Non- Executive Director

Briefing Papers January 2018

Contents 1. Welcome Letter 2. Board 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 a Non-Executive Director at 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.

If you would like a confidential conversation about the opportunity to be a Non-Executive Director, 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 Phillippa Holland Chair

Board Structure

Philippa Holland, Aspire Housing Chair Philippa retired from the Senior Civil Service in 2009, having spent much of her career based in the West Midlands, where she had particular responsibilities for housing, regeneration, local government and wider public sector performance. She was awarded the OBE in 2006. From 2009-2014, Philippa was a Board Member and Deputy Chair of ART, a social enterprise based in Birmingham providing loans to small business. Philippa joined Aspire in 2011 to chair Aspire Housing, which in 2016 became the parent company within the group.

Kevin Richardson, Aspire Housing Vice-Chair Kevin is a qualified HR professional and has leadership experience in the areas of education, health, social care and social work, most recently as the Faculty Dean of Business, Education and Professional Studies at the University of Gloucestershire. He has also chaired a school governing body in Staffordshire, created a local community partnership that took over and transformed the performance of a school and helped to create an academy school in Cheltenham.

Sinéad Butters MBE, Group Chief Executive Sinéad has been Chief Executive of Staffordshire-based Aspire Housing since 2006. Under her leadership the Aspire Housing Group has grown and broadened its services via the acquisition of Staffordshire’s largest apprenticeship provider, PM Training. In October 2015 Sinéad become Chair of PlaceShapers, the national network of over 100 community-based housing associations, with a collective goal to achieve real and lasting improvements in the communities they serve. In the 2016 New Year Honours list, Sinéad was awarded an MBE for her services to housing.

Philip Thomas-Hands Philip is an associate director of the surgical division at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, where he is responsible for all specialties including five clinical directorates. In this role he also developed a new elderly care model with local health economy stakeholders, reducing the length of stay from 21 days to 12 days in a year.

Hamid Ghafoor, Audit and Risk Committee Chair Hamid is a chartered accountant and has over 15 years’ experience of working both in the social housing sector and as an adviser to the sector where he is responsible for providing social housing services to over 70 clients. Hamid used to be a board member of New Charter Housing Group from 2001 to 2013 where he was the Vice Chair as well as being on their audit committee.

Sandra Hambleton Sandra has been a Newcastle Borough Councillor representing the Bradwell Ward since 2003 and is also a County Councillor. She has chaired the Staffing Committee and Standards Committee and was formerly the Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme. Sandra also has commitments to a number of organisations including being a trustee at North Staffs Adventure Playground, Ambassador for Deaf Vibe, member of the Fire Authority and is heavily involved with the Bradwell Village Residents Association.

Helen Collins Helen has served for six years as a non-executive trustee of the Chartered Institute of Housing and has undertaken a number of high profile roles and Chair to various working groups as well as the management board, National Council and latterly the new Governing Body. She has also served and chaired various industry working groups over the years. Helen is currently a director for Savills UK ltd and has also held senior roles at the Bromford Group and Midland Heart.

Nicola Winn, PM Training Chair Nicola is the managing director of Creative Bridge based in Lutterworth. She has previously worked in senior roles at Leicester Housing and the CIH. She is a board member at The Marketing Group and previously sat on the boards of CIH and Foyer Federation. She is a member of the chartered institute of housing and the academy for Chief Executives.

Marina Barrett, Customer Board Member Marina spent most of her working career in public sector, providing financial management of the externally funded neighbourhood renewal and economic development projects, delivered in partnership with private and voluntary sector organisations and Stoke on Trent City Council. Maria holds a postgraduate qualification of Master of Science in Financial Management (with merit) at Manchester Metropolitan University. Marina is an Associate of Chartered Management Institute.

Ian Dale Ian is a retired chartered accountant who has spent his entire career in the financial services industry, working in senior finance roles in both the Britannia Building Society and more recently the Cooperative Bank. He has extensive experience of leading finance departments through the changes experienced in the financial services industries, has been involved in a number of key acquisition and merger transactions and has served as a director on a number of subsidiary company boards for both organisations. Ian is also a Non Exec Director of the Earl Shilton Building Society and Groundwork West Midlands.

Non-Executive Directors (two roles) £5k • Staffordshire 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, around 9,000 homes in management and ambitious growth targets, we express our social purpose by reinvesting our profits in new homes, in revitalising communities and in a comprehensive range of innovative support services. This is an exceptional non-executive opportunity for candidates who bring the highest levels of strategic thinking, evidence of effectiveness or high potential in a non-executive role, and a profound commitment to our organisational mission and values. You’ll have achieved significant success in at least one professional area (development or strategic finance would be a definite asset), and will also bring an all-rounder’s repertoire of senior skills. Able to show that you understand how to work through others, and how organisations make sound decisions, you’ll also have the intellectual capacity to understand complex written briefings. Finally, we’re looking for that particular type of reflective confidence which allows you to contribute a distinctive perspective to the board’s business, as well as listening to and valuing the views of colleagues. 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.

Job Description

Aspire Non-Executive Director – Key Responsibilities Supporting the delivery of the Corporate Strategy

1. Work with the rest of the Board to set the Corporate Plan and monitor performance against strategic goals.

2. To ensure that an appropriate governance and risk framework is in place which supports the achievement of the strategic goals.

3. To ensure that appropriate financial controls are in place to allow the company to operate effectively and to achieve value for money.

4. To work in conjunction with the subsidiary boards as required in supporting the achievement of the Aspire Housing Group’s wider strategic aims.

5. To establish sound constructive working relationships with the Group Chief Executive and Executive Directors and a supportive partnership with executive staff within the business.

Board Meetings

6. To attend all meetings and training sessions as and when required.

7. To prepare adequately for meetings by reading and assessing all relevant papers and reports.

8. To play an active role in the Board room by participating in any debates and by contributing their own ideas, views and relevant experiences in connection with the topics being debated, particularly in areas of expertise;

9. To provide challenge by speaking out about any concerns and joining debates in a proper, respectful manner, addressing all points and avoiding irrelevancies whilst adhering to the principles of collective responsibility and confidentiality.

10. To be committed to the principles of Equality & Diversity.

Training and Development

11. To use the appraisal process as an opportunity for their own development. Board Directors should be open and truthful about how they are managing so that support can be offered if necessary.

12. To provide feedback, using the feedback template provided, on any training or conferences attended.

13. To respond to email requests for information from the business in a timely manner, and within 2 working days where possible.

Person Specification Non-Executive Director

Introduction

1. Track record of senior leadership and achievement within an organisation of a similar scale and complexity, whether in the commercial, public or third sectors.

2. Experience of being part of a board or working with a board, dealing with governance issues, ensuring high performance and good decision- making.

3. A background of general management, with executive level skills in finance, or housing management or property development.

4. Working effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, preferably to include national and local politicians, investors and funders, commercial partners, government bodies and agencies, and local communities and customers.

Abilities, skills and knowledge

1. Non-Executive leadership – ability and vision to represent the organisation, contributing to a clear sense of strategic direction with an appreciation of the respective roles of the chair and Board and the chief executive and other staff.

2. Communications - ability to present arguments with knowledge and understanding of the wider strategic context; ability to represent and promote the organisation and to communicate effectively.

3. Working with stakeholders and partners an ability to operate effectively at all levels, and to develop positive relationships that generate confidence and respect.

4. Customers – an awareness of the needs and aspirations of current and potential residents and customers and of the communities where they live.

Personal attributes

1. Shares the vision, values and commitments of the organisation.

2. A decisive and effective decision maker who leads by example.

3. An open, engaging and enthusing style.

4. Personal and professional credibility that will command confidence at all levels across a wide range of stakeholder interests.

5. Able to work as a director of a team acting and thinking corporately with a collaborative style that engages at all levels and promotes positive relationships throughout the organisation and its partners.

6. Committed to the values of accountability, openness, transparency and equality.

7. Has the time and energy needed to discharge the responsibilities of the post in an appropriate way.

Terms and Conditions

Salary: £5k

Fuel Allowance: 45ppm

Provision of an Ipad during stay on the Board (to be returned upon leaving)

Ongoing Programme of Training

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

How to Apply

Thank you for expressing an interest in the Non-Executive Director position. 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 EMA329 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;

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

Interviews 16 and 17 April 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. Thank you for your interest in this position.

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: Non-Executive Director 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