Job Description – Board Member

Purpose of Role

To work constructively with other Board Members and Solihull Community Housing (SCH) staff to ensure that the board:

  • is managed and controlled appropriately.
  • is accountable to its tenants and other stakeholders.
  • works within the requirements of the law and its funding bodies.

Duties

1) To participate in the management and control of SCH’s activity, including:

  • financial monitoring and control
  • establishing plans, policies and objectives
  • ensuring plans are implemented and evaluating performance
  • reviewing activity and deciding on appropriate action

2) To devote sufficient time and energy to SCH’s business. This includes:

  • preparation for meetings
  • attendance at meetings as required
  • keeping up to date with housing issues by reading and attendance at training/briefing sessions.

3) To form constructive working relationships with other Board Members and to play a full part in the work of the board.

4) To work with SCH to review/develop activity e.g. as a member of sub-committees or working parties.

5) To represent SCH in the outside world and to help foster good relationships with Solihull MBC and key agencies to promote the good name of the organisation at all times.

6) When necessary, to participate in the recruitment of senior staff.

7) When necessary, to participate in other employment functions, e.g. being a member of an Appeals Committee, or appraisal of senior officers.

8) If appropriate, to sign cheques and legal documents in accordance with delegated authority, and to witness the Seal in accordance with SCH’s rules.

9) To campaign, both on a local and national level to promote issues relating to SCH, the ALMO movement generally, or social housing.

Solihull Community Housing

Person Specification for Independent Board Members:

ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE
QUALIFICATIONS / A relevant professional qualification if you are applying on the basis of expertise in a particular function (e.g. finance, legal, property, accountancy, housing management)
EXPERIENCE / Paid / unpaid work / involvement at a senior level in a sizeable public / private / voluntary organisation / Experience of working in or with a Registered Social Landlord.
As a member of a board, committee or management team .
Experience in one of these fields:
  • Financial management
  • Treasury management
  • Business Planning
  • Customer service
  • Housing management
  • Supported housing
  • Housing policy
  • Regeneration
  • Health
  • Voluntary sector
  • Community development
  • Resident involvement
  • Strategic Management
  • Human resources
  • Equalities
  • Legal
  • Construction design
  • Construction management
  • Public relations
/ Experience in more than one field.
KNOWLEDGE /
  • Of the problems and issues facing communities in Solihull.
/
  • Of the work of social housing organisations

SKILLS,ABILITIES AND COMMITMENT /
  • Ability to understand reports and numerical information on the policies and performance of an organisation
  • Ability to contribute to decision making by taking part in reasoned discussion.
  • Ability to work as part of a team, respecting others’ views.
  • Commitment to equality of opportunity
  • Commitment to improving housing conditions in Solihull.
  • Able to attend / prepare for at least one evening meeting a month and occasional weekend events
  • To be eligible for board membership (see below)

Basic Eligibility Criteria for Board Members

Independent board members should not,

  • Be a tenant of the Council (Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council).
  • Be a leaseholder (of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council).
  • Be connected with the Council, either as an employee of the Council, or as a senior officer of an organisation controlled by the Council.
  • Have unspent criminal convictions.
  • Be an undischarged bankrupt.
  • Be currently admitted to hospital under the Mental Health Act 1983, or as a result of mental illness, have had an order issued against them for their detention or for a receiver to look after their property.
  • Be disqualified by law from acting as a company director.
  • Have a court order for failing to make a payment under an administration order.