectively, efficiently and economically;
• Providing oversight, direction and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive and executives;
• Appointing and, if necessary, dismissing the Chief Executive;
• Satisfying itself as to the integrity of financial information, approving each year’s budget, business plan and annual accounts prior to publication;
• Establishing, overseeing and reviewing a framework of delegation and systems of internal control; and
• Establishing and overseeing a risk management framework in order to safeguard the assets and reputation of the organisation.

Board members are required to:

• uphold Leeds Federated’s values and objectives
• uphold the Leeds Federated’s core policies including code of conduct, standing orders and financial regulations
• ensure you understand the constitutional, regulatory and legislative framework as it applies to the organisation, and act within its powers
• contribute to and share responsibility for the Board’s decisions, including its duty to exercise reasonable care, skill and independent judgement
• prepare for and attend meetings, training sessions and other events
• attend and participate in appraisal and Board effectiveness reviews linked to individual performance or that of the whole Board
• represent Leeds Federated as appropriate
• declare any relevant interest and conflicts of interest
• respect confidentiality of information and
• uphold the National Housing Federation’s (NHF) code of governance and Leeds Federated’s code of conduct

Skills and experience required:

• Leadership and working as an effective team
• General business, financial and management skills
• Knowledge of the external environment including financial markets, political imperatives and the operating environment
• Effective communication skills and an ability to focus on key issues facing the organisation
• The ability to foster a culture that enhances commitment, enthusiasm and excellent performance from the Leeds Federated colleagues
• Other relevant or specialist skills and competencies as outlined in the Board of Management

Core Skills and Competencies attached at Appendix I.

Board Member Skills:

• Risk Management
• Financial Management
• Treasury Management and funding
• Partnership Working (including regional government, statutory bodies and local authorities)
• Organisational and HR strategy or general business management
• Governance (including responsibilities of Board members, regulation and inspection and company structures)
• Housing Management
• Performance Management and continuous improvement
• Sustainable communities & community development (including energy and NZC)
• Maintenance and Assets 
• Development and Regeneration
• IT and Digital
• Communication, marketing and public relations
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Value for Money (including procurement)
• Customer focus (including customer involvement)
• Health & Safety
• Safeguarding Competencies expected of a Board Member

Demonstrate leading and motivating skills:

Be able to: a) Demonstrate commitment to the values of social housing b) Demonstrate commitment to the purpose of the organisation c) Set and maintain standards d) Express a view about appropriate behaviours e) Develop and maintain relationships with people (e.g. executive team members) f) Delegate responsibility appropriately

Experience of directing strategy:

Be able to: a) see the long-term implications of proposals and decisions b) take a broad overview of matters – rather than focusing on only one area c) offer creative business ideas or perspectives in discussions of strategy d) contribute to setting and prioritising business objectives and risk for an organisation e) show willingness to take calculated risks in business decisions and actions f) recommend business directions

Able to represent Leeds Federated internally and externally:

Be able to: a) attend relevant events in addition to Board meetings b) act responsibly and appropriately ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ of an organisation c) make relevant contact with people internally and externally through appropriate channels d) demonstrate loyalty to an organisation and a team e) create and maintained a positive image of an organisation

Have experience of analysing and scrutinising:

Be able to: a) regularly analyse information to determine key issues b) spot any omissions (e.g. from the presented information or presented arguments) c) explore the implications of a proposal or action d) consistently keep to an appropriate level of detail e) make sense of things, consider the social, value for money and business aspects f) provide an original or fresh perspective on issues g) demonstrate sound judgment (e.g. in risk assessments or in weighing up pros and cons of recommendations) h) look at things objectively, even when facing difficult decisions

Work within a team environment:

Be able to: a) support an organisation’s aims and goals b) respect the feelings of others c) not let personal relationships interfere with fulfilling a teams’ purpose d) help make decisions as a team e) consistently make effective contributions at meetings f) not be afraid to disagree with colleagues g) consistently stick to a team’s decision h) help manage conflict

Demonstrate group decision making:

Be able to: a) influence others through persuasive discussion b) compromise when appropriate c) challenge people freely, positively, and constructively d) stick to the point in discussions – not wasting meeting time by ‘going on a bit’ or ‘going off on tangents’ e) allow others to contribute – not dominating discussions f) conscientiously listen – to gain the views of others g) endure long or detailed or complex debate h) reach conclusions based on a rational interpretation of the available information i) not jump at a decision under pressure j) participate in group discussions

Self-management:

Be able to: a) Prepare for meetings by reading the papers provided b) Clarify points prior to the meeting c) Attend meetings and be punctual d) Govern – not manage e) Demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to the work of a Board f) Respect confidences

Personal development:

Be open to learning: a) Do you demonstrate learning? b) Do you retain learning? c) Are you in touch and up to date with relevant issues?

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