Service: / Head Office
Reports To: / Chair of the Board
Role Description
Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) play an important role in providing leadership, constructive challenge and scrutiny. The role is predominantly focused on Compass strategy, performance and resources including key appointments and standards of conduct.
Compass operates under the structure of a unitary Board, which means that the Board comprises NEDs and executive Directors; NEDs also act as trustees of the charity and thus have responsibilities under company and charity law. The Board of Directors is responsible for the oversight, control and strategic development of the organisation. The Chair of the Board is responsible for leadership of the Board of Directors/Trustees of Compass (the Charity).
Responsibilities of the Role
Leadership
· A commitment to the mission and vision of Compass and an ambassador of Compass values
· Establish positive and constructive working relationships with all Board members including active participation in all meetings
· Participate in the recruitment of Non-Executive Directors
· Review and approve the remuneration and terms of service for the Executive Directors in line with the remuneration committee terms of reference
· Provide a safe point of access to the Board for whistle blowers
Strategy
· Provide a creative and informed contribution acting as a constructive critic in reviewing Compass’ strategy, objectives and plans devised by the executive team ensuring business and financial plans are robust and sustainable
· Review and evaluate present and future strengths and opportunities as well as threats and risks in the external environment for Compass
Corporate Governance & Compliance
· Ensure that Compass complies with all applicable legislation
· Promote the highest standards of corporate and clinical governance in compliance with regulatory requirements and best practice
· Ensure that financial, clinical information, quality controls in systems of risk management and governance are robust, effective and regularly reviewed
Other Commitments
· Must be able to commit 10-20 hours per month
· Attend Board meetings (6 per annum) usually in the afternoon; serve on at least one sub- committee of the Board and attend other meetings as required including away days (usually held in York but could be within Services)
· Undertake occasional visits to Services
· Additional time commitment will be needed for dealing with matters arising between Board meetings and preparing for meetings
· Use networks to benefit Compass and promote its work
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA / DESIRABLE CRITERIAExperience & Skills
· A portfolio of high level organisational and governance skills including such things as strategic planning, financial management, risk management, organisational performance management and service delivery and development
· Experience of operating at senior level within an organisation
· Good understanding of operating in a regulated environment
· Politically astute – able to quickly and effectively grasp the environment in which Compass operates appreciating the relevant issues
· Proven track record of developing partnerships and building relationships with other organisations
· Work network of relevant contacts and be willing to leverage these to further the business aims of Compass / · Previous experience of being a Non-Executive Director
· Proven ability in delivering services in the voluntary sector in health and social care
· Experience of voluntary sector funding and commissioning arrangements
· Experience of achieving change management and transformation in a complex environment
Personal Attributes /Competencies
1) Leadership / · Ability to understand vision and strategy, motivating and inspiring others to follow
· Empowers others to lead their own areas of responsibility and holds them accountable
· Recognises the importance of supporting collective decisions and of balancing challenge with assurance and support
2) Interpersonal / · Expresses own point of view clearly and succinctly remaining calm and objective under pressure and challenge
· Ability to work with a wide range of individuals and organisations and build productive relationships
· Checks own understanding through questioning and summarising
· Is open to others expressing different views and seeks to understand the other’s point of view
· Demonstrates a consultative and collaborative approach
3) Strategic Thinking / · Understands the wider context in which Compass operates and incorporates this into strategic decision making
· Collectively oversees the development and delivery of plans which are suitable and take account of the bigger picture
4) Innovation / · Committed to and passionate about service development and quality improvement
· Creates an environment whereby innovation is encouraged and recognised
· Adept at leading change and innovation through to successful completion
5) Analytical Approach / · Able to find common ground on issues, identifying solutions that are effective for all stakeholders
· Balances conflicting interests to find an effective solution
· Facilitates decision making based on complex or incomplete information
· Able to analyse and interpret a series of complex data
Role: NED
Owner: Director of HR
Version: 2.0; 25.1.16
Review: 25.1.19