Go! - Business Development Committee Candidate Pack - Chair & Committee Member - distinctive people
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Go! Business Development Committee Candidate Pack – Chair & Committee Member
At Watford Community Housing we believe Contents
in working in partnership to transform our
communities and change lives for the better.
Welcome from John Swinney, Chair of the Group Board 3
Our business is evolving rapidly as we find new
ways to deliver great homes, improved services Our journey 4
and much-needed new housing for our customers.
What our partners say about us 5
And you could be part of our story...
Our vision & values 6
Role profiles 7
Governance and Group structures 9
Meet the team 10
Remuneration 11
How to apply/key dates 12
Welcome
Thank you for your interest in joining Watford With the need for new homes now greater
Community Housing’s Business Development than ever before, our aim for the Group is to
Committee (BDC). As part of our Group contribute towards the delivery of the national
succession planning, we are now recruiting for drive for much-needed new homes, with an
a new Chair and a Committee Member to help emphasis on housing for rent and shared
our rapidly evolving business find new ways to ownership. We know that we can best make
deliver great homes as part of the BDC. our contribution through working in partnership
with others, and have already been successful
This candidate pack includes information on in forging strong relationships with other
both of these roles, so please read it carefully to organisations. Our activity is now increasing, and
find out more about what they involve – I hope requires excellent non-executive leadership.
that after reading you will decide to apply.
We are looking for exceptional candidates who
Successful candidates will join an energetic and share our passion for making a real difference,
ambitious Group, working to ensure that we whilst recognising the importance of operating
successfully navigate the challenging operating with strong financial and commercial acumen.
environment to achieve our ambitious goals.
This is a great opportunity for you to play a Yours sincerely,
critical role in helping us to shape, develop and
deliver our vision, making a lasting difference
to our communities, our current and future
residents and our employees. John Swinney, Chair of the Group Board
Our journey We own and
manage more than
We have
the highest ratings
We have
6,800 for viability and
more than
200
We’ve come a long way since our formation in 2007. As well as delivering a range of homes and governance
high-quality housing services that our customers rely on, we develop much-needed
V1/G1
associated employees
new homes across a range of tenures, giving people life-changing opportunities. assets
We are a trusted partner to other organisations, working with local authorities and
developers to deliver even more and achieve our ambitious development aspirations.
But we’re just getting started – we have even bigger plans for the future.
Let’s go! 1,580 new homes Putting people first
In September 2020, we launched our new We are committed to delivering desperately As a Community Gateway housing
2020-2025 Business Plan and a suite of needed homes through an ambitious association, we put people at the heart of our
accompanying strategies which outline our aims construction programme. We will complete work. Our customers are invited to become
for the years ahead. Innovative development and 1,580 new homes by March 2025, working both members, and staff, stakeholders and local
dynamic partnerships are central to our plans for independently and in partnership with others. We residents can become associate members.
the next five years and our Development Strategy develop homes across a range of tenures, with a Because members have voting rights, they
sets out how we plan our ambitious goals. focus on affordable rent and shared ownership. are empowered to influence our work and
play a central role in our decision-making,
Click here to find out more at www.wcht.org.uk Working with Clarendon Living bringing us even closer to our customers.
Clarendon Living is our commercial arm, which
Focused on south-west Hertfordshire builds premium homes for sale and delivers
Although our roots are firmly in Watford, we now housing in partnership with other organisations. It
have a presence across six local authority areas is actively developing through joint ventures with
around South-West Hertfordshire. By offering two of our key local authority partners, and also
high-quality services and working closely works with residential developers and landowners.
with residents, we look to deliver friendlier
communities that help to improve lives. Click here to read our financial statements and
annual report at www.wcht.org.uk
What our partners
say about us
“The special relationship that Jarvis “Three Rivers District Council have been very pleased to work closely with Watford
enjoys with Watford Community Comunity Housing since their inception. As well as our traditional roles we have partnered
Housing is a result of mutual respect, to create a joint venture – Three Rivers Homes – and developed our own much-needed
earned through a genuine joint ethic affordable housing. Watford Comunity Housing also manage our own temporary housing.
to work both collaboratively and with
“Watford Comunity Housing are always a pleasure to deal with, being open, enthusiastic
transparency, in the combined aim of
and keen to deliver and we look forward to further successes together.”
delivering exceptional places to live.
“With very strong working Geof Muggeridge – Director of Community and Environmental Services,
relationships, established at all Three Rivers District Council
levels within our organisations, this
association is proof that strong
partnerships deliver significant added
value to all stages of the development “As a Rickmansworth-based developer/contractor who has predominantly worked within
process. the London Boroughs, it is an absolute pleasure to work in partnership with our near
neighbours at Watford Comunity Housing. The development team are extremely driven
“Maintaining our positive and professional, always quick to make decisions and clear with instructions.
partnership with Watford
Community Housing is a key priority “We have now completed several projects together and are looking at a number of future
for our business.” joint ventures. I see Watford Comunity Housing as one of our key partners over the next
decade or so and it is a partnership I envisage strengthening as we progress together.”
Mark Doyle – CEO,
Jarvis Contracting Ltd Andy Bugler – Chief Executive, Bugler Group
Our vision
“Better homes, friendlier communities – together”
Our values
Professional
We are honest, open and respectful. People
trust us to keep our promises.
Diversity & inclusion
Forward-thinking
We have a ‘can-do’ attitude and embrace We have a dedicated Equality, Diversity & Inclusion group,
opportunities to improve and innovate. which champions diversity and drives inclusion by removing
barriers and helping us to build a vibrant culture.
Just as we strive to make our communities and our
Collaborative workforce friendly and open to everyone, we are committed
to being led by a diverse and inclusive governance team.
We work together as one team and build Due to the current composition of the committee we
would in particular welcome applications from women,
lasting partnerships to get results. ethnic minorities and people with disabilities to improve the
breadth of perspectives involved in our decision-making.
Role profiles:
Business Development Committee
About the BDC Joining the committee
The Business Development Committee plays a As a Committee Member of BDC, you’ll use your
central role in delivering our growth agenda, as experience, expertise and insight to help us to
we strive to deliver much-needed new social, achieve our ambitious goals. The Chair’s responsibilities
affordable and shared ownership homes. As Chair of BDC, you’ll have a number The Chair’s role as part of the Group Board
You’ll ensure that risks are clearly understood and
of additional responsibilities within BDC In your capacity as Chair of BDC, you’ll provide
The BDC is responsible for providing strong that arrangements are in place to properly manage
over and above your role as a Committee regular reports to the Group Board and ensure
governance, overseeing our development them. By providing oversight to the Group, you’ll
Member – and you’ll also serve as a Group that it delegates sufficient authority to enable
activity to help us meet our aspirations and also make sure that we act in the interests of our
Board Member and a Board Member for the business to run effectively between
uphold our reputation and values. customers at all times, in line with our values.
Clarendon Living Ltd. committee meetings.
It is accountable to the Group Board as well What’s involved? Using your leadership skills, you’ll ensure strong As a Group Board Member you’ll play a vital
as residents and stakeholders, in line with Committee Members are required to attend and appropriate governance and help us to role in decision-making for the wider Watford
our status as a Community Gateway housing regular meetings, participating in discussions and develop our long-term strategy. You’ll chair BDC Community Housing Group, ensuring that it
association. sharing responsibility for the decision-making meetings so that they are conducted efficiently, is managed effectively and in line with the
We are currently looking to recruit a new Chair process that guides our work – so you’ll need to giving Committee Members the opportunity to requirements of the law, regulatory bodies and
and a Committee Member for BDC, so please remain informed about current issues impacting express their views. best practice.
read the following information carefully to on development and the housing sector.
In keeping with our commitment to In this role, you’ll play an active part in
ensure you understand what each role involves. The committee considers and approves collaborative working, you’ll build strong identifying and monitoring the Group’s strategic
development proposals for schemes costing up to working relationships with the Executive risks and agreeing budgetary and other controls
£15m, and makes recommendations for approval Management Team, especially the Group that need to be put in place to minimise
to the Group Board for any projects in excess Director of Partnerships. risk. The Group Board is also responsible for
of this. As part of this, BDC considers a range of
You will also ensure that BDC receives scrutinising and reviewing the performance of
factors such as the design, location, and dwelling
professional advice when it is needed, either the Group against its goals and targets, and
mix of new developments, as well as reviewing
from senior staff or external sources. monitoring the reporting of performance.
the financial implications of new schemes.Role profiles:
Business Development Committee
Experience:
What we’re looking for Committee Members
Individual attributes and requirements:
• Experience of delivering new
developments in either the
•
residential or commercial market.
Understanding of the different
• •
roles of the non-executive and
An understanding of the financial viability Ability to absorb, comment upon and make executive directors.
• •
context in delivering affordable homes. decisions about reports presented to BDC.
Knowledge of the design and planning Ability to negotiate with others to arrive at an
• •
process for housing delivery. agreed way forward.
An understanding of the procurement and Ability to demonstrate an appreciation of
Experience:
Chair of BDC
• •
construction process for housing delivery. equal opportunities issues.
•
•
Ability to work well within a team setting. Attendance at no less than 85% of allocated Experience of working at a senior
•
meetings and associated activities. level in a commercial business
Ability to think strategically, absorbing large
•
amounts of complex information to support Commitment to serving as a non-executive environment.
•
good decision-making. director/Committee Member for at least three Experience of facilitating meetings,
•
years, and up to six years, subject to review.
•
Ability to communicate well with all so that a range of views are heard.
•
stakeholders. Willingness to attend training courses, Understanding of the different
seminars and conferences to gain knowledge roles of the non-executive and
Ability to represent and promote the Group and skills appropriate to the role.
with other organisations and agencies. executive directors.Governance structure
Group Board
Business Remuneration
Development & Appraisal Audit & Risk Operations
Committee Committee Committee Committee
Group structureMeet the team
Nigel Benjamin Michael Comras John Lavers
Our Executive Management Team: Our Group Board: Nigel is a business Michael is a chartered John has had a long
consultant and accountant with over career in the private
coach, with over 35 30 years’ experience sector, specialising in
Tina Barnard Paul Richmond John Swinney years’ experience in in business and Corporate Treasury
Chief Deputy Chief Chair human resources and organisational financial management. He has held and the financing of large projects.
Executive Executive development. He has been a member Board roles for organisations across Before joining Watford Community
John is CEO of of a number of executive teams and different sectors, including housing Housing he had 17 years’ experience
Tina has Paul is a Just Housing boards as an executive director. Nigel and financial services. Michael is an as a Board member of other housing
been Chief qualified Group, is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Audit and Risk Committee member for associations.
Executive accountant with vast Personnel and Development and is a Sovereign Housing Association.
since we were formed in 2007. She who has worked in the financial experience of working for a Chartered Director. Jamie Ratcliff
has been in the housing sector services sector for 15 years. As Deputy variety of public and private Raz Hussain
for 27 years, having previously Chief Executive, he is responsible for Jamie is Executive
sector companies. John was Stephen Cavinder
worked as for CHP, Worthing ensuring we have the right resources Raz has over 8 Director of Business
previously Chief Executive
Homes, New Era and the Housing to meet our ambitious goals. This Stephen worked at a years’ experience Performance and
of Pinnacle PSG and has
Corporation. Tina has also been a includes delivering strong financial senior management working within the Partnerships for
significant experience in
Non-Executive Director for a number performance and ensuring we have level for airport target-driven world Network Homes. He has almost
housing management and the
of organisations, and is currently on the treasury facilities in place to group BAA for of corporate business for large global 15 years’ experience in housing.
development of community
the Board of the Hertfordshire Local support our growth, as well as leading almost 35 years. He now provides companies, and has gained a wealth In that time, he has overseen the
improvement strategies. John
Enterprise Partnership. our IT and HR teams. an independent consultancy service of experience both in banking and completion of over 50,000 affordable
is also chair of 3SC and a Board
to the road transport industry. In product development. She regularly homes, established multi-billion
member of Red Door Ventures.
Julie Wittich Gareth Lewis May 2016, he was elected as a local undertakes voluntary jobs for charities pound investment programmes, and
Interim Group Group Director councillor for the Woodside Ward in and thrives on making a difference to developed and implemented statutory
Richard Archer
Director of of Partnerships Watford and served until 2019. people who need it the most. housing strategies.
Richard is the
Operations Chief Risk Adviser
Gareth has Chris Cheshire Raj Kumar Marsha Thompson
Julie has spent his entire of BT Enterprise,
Chris is a Chartered Raj runs run One Marsha is a BA Hons
extensive career in social with specialist
Construction Enterprise Ltd, Politics and Sociology
experience housing, having expertise in risk management,
Manager with 37 a consultancy graduate currently
in the sector, having held the roles been Development Director for both assurance and viability. He has a
years’ experience. specialising in value working as a careers
of Executive Director of Assets, Orbit Housing Group and Housing broad interest in social housing
He has been a Director of Asset for money, governance, resident advisor for young people. Marsha
Executive Director of Service Delivery 21, as well as spending 15 years in and is motivated to make a real
Management for a large housing scrutiny and service improvement. He has co-ordinated and developed a
and Head of Property Services consultancy. As Group Director of difference to the quality of life
provider in London, as well as owning has served on the Boards of several Social Action Campaign targeting
for Bedfordshire-based housing Partnerships, Gareth oversees our of existing and future residents.
and managing his own businesses organisations and held the position youth unemployment and she has
association bpha. She currently development activity as we work to He is also an External Member of
for the last 25 years. He became a of Head of Service for housing for independently delivered educational
oversees all our customer-facing deliver new homes to help alleviate the Audit and Risk Committee of
Group Board Member in 2019 and is both a local authority and a housing events that encourage young people
services on an interim basis. the housing shortage. Paradigm Housing Group.
Vice Chair. association. to engage in their local communities.Remuneration
BDC – Chair Attendance requirements
Fee: £7,000 Committee Members will be required to attend
evening meetings and an annual Group Board
awayday (scheduled for 8-9 October 2021).
BDC – Committee Member Meetings will be held in person wherever
possible and otherwise virtually.
Fee: £2,000
••
BDC meetings in 2021/22 are scheduled for:
5 July 2021
••
11 October 2021
13 December 2021
7 March 2022
The Chair of BDC is also required to attend
Group Board meetings and Clarendon Living Ltd
Board meetings, which are scheduled as follows
in 2021/22:
••
Group Board Meetings Clarendon Living Ltd
••
Board Meetings
24 May 2021
••
19 July 2021 5 July 2021
••
18 October 2021 11 October 2021
•
31 January 2022 13 December 2021
14 March 2022 7 March 2022Making your application
Now you know all about us and the roles, it’s time for us to hear
more about you and how you would help turn our plans into reality.
The key dates
Here’s a reminder and a few instructions about what to do next.
1 Make sure you’ve gone through this pack carefully:
Read the pack and review our plans, as set out in our
Business Plan – Let’s Go!
Closing date and time for applications 9am on Monday 25 January
Interviews Thursday 4 February
2
Review your CV:
Tailor your CV and in doing so present it so that it aligns your Decision by Remuneration & Appraisal Committee Thursday 11 February
achievements to what we aim to achieve through our Business
Plan and associated strategies, Let’s Go! Make sure it clearly tells Ratified by Group Board Monday 15 March
us what you can bring to us and it’s no longer than three pages.
Appointment starts Thursday 1 April
3
Answer our three questions on video:
There’s no supporting statement needed, just click on this link and
give us your three answers on video. Your video will be submitted
automatically. Your application won’t be accepted without it.
Send your application into us – before the deadline:
4
Answer the questions and send your CV – with the job role in the
subject line – to recruitment@distinctivepeople.co.uk by 9am on
Monday 25 January.Watford Community Housing 59 Clarendon Road Watford, Hertfordshire WD17 1LA T: 0800 218 2247 E: enquiries@wcht.org.uk www.wcht.org.uk
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