chief execu ve · 2020-06-18 · longer than three pages; • a supporting statement explaining why...

www.berwickshirehousing.org.uk

Chief Execu�veRecruitment pack | June 2020

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ickshirehousing.org.uk - Chief Executive

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Your Application

Welcome to Berwickshire Housing

About Berwickshire Housing

Our Leadership Team

Our Board of Trustees

Job Description

Person Specification

Structure Chart

Key Terms and Conditions

Key dates and the Selection Process

The Media Advertisement

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Your Application

• An up-to-date CV which shows your full career history – we recommend that this is no longer than three pages;

• A supporting statement explaining why you are interested in this role, detailing how you are a good candidate for this post and how you fulfil the person specification – we recommend that this is no longer than three pages;

• The declaration form – but completion of the equalities section is not mandatory, this is requested for monitoring purposes in line with our commitment to equality and diversity; and

• Indicate on the declaration form if you cannot attend any of the interview dates.

Please note that applications can only be considered if all the documentation is complete. Please submit your completed application documents using the online form, which is accessible via our jobs page: www.campbelltickell.com/jobs. Applications must be received by 12 noon, Tuesday 7th July 2020. Please ensure we receive your application in good time. If you wish to have an informal discussion about the role and organisation, or if you have any other questions you would like answered to help you decide whether to apply, please do call us for a confidential discussion. Kind regards Bill Barkworth Senior Associate Consultant 07706 369 273Gera Patel Partner 020 3434 0990

Thank you very much for your interest in this post. On the following pages, you will find details of the role and the selection process to assist you in completing and tailoring your application. To apply you should submit:

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Welcome to Berwickshire Housing

Under Helen Forsyth’s leadership, we have been successful in establishing ourselves as a caring, community-based housing association working effectively across Berwickshire supporting our tenants and their communities. As we look for a Chief Executive to help shape our future, we wish to build on this platform especially given the current COVID-19 related challenges, which have highlighted just how important our continued presence is across the Scottish Borders. We feel proud and privileged to provide much needed affordable and quality homes but our role does not end there. For example we provide support to tenants and wider communities who are facing financial difficulties, and we also run a wind farm with Community Energy Scotland.As well as supporting people with the immediate challenges of the pandemic, we are also starting to gear up for the longer-term support which is going to be needed. Our communities have spirit, they are resilient and tenacious but that is being tested as job losses increase, and as it takes longer for local industry

and our economy to bounce back. So BHA will continue to maintain its presence across those neighbourhoods and our new Chief Executive will play a crucial role in helping us to re-evaluate our purpose and impact, and how best to adapt to the new normal as it emerges. We want to take on that challenge of reimagining a new future with our next Chief Executive. This is likely to include continued investment in ICT to improve customer experience and also to enable our staff to work flexibly and smartly, so that we can target resources to where they are needed most, particularly with support to people who are more vulnerable. It will also mean building upon the effective platforms we have already created for partnership working with other stakeholders that are also invested in the life chances and wellbeing of the people that live in our current and future homes. So, you will be inheriting a well- performing, confident, innovative and enterprising organisation, with fantastic people who are up for being stretched further to help realise our ambition. You will need

to offer a leadership track record that shows high rates of return in motivating and inspiring people to get the best out of them. You will be working with a Board and a relatively newly formed Leadership Team who are eager to jointly build on their strengths in collective leadership, as they work together to deliver to high standards for business performance and customer experience. We will value your curiosity to develop further, your passion to make a difference and your commitment to innovate. I hope I have been able to convey that this is an exciting leadership opportunity, in turbulent times, in a unique setting. Do ask others what they think of us, I am confident that you will see and hear good things. I hope we get a chance to meet in this process, so we can further discuss what more we can do together. It promises to be rewarding. Best wishesJim McDevitt Chair

2020 is a momentous year for BHA. It is our 25th anniversary. As ever with anniversaries there is an opportunity to reflect back, but this year we are very much focused on looking forward to the next chapter as we recruit our next Chief Executive.

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About Berwickshire HousingOur visionCreating thriving rural communitiesAt BHA we build and manage homes to rent, at affordable levels, to suit a range of lifestyles, personal needs and family sizes. We do so in small, rural communities throughout Berwickshire and are ever keen to expand the number and choice of homes available. We are passionate about our role in providing individuals, couples and families with a home in which they can live their life to the full in a safe, comfortable and attractive setting. We are a registered social landlord (regulated by the Scottish Housing Regulator) and a not-for-profit charity, so all our income goes towards providing services for the community, the upkeep of our tenants’ homes and building new homes.With over 1,800 homes spread across Berwickshire’s rural towns and villages, and a small number in Berwick-upon-Tweed, we provide a variety of sizes of homes – from single’s flats and family homes to bungalows adapted for disabled people and independent living accommodation for older people. We invest in our homes to keep them in good condition and when we can, we build new homes in Berwickshire communities, creating more choices and more locations.

We have a proven track record of innovation in the way we support our tenants and the communities they live in. Our befriending and financial inclusion projects are now an established part of mainstreamed provision, alongside small-scale funding and other schemes to improve our local communities and neighbourhoods. Funding allocated independently by Tenant Volunteers has supported a range of community groups, alongside delivery of community benefits by our contractors. Our Next Steps programme for young people who are likely to be our future tenants is in its tenth year of delivery.We also have a wholly-owned subsidiary known as BHA Enterprise, a private limited company that looks after our mid-market rented homes in Duns and has created a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), Berwickshire Community Renewables, to run The Fisherman Three Wind Farm. BHA Enterprise works closely with their partner, Community Energy Scotland, and generates much needed funding now, and will do into the future, which supports us to achieve our ambitions in providing more homes and improving services for our customers.Our values• Proud to put customers first:

We will work proactively with tenants experiencing problems with their homes,

their neighbours or facing personal challenges. Everything we do is focused on helping tenants to thrive and live successfully in the community.

• Open honest and caring: We will encourage both staff and tenants to be open about the issues they face. We will be honest about what we can and cannot do to help while being caring and empathetic and encouraging tenants to build community support.

• Embrace and drive change: We will be aware of the external environment and be prepared to face new challenges. We will understand and implement new regulations effectively. We will support our tenants to cope with changes they are obliged to face. We will also initiate change through our focus on innovation in order to solve genuine problems that our tenants and communities face and to make our organisation more sustainable and effective.

• Go that extra mile: Tenants are at the heart of what we do. We take time to solve problems and work as a team to help and support our tenants who may be isolated or vulnerable.

• Adaptable, adventurous and creative: We respect and understand the diversity of our tenants and communities and seek new imaginative and creative approaches to meeting the challenges faced.

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We explore problems together through collaboration in order to seek new, innovative solutions.

• Enjoy our work and get more done: We support and motivate all staff to ensure a healthy, friendly and stressfree atmosphere where there is trust, openness and leadership. We recognise and reward high achievement and excellent performance.

Strategic planIn order to achieve our vision, and working with the values we have developed together over the past few years, we have recognised that we need to develop our plan from four perspectives. While our objectives are all interdependent and all contribute to meeting our vision, we are clear that a key priority is to address the need to improve our housing stock in Berwickshire through major planned work and some increased provision of affordable housing.

Our four strategic objectives are to:• Be financially strong enough

to deliver our business to a high standard;

• Be customer focused;• Be efficient and effective

(deliver value for money); and• Have a staff team and Board of

Trustees that are developing and growing.

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Our Leadership Team

Helen Forsyth Chief Executive Helen Forsyth has been the Chief Executive of BHA for 13 years, during which time Helen has inspired staff to become number 9 in the Sunday Times Best Companies not for profit section. She provided the innovation in order to solve the problem of how to keep building new homes, at a time when funding was in decline with the ground breaking “Fisherman Three” Community Windfarm, near Cockburnspath.Helen’s background has involved working in the public sector, health and social care and not for profit organisations. Helen is the Chair of Resilient Scotland and appointed to represent the third sector for the new South of Scotland Economic Partnership, an initiative which will devise a fresh approach to the economic development of Scotland.

Eleanor Rooke Finance Director Eleanor joined us in October 2018. She has responsibility for the delivery of the finance services across BHA and our group entities.Eleanor is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), being admitted to membership in 2014. She started her accountancy career with Baker Tilly (now RSM) where she progressed to audit manager, working across a range of corporate and not-for-profit clients, with a particular focus on housing associations. Whilst at Baker Tilly she delivered external and internal audit services and also undertook a number of secondments in the renewables and banking sector, with a housing association and with a non-departmental public body. Prior to joining BHA, she worked as a management accountant with an international animal health charity and finance manager with the Wheatley Group.

Dan Blake Operations Director Dan joined us in April 2019. He has responsibility for the strategic delivery of all housing services and wider community initiatives. Dan began his career in Glasgow’s East End with Milnbank Housing Association, progressing to West Lothian Housing Partnership, Barony Housing Association and latterly Loretto Housing Association, all part of Wheatley Group.A proud member of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIHM), Dan formerly sat on its Board over a two-year term. He has been involved in work with Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum for Housing Associations and more recently he has been an active contributor to the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations ‘Innovation and Future Thinking’ programme.

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John Bain Resources Director John is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and is a graduate of Napier University where he achieved the Diploma in Personnel Management and then completed his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in 2003. In 2011 John achieved a Post Graduate Certificate in Professional Coaching at Nottingham Trent University and in 2013 John became a qualified PRINCE 2 practitioner.He joined the company in November 2005 and together with his previous work at Castle Rock Housing Association, he has over 17 years Housing Association experience. His role includes overall responsibility for Resources, including HR, Information Communication Technology and Corporate Services. John is also the Company Secretary and takes the lead on Governance issues with the Trustees. Other duties include leading projects and John represents the Company on a number of external bodies.

Angela Taylor Property Director Angela joined BHA in July 2018. She is responsible for all aspects of property and asset management including new development, investment in existing stock, maintenance and compliance.She has extensive knowledge of property, having worked in urban renewal and regeneration for the City of Edinburgh Council. Angela’s background includes property, housing and community regeneration, both with the council and for several housing associations. She joined BHA from Grampian Housing Association where she was the director of housing and property services. She has over 25 years’ experience in social housing and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing.

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Jim Mcdevitt ChairJim was involved in Banking for Jim was involved in Banking for over 40 years in the Commercial Finance sector- in the last 10 years focussing on clients who have been experiencing financial difficulties. Jim has also dedicated over 20 years to being a Rotarian in Duns raising almost £200,000 for many local and national causes and is actively involved with other local groups including being a Trustee for A Heart For Duns.

Vivienne Cockburn Vice Chair Vivienne is a Chartered Accountant who has specialised in infrastructure investment over the last 25 years. She has experience of supporting the financial and commercial aspects of public sector investment in a wide variety of sectors including energy efficiency (domestic and non-domestic), health, education and the utilities. In her day job, she is Director of Management & Investments with Scottish Futures Trust responsible for the hub programme which has delivered >£2bn of investment in community facilities over the last 10 years and for support, across Scotland, to operational PPP projects.

Scott Holmes Vice Chair Scott is a partner in Johnston Carmichael’s Edinburgh office and leads their Financial Services Group. He has extensive experience in internal and external audit and advises a portfolio of owner managed businesses, including several group audits, and undertakes reporting assignments under both local and international financial reporting standards. Scott has been acting as an adviser to our Finance Committee since November 2012, before joining the Board in March 2014. Scott was elected Vice Convener in September 2015.

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Anne Rutherford Anne worked as a lecturer in a Further Education College, Napier teaching law on HND, degree and post degree courses. These included accountancy, company secretary and journalism degrees and diplomas. With expertise in property law and land acquisitions becoming legal adviser for the Planning Committee representing the Council at several public local inquiries and working on complex legal agreements.

Lynn Gray Following a successful career in the hair and beauty sector for 24 years, Lynn continues to live in the local community. Having been a Berwickshire Housing Association Tenant for over 12 years she has a great deal of passion for the Association. Her interests continue within the community by supporting the Duns and District Operatic Society and the Duns Summer Festival Committee.

Graeme Macleod Graeme has nearly 30 years’ experience working in service focused industries, 14 of which were with a UK airline, responsible for airport operations, customer service and significant change programmes. Prior to this he was in retail for 15 years in a variety of roles both within store and their head office.

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Norrie Macphail Norrie is a qualified builder with 25 years of experience in construction and project management, before joining the social housing sector, initially in development and maintenance, then asset management, which he has been practicing for the last 11 years. Norrie also gained a post graduate diploma in strategic project management and is currently involved in the development of mass timber construction and regenerative agriculture. He comes to the Board from BHA Enterprise, where he will continue to sit as a trustee.

Paul Matthews Paul’s background is in civil engineering, street design and project management. He has gained a breadth of experience in the public, private sector and third sectors covering the full project cycle from business case and design development to contracts, procurement and construction. Over the past 8 years he has focused mainly on walking, cycling and place making and he is interested in creating better places through co-design with local people.

Susie Mccosh A Chartered Surveyor, with over 25 years’ experience in the property market, Susie’s early career focussed on the corporate sector. Following stints in corporate real estate teams in Scotland and then the City of London, Susie moved to work with RBS, in the property acquisition team. This role involved working across the UK, Europe and the Far East, prior to a transfer to the Hong Kong office as Head of Asset Management. Following completion of a Masters Degree in Chinese Studies, Susie started her own consultancy in 2013 and since then has been working with a range of clients in the residential and educational sectors.

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Job Description

Responsible to: The BoardLine manages: Leadership Team and Executive AssistantRole summary• Lead BHA with responsibility

to the Board for our overall success, delivering the highest standards of performance and customer service.

• Work collaboratively, with integrity and enthusiasm, to shape our future direction and strategy.

• Inspire a culture that builds upon our vision, mission and values, with high levels of staff engagement and customer satisfaction.

• Ensure a robust approach to financial viability, risk management and business efficiency, so that BHA continues to be well-positioned to deliver on its ambitions.

• Provide a tenant focus to improve their BHA experience from effective communication to the provision of good quality homes.

• Be a reputable ambassador for BHA, harnessing our external presence and reputation across the sector, the region and nationally.

Key responsibilities Vision and leadership• Lead BHA, supporting the

Board to develop our vision and values and ensuring that these are delivered and embedded within the organisation and its activities.

• Lead the development of the business plan, engaging staff in the objectives and priorities, ensuring it is integrated and embedded.

• Provide direction and focus for corporate policies and strategies, taking overall responsibility.

• Work closely with the Board, providing advice and guidance as appropriate, and developing and supporting a positive and engaging working relationship with the Chair.

Working with people• Lead the development of

the organisational culture, ensuring it aligns with the vision and values, and support wellbeing and delivery of the customer service approach.

• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion, so that it is aligned to all we do.

• Develop the Leadership Team, through a coaching, engaging and visible style of leadership.

• Develop effective relationships with all appropriate stakeholders, including customers, funders, local authorities, community groups and other partners and agencies, to promote BHA and maximise opportunities for shared working, in support of clear objectives.

• Act as an ambassador for BHA and demonstrate its values at all times.

Managing resources• Ensure effective financial

management of BHA, including financial and management accounting, treasury management financial planning, budgeting, financial appraisal, risk management and business assurance.

• Promote and look for opportunities to achieve value for money.

• Ensure the effective strategic and operational control of costs and budgets across the organisation, with appropriate and effective procurement, that values a social and/or financial return on investment.

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• Ensure effective, strategic and operational controls for investment programmes across BHA be they enhancing energy efficiency standards; upgrading of our stock or the development of new programmes.

• Ensure effective governance of the Fishermen Three windfarm and a strategic approach to investment of returns which is complementary to the wider BHA investment programme.

• Develop a strong performance culture and commitment to service excellence with a strong focus on enhancing customer experience, particularly in core areas such as property and housing services.

• Foster an environment where the views of customers are seen as integral to service improvement.

Providing assurance• Establish appropriate targets

and standards to ensure compliance with all given regulatory and legislative requirements, with effective monitoring and a robust approach to addressing concerns.

• Ensure compliance with our governance framework, set the strategy for governance, and ensure all key legal requirements are complied with.

• Ensure BHA remains safe and viable through appropriate health and safety, risk, business assurance and audit arrangements.

• Ensure that our wholly owned subsidiary, BHA Enterprise, meets its external statutory and regulatory requirements and its internal targets and controls.

• Ensure that a business continuity plan is in place and tested on a regular basis.

Facilitating change • Be a champion of continuous

improvement and lead on our organisational transformation.

• Keep abreast of local and wider political, socio-economic, community, housing and property issues and ensure the organisation can respond accordingly.

• Lead on delivering customer and staff satisfaction, providing direction and focus for ensuring they are engaged.

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Person Specification Qualification, experience and knowledge:• Degree level education or

equivalent. A housing or management qualification would be an advantage.

• A track record of leadership in delivering high quality customer services, in a social housing or related setting.

• Knowledge of social housing regulation and compliance, or able to appreciate working in a similar regulated environment.

• Experience of leading change management that leads to tangible and sustainable improvement.

• Insight into good governance practices, has had exposure at Board level, works with mutual respect for constructive challenge.

• Strong financial and business acumen, track record of making commercial decisions in a social values framework.

• Insight into creating effective and robust risk mitigation, internal control, value for money and performance management frameworks, which deliver positive outcomes.

• Experience of developing and delivering business plans through a collaborative

approach.• Is technology literate,

champions the use of new technology to improve services, systems and engagement.

Skills and abilities:• Is visionary in helping

others to consider customer experience and welcomes scrutiny.

• Able to horizon scan, look outwards and appreciate local political nuance.

• A motivational and inspiring leader, who maximises the performance of teams and individuals.

• Leads with energy, passion and drive, so that your people are effective and ambitious.

• Able to make sound judgements, provide a steer and be accountable for advice that is given. A strategic thinker, experienced in translating strategy into plans and action.

• Good technology skills, has championed new technology for improving business and service systems.

• Excellent written, presentation and interpersonal communication skills, able to tailor those.

• Strong influencing and negotiating skills, a good networker, able to get buy in to partnership working to maximise opportunity.

Personal attributes:• A high level of personal

integrity, takes responsibility for expected leadership behaviour and conduct.

• Builds trust by being transparent and reliable.

• Champions the rights of customers to be influential and have access to excellent services.

• Demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion that is embedded in all you do.

• Champions innovation and learning, embraces the insight and expertise of others.

• Works flexibly and with agility.

• Identifies with our values, is at ease with being a role model.

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Organisation Structure

Finance DirectorAccountancyTreasuryFinancial operationsFinancial monitoring and assessment

Operations DirectorCustomer servicesCommunity initiativesChief Executive

Strategic directionExecutive leadershipBoard Support Corporate communications

BHA Board

Property DirectorTechnical and property servicesHousing development

Resources DirectorCompany SecretaryHRICTCorporate Services

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Key Terms and Conditions

Key Dates and Selection Process

Remuneration• An annual salary of c. £97,500.• A defined contribution pension

scheme operated by the Pensions Trust. BHA pays double the employee level of contribution up to a maximum employer contribution of 9% of salary.

• A car allowance of £5,000 per annum (paid monthly).

Other benefits• Westfield Health Cash Care

Plan; payment of relevant professional fees; and personal development including coaching, mentoring and training.

Location• The head office is located at

55 Newtown Street, Duns, Berwickshire. Visibility in this role is key and the postholder is expected to be present across the operating area and to travel further afield as the role requires.

Hours of work • 35 hours per week. However,

this is a leadership role and the postholder is expected to work flexibly to fulfil the requirements of the role, including evenings and occasional weekends.

Annual leave • The leave year is from 1st April

to 31st March, with eligibility for 30 days, plus 12 public holidays per annum.

Probation and notice period• The probation period for the

role is six months. The notice period after that is three months.

Closing date: Tuesday 7th July at 12 noon• We will be in touch with

candidates from Tuesday 14th July to advise on outcome of application.

First interviews: Monday 20th July 2020 • Longlisted candidates will be

invited to an interview with a Campbell Tickell panel (Gera Patel and Bill Barkworth) and have further conversation with the Chair of BHA, Jim McDevitt and Vivienne Cockburn, Vice Chair.

Final interviews: • We will be in touch from

Tuesday 21st July to let candidates know the outcome of the first interviews.

• Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete an online psychometric test to explore leadership style.

Tuesday 4th August 2020• This will be an opportunity to

meet with the BHA Leadership Team as well as a selection of customers. We will also arrange for shortlisted candidates to speak with Helen Forsyth (outgoing Chief Executive).

Wednesday 5th August 2020• A final panel interview that will

be led by Jim McDevitt (Chair), Vivienne Cockburn (Vice Chair), Lynn Gray (Board member) and Anne Rutherford (Board member). You will also be asked to prepare a presentation for delivery at the start of your interview.

If you are unable to attend on any of the identified dates for interview, please do speak to Campbell Tickell before making an application.

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Crea�ng thriving rural communi�esWe hope that our next CE will appreciate that rural communi�es are inspiring places. The current climate has typified how spirited, resilient, and tenacious our communi�es can be, in the face of considerable adversity. So, the next CE of BHA will need to embody these characteris�cs. It is a role that will suit if you appreciate that quality affordable housing can make the difference to people’s life chances and

wellbeing. But at BHA our impact does not end with that provision. We are ready to take on reimagining a new future with our next CE. There is a great pla�orm to work from. A confident and enterprising organisa�on, with fantas�c and ambi�ous people that want to be further stretched. You will need to offer us a leadership track record, a passion to make a difference and a commitment to innova�on. In turn, we will value your fresh perspec�ve, curiosity and challenge.

So take a closer look, at this rewarding leadership opportunity in a unique se�ng. For an informal discussion please contact Bill Barkworth on 07706 369273You can download a recruitment pack and submit your applica�on at www.campbell�ckell.com/jobsCloses: Tuesday 7th July 2020, 12 noon

Chief Execu�ve c. £97,500Sco�sh Borders

Third Floor Olympic Office Centre 8 Fulton Road Wembley Middlesex HA9 0NU

020 8830 6777 020 3434 0990 (Recruitment)

[email protected] www.campbelltickell.com

chief execu ve · 2020-06-18 · longer than three pages; • a supporting statement explaining why...

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