RECRUITMENT PACK Chief Executive September 2016
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Tower Hamlets Community Housing Chief Executive
YOUR APPLICATION Dear Applicant Thank you very much for your interest in this position. On the following pages you will find information about the Chief Execuitve post at Tower Hamlets Community Housing, along with details of the selection process, to assist you in completing and tailoring your application. In order to apply you should submit an up-to-date CV which shows your full career history – we recommend that this is no longer than three pages. In addition, please submit:
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 two pages;
The declaration form. The completion of the equalities section is not mandatory but this is requested for monitoring purposes in line with our commitment to equality and diversity; and
An indication 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 send your application, preferably in MS Word format, by email to:
[email protected]. Applications must be received by 12 noon on Wednesday 28th October 2016. You will receive an acknowledgement within 24 hours of receipt and we suggest that, if after that time you have not heard from us, you telephone the office (0203 434 0990) to ensure that it has arrived. Using a secure email address and putting the job title/organisation in the subject line reduces the chances of any email going into spam. Please do contact us if you wish to have an informal discussion about the role/organisation or if you have any other questions to help you decide whether to apply. You can contact us on 07833 475 669 (Denise) or 020 3434 0990. We look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely
Denise Kirkham Greg Campbell Partner
Denise Kirkham Recruitment Associate
Campbell Tickell Ltd Incorporated in Cardiff (England & Wales) Registration number 4713939 Registered office 14 Accommodation Road, London NW11 8EP VAT number 743 6943 08
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Tower Hamlets Community Housing Chief Executive
CONTENTS Welcome letter from the Chair
4
About Tower Hamlets Community Housing
5
The Board
7
The Senior Management Team
11
Role profile
13
Core Competencies
15
Organisation chart
18
Principal terms and conditions of service
19
Supplementary Information
21
Key dates and the selection process
22
Media advertisement
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Tower Hamlets Community Housing Chief Executive
WELCOME LETTER Dear Applicant Thank you for your interest in the above position. This is a great time to consider applying to lead Tower Hamlets Community Housing (THCH) into its next chapter. I took up the role of Chair at THCH in September 2015, and as Chief Executive you would join me in providing leadership to Board members, Management and Staff teams. THCH is a housing provider with a strong community ethos. We provide a mix of quality, affordable housing, and have a proud history of delivering innovative and regenerative housing developments. We pride ourselves on our high levels of resident satisfaction, and work to continuously improve our offer to residents. Notwithstanding the above, we have faced tough challenges over the past year. Firstly, like other registered providers we had to reconfigure our business plan following the emergency budget in July 2015; and secondly, we were downgraded for Governance by the HCA to G3, a non-compliant grade. The downgrade came about as a result of lack of controls evident in our business, in particular relating to two development projects. The Board has remained united and supportive in these difficult times. We were pleased to have ended the year with no breach of our loan covenants, and have the support of our funders. We remain determined to regain a compliant governance grading and are working closely with the HCA to achieve this. There has been a full scale change in Leadership roles at the organisation, with both the Chief Executive and Finance Director roles being filled on an Interim basis, pending this appointment. The Board has reaffirmed therefore, that it is now able to face the future with confidence, and that it wishes to continue as an independent Registered Provider providing high quality housing for people in Tower Hamlets. In our new Chief Executive, we are looking for someone who is fully conversant with what is necessary to provide assurance to the Board over controls and good governance. We need someone who may have had experience of turning around an organisation; someone with the necessary passion to bring off the changes required, and the commitment to ensure that change is genuinely embedded within THCH. They will also be a credible leader and ambassador – with an understanding of the social and political issues in the area. There is a big job to do here. Our Board is ready to welcome and work with you. If you would like an informal chat about the role, or you have any questions, please contact Greg Campbell or Denise Kirkham. They will arrange a discussion with me if that would be helpful. Yours sincerely Nick Abbey Chair Campbell Tickell Ltd Incorporated in Cardiff (England & Wales) Registration number 4713939 Registered office 14 Accommodation Road, London NW11 8EP VAT number 743 6943 08
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Tower Hamlets Community Housing Chief Executive
ABOUT US Tower Hamlets Community Housing (THCH) is a Registered Social Landlord (Housing Association) and a Registered Charity. THCH was formed in 1999 to give tenants in parts of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets (LBTH) the opportunity to transfer their homes to a new landlord. In the following years, there has been a total of 3 Stock Transfers from LBTH to THCH. We now own and manage just over 3,200 homes. Regarding the letting of our empty homes, THCH is a part of the Tower Hamlets Common Housing Register (CHR), along with a number of other Housing Associations. CHR Members have the same policies, the same forms and the same system for allocating properties. The policies of THCH broadly reflect those of LBTH to protect tenants who transferred as well as future new tenants. Why are we Tower Hamlets Community Housing? Our name was carefully chosen to reflect the geographical location of our homes and the importance we place on our links with our local community. This has a strong influence on how we manage and look after our residents and property. Our focus is on the specific area in which our homes are located, namely Shadwell & Wapping, Spitalfields and Bethnal Green. In addition, THCH has Area Resident Boards of tenants and leaseholders, who help to give our staff focus and guidance as to how they want services to be delivered locally. These boards have not only influenced our policies, but also our practices in terms of refurbishment, office opening times and service delivery.
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Tower Hamlets Community Housing Chief Executive Our Vision The THCH vision is “Best community landlord for all incomes in Tower Hamlets”. The THCH mission is “by working with residents to deliver well managed local housing and community services through a flourishing financially strong organisation”. This will be done by:
Working with the community Achieving cost-effectiveness Maintaining control Leadership culture
We have set clear targets for improvement against these priorities. THCH aims to increase the number of homes it owns and manages in Tower Hamlets. We continue to believe there to be an optimum size for delivering a value for money service while maintaining close links with the local community. All surplus money generated by THCH is used to fund the provision of new homes, maintain existing ones and fund other housing and community related activity. We have divided our vision into four themes: Community
THCH continues to work in Tower Hamlets and the surrounding areas as we believe that is central to help deliver our local service ethos:
Providing decent, affordable and accessible housing
Service delivery- excellent services continue to improve and are revered Maintain (both quality and deliver decent homes to all) Overcrowding strategy
Creating a safe, prosperous and cohesive community
Geographically focused Work to engage all communities and celebrate diversity Work with partners to eradicate crime Support for residents’ employment/ welfare
A growing, innovative and ambitious association, looking to the future
Leadership on innovative change on residents lives New builds and developments- good standard, innovative Housing for all income groups Meeting future demands Growth
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Tower Hamlets Community Housing Chief Executive
THE BOARD Nick Abbey, Chair Nick was elected Chair of THCH in September 2015. Nick was Chief Executive of ExtraCare, a charity supporting over 4,000 older people across the Midlands and North England. He joined ExtraCare in January 2010 following 28 years working in a variety of senior posts in social housing for both Councils and Housing Associations. Previously CEO at Hereward Housing in Cambridgeshire from 1992 until they joined the Sanctuary Housing Group in 2005, Nick held various roles within Sanctuary, including Group Director responsible for services for tenants in 57,000 homes throughout England and Scotland. Nick is a former Board member of the National Housing Federation and a former Chair of a Local Strategic Partnership. Nick chairs the Standards Committee within ARCO – Associated Retirement Community Operators – a trade body for both private and not-for-profit operators of housing with care. As well as being Chair of THCH, Nick is also the Chair of Hundred Houses Society, a Cambridgeshire Housing Association with around 1,000 properties, and a senior associate with Savills. Committees: THCH New Homes, Operations Committee, and Nominations & Remuneration Committee. Ken Beech, Independent Board Member Ken was appointed to the Board in September 2013. Ken has an exceptionally wide ranging career in bank lending and is currently a Director of Portfolio Management, Structured Finance for The Royal Bank of Scotland, where he manages relationships with a portfolio of borrowers including some housing associations. Ken is professionally qualified as both a banker and corporate treasurer and his key strength is in structured lending, including financing leveraged buyouts, housing associations, care homes and PFI. Ken was appointed in February 2012 as a Trustee of BCCS, a childcare charity based in Essex and currently serves on the Finance and Governance Committee as is on the main board of trustees. Committees: THCH New Homes and Audit & Risk Committee www.campbelltickell.com
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Tower Hamlets Community Housing Chief Executive
Ruediger (Rudi) Kloss, Resident Board Member Rudi was appointed to the Board in October 2014 and is set to serve until September 2017. Rudi is a leaseholder of THCH and brings experience in terms of analytical and financial skills to the organisation and experience through previous board roles. Rudi held Company and Committee Secretary roles at State Street Bank and is currently Project Manager at Royal Bank of Canada. Committees: THCH New Homes and Audit & Risk Committee Stuart Madewell, Resident Board Member Stuart was appointed to the Board in March 2012 represents local residents and has a background in Welfare Benefits. Stuart is set to serve until September 2016. Committees: THCH New Homes, Audit & Risk Committee and Operations Committee
Louise Ingham CIPD BA (Hons), Independent Board Member Louise was appointed to the Board in December 2013. Louise has an exceptionally wide ranging career in Human Resources and is currently Director of Human Resources at Citibank and is professionally qualified as a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Louise previously held senior roles with Barclays, BP and Chevon Texaco. Committees: Nominations & Remuneration Committee
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Tower Hamlets Community Housing Chief Executive
Carlo Gibbs, Independent Board Director Carlo was appointed to the Board in October 2014 and is set to serve until September 2017. Carlo is a resident of Tower Hamlets and a former Tower Hamlets Councillor who brings experience at a strategic level to THCH. A previous Board member and vice-chair for a local school, Carlo also has legal training, finance and HR experience. Committees: THCH New Homes and Operations Committee
Charles Moran Independent Board Member Charles was appointed to the Board in October 2014. Charles is a Chartered Town Planner and brings knowledge of development, planning and legal experience to the Board as well as firsthand experience of urban development issues and has worked on a range of projects including Arsenal FC's relocation, the Shard complex and various housing regeneration schemes in East London and the Thames Gateway. Charles is also the Secretary of the Shoreditch Conservation Advisory Committee and a member of THCH New Homes Board. Committees: Nominations & Remuneration Committee and Audit & Risk Committee Clare Harrisson, Council Nominated Board Member Clare was appointed to the Board in December 2015. Clare is a Councillor for the St Peter's Ward in Bethnal Green and has experience of HR, pensions and audit. Clare is a national officer for the trade union, UNISON and is a Grosvenor at a local primary school, where she chairs the Finance and Personnel Committee. Committees: Operations Committee
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Tower Hamlets Community Housing Chief Executive
Faisal Butt, Independent Board Member Faisal was appointed to the Board in December 2015. Faisal is the Director for Housing Strategy and Advice at the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and has previously been Board Director of Lambeth Living, the Arms Length Management Organisation for Lambeth Council. Committees: Audit & Risk Committee Mark Thrasher, Independent Board Member Mark was appointed to the Board in May 2016. Mark is currently the Director of Finance at Raven Housing Trust and brings a wealth of finance, business planning, audit and risk management experience to THCH. Mark has worked in the social housing sector for over 18 years as a senior executive and has previously been Deputy Chief Executive at Wulvern Housing, Assistant Director of Resources at Chester and District Housing Trust and Head of Finance at Dane Housing. Committees: Audit and Risk Committee Committee Members who are not Board Members Farah Ebrahem
Operations Committee
Tim O'Flaherty
Audit & Risk Committee
Thaine Wilson
Operations Committee
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Tower Hamlets Community Housing Chief Executive
THE SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM Rosemary Farrar FCA (ICAEW), Interim Chief Executive Rosemary has worked in housing for over 35 years and is passionate about making a difference. She was Director of Finance at Southern Housing Group for five years and is now working as an interim manager and consultant. Rosemary has previously been Resources Director and Company Secretary at Watford Community Housing Trust, Group Finance Director of Circle 33 Housing Trust and the Circle Anglia Group, Finance and Resources Director at Notting Hill Housing Group and Director of Finance and Personnel for Shepherds Bush Housing Association. Rosemary has an extensive track record in non-executive roles, and is currently a director of a Scottish housing company (part of Hillcrest Group) and a Board Member of a London based enterprise company and a national charity. Rosemary was previously a Board Member of a community regeneration company, Chair of Finance and Audit for a London ALMO, a Board Member of three housing associations and a member of the National Housing Federation's Audit and Risk Committee.
Pam Bhamra, Director of Operations Pam joined THCH in early 2016 following a 28 year career in social housing in a variety of roles for a number of organisations. Between 1998 and 2004 Pam was the Housing Services Director at Islington and Shoreditch HA followed by a period at the Southern Housing Group from 2005 to 2015: firstly as the Regional Director for the Thames Gateway area and then as the Director of Housing and Resident Services. Prior to joining THCH, Pam was an Area Director at Catalyst Housing.
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Tower Hamlets Community Housing Chief Executive
John Higgins, Interim Director of Resources John joined THCH in September 2016 and has over 18 years' experience within the social housing sector. John was Deputy Group Finance Director for Circle Anglia and has worked as an interim manager and consultant for the last 9 years. John has considerable non-executive experience and is currently Treasurer with Yarrow Housing and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee at First Priority Housing Association.
Tamsin Burns, Head of Human Resources Tamsin joined THCH in August 2016 and has 15 years’ experience at senior HR level in multi-sectors including a housing association, charities and local Government. Tamsin has an MBA and is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
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Tower Hamlets Community Housing Chief Executive
ROLE PROFILE Role Title:
Chief Executive
Reporting to:
Board of Directors of THCH
Responsible for:
Director of Finance, Director of Operations, Head of HR, Company Secretary
Role purpose: The Chief Executive is responsible to the Board for the effective leadership, vision and strategic direction of the organisation. They hold executive responsibility for all day to day operations, ensuring that THCH meets the needs of residents and the community.
Key Accountabilities
Key Deliverables
Strategy
Maintain develop and implement THCH’s role as a central part of regeneration within Tower Hamlets.
Review and develop THCH’s strategy, ensuring the organisation has the ability to respond and keep abreast of new initiatives and opportunities.
Develop and implement ways of ensuring lasting regeneration to the estates, addressing both the housing and socio-economic needs, and the cultural traditions of residents.
Ensure that THCH provides high quality homes and services.
Ensure that service commitments made to tenants are met.
Develop and maintain a culture of customer service, customer involvement and quality management within THCH.
Ensure that services develop and change in line with residents’ needs.
Monitor key indicators of performance; in particular ensuring that commitments to residents and covenants to lenders are met.
Take overall responsibility for THCH’s financial well-being and risk management.
Take overall responsibility for ensuring that all procurement activity aligns with the value for money strategy and probity.
Ensure that the board and Committees are effectively serviced through the provision of timely and accurate information.
Services
Management, Planning & Control
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Tower Hamlets Community Housing Chief Executive
People Leadership & Development
Governance & Probity
Corporate Leadership
Act as the principal adviser to the Board, providing timely professional advice to Board Members to ensure they can formulate policy, determine strategies and set appropriate targets.
Identify and secure resources to meet THCH’s mission statement aims & objectives, directly and in partnership with others.
Ensure that THCH has effective internal controls to ensure both accountability and probity.
Develop the risk map and advise the Board on risk across the organisation.
Ensure the organisation is prepared for Housing Corporation and Audit Commission Audits.
Effectively lead, manage and develop the Executive Team to deliver the organisation’s aims and objectives.
Provide inspiration, direction and leadership to staff - ensuring high levels of engagement, and quality of performance.
Ensure the organisation operates at all times in a manner consistent with best practice whilst meeting all regulatory and statutory requirements.
Keep the Board of Management properly informed about the overall performance of the organisation.
Ensure financial viability is maintained, and all legal, probity and scrutiny requirements are met in respect of financial matters.
Actively promote THCH as a provider of high quality services and products in Tower Hamlets.
Build and maintain appropriate external stakeholder relationships – business, regulatory and political.
Promote the values of THCH and demonstrate the highest level of commitment to diversity and equality of opportunity.
Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role as may be requested from time to time.
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Tower Hamlets Community Housing Chief Executive
PERSON SPECIFICATION Criteria
Requirements
Qualifications
Degree level/ professional qualification
Experience
Substantial experience at a strategic level in the social housing sector.
A strong track record of leading, engaging and motivating staff teams through change.
Experience of working collaboratively with organisations and customers.
Experience of working closely with and reporting to Boards.
Proven track record of delivering customer-focussed services.
Indepth understanding of housing and community services.
Ability to articulate a clear vision for the organisation and establish a high performance culture.
Able to balance strategic thinking with an eye for detail and the ability to focus on operational requirements.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
External focus, with the proven ability to build networks, and work in partnership with others.
Strong focus on quality service delivery to customers.
Ability to understand and analyse financial and business related information.
Understanding of, and empathy with a diverse and multi- racial community.
A clear understanding of the social and political environment within which THCH operates.
At all times to demonstrate openness, integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, reliability and discretion.
A commitment to equality and diversity in the delivering of effective services to our residents.
Skills & Knowledge
General
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Tower Hamlets Community Housing Chief Executive
CORE COMPETENCIES Competencies
Executive Level
Leadership
Lead by example and act as a role model to others, providing clear direction to encourage, motivate and stimulate others to perform their best
Managing people
Work to create a diverse team that is highly skilled and flexible in the way it develops our services
Building relationships Understand your impact on, and how to work with others, valuing the opinions of others and taking responsibility to build positive relationships
Provide strategic direction for the organisation Provide clear leadership consistent with THCH’s vision, values and priorities Empower others to take reasonable risks Understand the national context in which we operate and the challenges posed by the external environment. Entrepreneurial in approach Inspire others through approach Ensure services are dynamic and customerfocused and focussed on VFM Act as a role model for staff in promoting diversity Own the change process Inspire ownership and achievement of standards Empower people to make appropriate decisions at all levels Demonstrate trust and confidence in the ability of others Work to establish an environment where individuals feel opinions and ideas are welcomed Develop a culture of taking responsibility for actions Create an inclusive environment where collaboration and team working across the organisation and with external partners is the norm Build a culture of listening and recognition Work collaboratively and build strong and effective relationships with external stakeholders Identify potential partnerships based on strategic priorities
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Tower Hamlets Community Housing Chief Executive
Communicating effectively Adapt your style of communication with different people and in different situations
Delivering excellent services
Work to understand the diverse needs of our customers, and establish a culture of actively looking for better ways to deliver a quality service
Managing resources You plan and organise resources to meet individual, team and departmental objectives whilst achieving quality and value for money
Communicate the organisation’s priorities Engage your audience by adapting your communication style Bring conflicting parties together to resolve their differences Develop communication strategies for major organisational priorities or innovations Manage media interest and involvement in the best interests of THCH Use relevant information, including customer feedback to aid problem solving Promote an organisation wide culture of quality, inclusiveness and continuous improvement Consider the needs and aspirations of our customers and future customers in developing service/organisational plans and strategies Take responsibility for longer term organisational planning Deliver value for money services and projects Ensure all strategies are financially efficient Allocate appropriate resources that will deliver the business plan Ensure an organisational focus on risk. Anticipate the effects of future internal or external developments, trends or legislation Ensure business plans are achievable and integrated with THCH’s corporate plan Ensure diversity is integral to business performance
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Tower Hamlets Community Housing Chief Executive
EXECUTIVE ORGANISATIONAL CHART Chief Executive Rosemary Farrar (Interim)
Company Secretary
PA to CEX & Director of Resources
Joy Walton
Pav Sehmby
Head of HR
Director of Operations
Director of Resources
Tamsin Burns
Pam Bhamra
John Higgins (Interim)
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Tower Hamlets Community Housing Chief Executive
PRINCIPAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS Position: Chief Executive Remuneration package: The annual salary is c £110k (more for an exceptional candidate). Pension: THCH automatically enrol all new starters on the pension scheme at a 3% defined contribution rate from both parties. However, staff can increase their contribution. Benefits: Car Loans: Staff receiving a car allowance may apply for a car loan. The car you wish to purchase must be suitable for the performance of your duties in your job with THCH. Season ticket loans: In order to assist in reducing the cost of travelling to and from work, THCH advances loans for the purpose of purchasing annual season tickets. Staff on probation will be advanced the cost of a 6 month season ticket. Wellbeing Allowance THCH offers every permanent employee who has successfully completed their probationary period, the opportunity to claim an allowance for gym membership or any course involving exercise or relaxation. Annual leave: 30 days from April to March plus Bank Holidays. In addition, 3 concessionary days during Christmas – these are not contractual but granted each year. 5 extra days after 5 years’ service.
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Tower Hamlets Community Housing Chief Executive
Location: The Tower Hamlets Community Housing head office is based at 285 Commercial Road, Stepney, London, E12PS. A relocation package may be considered for the successful candidate. Working hours: 35 hours however you will be required from time to time to vary these hours to meet service needs, as would be expected for a Chief Executive position
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Tower Hamlets Community Housing Chief Executive
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The following can be downloaded from the Tower Hamlet Community Housing website: Annual Report http://www.thch.org.uk/UsefulInformation/Publications/AnnualReport Corporate Plan http://www.thch.org.uk/UsefulInformation/Publications/CorporatePlan Standing Orders and Articles of Association http://www.thch.org.uk/AboutUs/StandingOrdersandArticlesofAssociation THCH's Magazine http://www.thch.org.uk/UsefulInformation/Publications/Update-THCHsMagazine THCH Website http://www.thch.org.uk/Home
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Tower Hamlets Community Housing Chief Executive
KEY DATES AND THE SELECTION PROCESS Closing Date Wednesday 26th October 2016, 12 noon First Interviews Monday 14th November2016 Final Interviews Wednesday 23rd November (afternoon) and Thursday 24th November 2016
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Tower Hamlets Community Housing Chief Executive
MEDIA ADVERTISEMENT
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Third Floor Olympic Office Centre 8 Fulton Road Wembley Middlesex HA9 0NU 020 8830 6777 020 3434 0990 (Recruitment)
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