Job Application
Pack
Board Member
Head Office:
Sydenham, London
SE26
April 2016
1
Dear Resident,
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Board Member at Hexagon Housing
Association.
If you require a copy of this document in an alternative format please contact
us on the details below.
As a provider of high quality housing and care services, we believe it is
important to recruit talented residents for the Board who share our vision to be
the provider of choice.
We know that attracting and keeping the best Board Members is the most
effective way to build a successful business.
This pack gives background information on Hexagon and the Board Member
role. Please make sure your application reaches us by 8th May 2016.
You will be contacted the following week if you have been shortlisted. If we do
not contact you, then please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this
occasion.
Interviews will be arranged for mid May 2016.
Good luck!
Hexagon Human Resources
Tel: 0208 768 7941
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.hexagon.org.uk/careers
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Contents
About Hexagon....................................................................... 4
Job advert ...............................................................................6
Job description.........................................................................7
Person Specification ……………………………………………. 8
Questions and Answers…………………………………………..9
Equality & Diversity and Recruitment of Ex-Offenders ….... 12
Guidance Notes………………………………………………… 13
Application Form………………………………………………...14
3
About Hexagon
Hexagon is an innovative and
responsive Housing Association working
in partnership with a range of local
authorities to meet housing and care
needs across South East London. With a
turnover of £31m and circa 150 staff,
Hexagon is continually improving the
quality and range of our affordable
homes and services.
As an organisation, we are concerned
with people, their homes and
communities. We make good quality,
affordable housing and services
available to people in South East
London, and work to extend opportunities and improve the neighbourhoods they
live in.
With over 4,200 homes for rent we offer more housing choices in areas of high
demand. We are building new homes and taking part in major regeneration
initiatives in London. More than 300 vulnerable people use our specialist housing
and one-to-one care and support services.
Like all housing associations, Hexagon is a not-for-profit organisation and
is regulated by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
Hexagon's driving aim is: 'To meet housing, care, and support needs in South
London and North Kent, and assist with economic and social regeneration'.
Our values include:
•
•
•
•
•
We foster equality of opportunity and
embrace diversity in everything we do.
We are committed to ensuring
affordability of all our homes and
services.
We strive to be open and accountable
to our customers and partners.
We place the interests of our residents
and service-users at the heart of what
we do.
We value our staff and are committed
to them achieving their potential.
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Only by having a clear and understandable mission statement and values, can we
measure our own success and progress. Our mission & values statements allow our
customers to know what they can expect from Hexagon.
Our Corporate Objectives are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
To continually improve the quality and range
of our affordable homes and services through
innovation and best practice.
To be cost effective, efficient and competitive.
To be amongst the best in the provision of
housing, care, support and related services.
To be financially secure.
To develop, motivate, and retain staff.
To be socially responsible in the way we run
our business, and in particular, to focus our
efforts on promoting environmental
sustainability.
5
Job Advert/letter from Chair of Hexagon
Dear Resident
Re: Recruitment of Board Members
I am writing in my capacity as Chair of Hexagon Housing Association’s Board
to let you know about an exciting opportunity and to seek expressions of
interest for the position of Board Member.
Hexagon’s Board of Management has overall responsibilities to direct
Hexagon’s affairs. The Board deals primarily with strategic direction and
policy. In general, the day to day management of the organisation is
delegated to the Association’s paid staff.
As you are probably aware, Hexagon is a charitable, non-profit making
organisation. Our mission is to “meet housing and care and support needs in
South East London and assist with economic and social regeneration”.
The Board is committed to ensuring that residents play a prominent and active
role in the running of Hexagon and that is why we ensure that four of the 12
places on the Board are occupied by residents.
From September, we will have two vacancies for Board Members and I am
therefore writing to all residents to briefly explain what the role entails and to
seek expressions of interest.
I attach for your information, a Job Description that explains what board
members are expected to do. I also attach a ‘Person Specification’ which
outlines some of the personal qualities we are looking for.
The Board meets six times a year, generally held on a Tuesday, commencing
at 4:30pm and finishing by around 7:30pm. An annual strategy away-day is
held on a Saturday, normally in September. The Board also has two subcommittees, an Audit & Risk Committee and a Remuneration Committee
which meet four and two times per year respectively.
Members are also occasionally involved in the final stage of our Complaints
Procedure on a rota basis so this might involve another meeting or two per
annum.
Hexagon Board Members are paid £3,580 per annum. Board Members are
also reimbursed for their expenses incurred while undertaking business on
behalf of the Association. Board Members are also supported with training to
meet their needs.
This is an exciting opportunity to influence the way that Hexagon works. You
will have some input into the strategic direction of the organisation, assist with
managing the risks that might prevent us from delivering on our objectives,
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and you will have an important role in monitoring service delivery such as
repairs, and progress in building new homes to ensure we meet all of our
targets.
To be a Board Member, you must be a tenant, shared owner, or a
leaseholder. If you are interested, you can find an application form on our
website at the following address www.hexagon.org.uk/careers. If you are
unable to access this information over the internet, please ring our Human
Resources Department on 020 8768 7941, who will send you the information
by post.
For those of you who are interested, we will be holding an information session
to give you a bit more information and this will be held on Tuesday, 26th April
2016 at 6.30pm at Hexagon. If you would like to attend, please email
[email protected] or ring on 020 8768 7970.
The closing date for applications is Sunday, 8th May 2016. After we have
received the applications, we will read them and develop a long list of people
that we will invite for an informal interview with a small panel of Hexagon
Board Members, alongside Hexagon’s Human Resources Manager.
Following these interviews, the successful candidates will be invited to
prepare a brief statement which will then go forward to all of Hexagon’s
residents who will make the final decision on which residents should be
appointed to the Board. This will take place via an election which will start in
mid-June and complete by mid-July.
Hexagon is at its best when it has a strong residents’ voice guiding it and I
therefore very much hope that if you have the skills, knowledge and
experience to assist in the running of Hexagon that you put yourself forward
for consideration.
If you have any queries, or require additional information, please contact
[email protected] or ring 020 8768 7070.
Yours sincerely
Roy Coulter
Chair
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Job Description
Post title:
Board Member
Reports to:
Chair
Responsible for: N/A
Purpose
1. To contribute to the development of organisational strategy by providing
leadership and clear direction on a vision for the future.
2. To ensure that all decisions comply with the values and objectives of the
Association.
3. To ensure that policies and plans are in place to achieve the Association’s
objectives.
4. To contribute to the efficient conduct of Board meetings by contributing to
Board discussions.
5. To oversee the framework of delegation and systems of Internal Control.
6. To contribute to the Association’s Risk Management framework and to
specific decisions which involve Risk Assessment.
7. To assist in monitoring the Association’s performance.
8. To perform the role of “Lead Board member” for a specific area of the
Association’s business, taking the lead on Board matters for your
area of responsibility
9. To ensure that the Association’s affairs are conducted lawfully in
accordance with generally accepted standards.
10. To ensure that the Association complies with the Code of Governance.
11. To represent the Association externally as and when required.
12. To promote the Association’s commitment to diversity and equality of
opportunity.
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Person Specification
Essential Desirable
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Ability to think strategically (i.e. seeing the bigger
picture and making links and connections in order to
spot opportunities or avoid problems)
Organisational commitment (i.e. a willingness to
align oneself with the aims and strategy of the
organisation)
X
X
Drive and determination to achieve significant
business improvements
X
Self confidence – belief in ones ability to make clear
decisions and a willingness to speak out and deal
positively with challenges
X
Good communications skills; an ability to
communicate with others that ensures
understanding and gains acceptance on the vision
for the future
A good team worker who can work co-operatively
with others
X
X
Leadership and direction skills; the ability to lead
and direct an executive team and gain their
commitment
X
8.
Commitment to diversity and equal opportunities
X
9.
An understanding of some of the key strategic
issues facing housing associations now and in the
future
9
X
Hexagon Housing Association
Questions & Answers for Potential Resident Board Members
What is Hexagon Housing Association Ltd?
Hexagon is a charitable, not for profit housing association, based in
Sydenham. We are a community based and locally focused association
working primarily in the boroughs of Lewisham, Southwark, Greenwich,
Croydon and Bexley. We see our local focus as one of our greatest strengths
allowing us to work in close partnership with our community partners.
Hexagon manages circa 4,200 homes.
What does Hexagon do?
Hexagon’s core business is to provide permanent homes for general needs
tenants. We do this with the assistance of Government subsidy and our
services are generally targeted at those in housing need. We also provide
shared ownership housing as an option for people trying to buy but who are
unable to access home ownership without financial assistance. We also
provide supported housing for approximately 550 Supported Housing tenants,
most of whom receive support from third parties. Lastly, we run three care
homes for people with mental health issues, two of which are registered
homes. In addition to providing core housing management and repair services
to our residents, we provide a range of other support including help with
getting into employment.
How many staff work at Hexagon?
Hexagon employs circa 150 staff with just over half involved in the provision of
housing and related services. Just under half are involved in the provision of
care and support to residents.
What is Hexagon’s Mission?
Hexagon’s Mission Statement is defined as follows: ‘To meet housing and
care and support needs in South East London and assist with economic and
social regeneration’.
What does the Board of Management do?
Hexagon’s Board of Management has overall responsibilities to direct
Hexagon’s affairs. The Board deals primarily with strategic direction and
policy. In general, the Management is delegated to the Association’s paid
staff.
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Why do the Board reserve four of the 12 Board positions specifically for
residents?
The Board wants to ensure that Hexagon puts its residents at the heart of
everything we do and they believe that having significant representation at
Board level will assist us in being truly focused on their needs.
How is Hexagon formally constituted?
Hexagon is a charitable non-profit making organisation registered under the
Industrial and Provident Societies Act. Our Rules are based on the National
Housing Association’s Model Rules.
How many times does the Board meet in a year?
The Board meets six times a year to receive reports from the Officers of the
Association. The meetings concentrate on “strategic” issues, “risk
management”, and “performance monitoring”. One of these meetings
incorporates the Annual General Meeting (AGM) which is held during
September
What are the main duties of the job?
These are described in the Job Description attached to this job information
pack
What sort of personal qualities/attributes expected of a Board member?
These are described in the Person Specification attached to this job
information pack
Are there any minimum eligibility requirements (i.e. things that would be
incompatible with Resident Board membership)?
Yes. Resident who are more than 6 weeks in rent arrears (except in cases
where the arrears has been caused by housing benefit delays or other
administrative delays), cannot be serve on the Board.
Residents who have been found guilty of a Court judgment for anti- social
behavior or a breach of tenancy cannot serve on the Board.
There are two other criteria that apply to all Board members, namely the
prohibition of anyone who has been prevented by law from being a director of
a company, or anyone who has an unspent criminal conviction, from being a
Board member.
Lastly, all Board members are expected to sign up to a commitment to
Hexagons Equality & Diversity policy.
11
Does Hexagon offer training?
Yes – we offer a 3-part modular training course for Board Members including,
an Induction Course for Board Members. We also give the opportunity to
attend external training courses provided by outside agencies often
specifically aimed at Board Members who have a particular training need.
Does the Board have any sub-committees?
The Board currently has an Audit & Risk Committee, which meets four times a
year and a Remuneration Committee which meets twice per year.
The Board also appoints and has representatives on a wholly owned non
charitable subsidiary called Horniman Housing Association. Horniman
undertakes housing for outright sale and “gift aids” its profits back to Hexagon
to allow us to carry out our core business more effectively.
How much time is required to be a Board Member?
We expect the new Board Member to attend the six Board meeting. The
meetings are held on Tuesdays, starting at 4:30pm, and usually finish by
7:30pm.
In addition, Board Members will need to read the reports, which are available
a week prior to meetings. Attendance at the September Away Day involves a
Friday evening and a full Saturday commitment.
Some Board members are also involved in the final stage of our complaints
procedure on a rota basis so this might involve one or two additional meetings
per annum.
In addition, Hexagon occasionally holds official functions, such as opening
ceremonies, tenant meetings, visits to sites, and staff conferences, etc.
Attendance at these is not strictly speaking required and attendance is
dependent on individual availability.
Are Board Members paid?
Hexagon Board Members are paid £3,588 per annum. Board Members are
also reimbursed for their expenses incurred whilst undertaking business on
behalf of the Association.
This is only a brief guide to the role of a Hexagon Board Member. If you would
like to find out more, please contact our Resident Involvement Manager, Brian
Hughes on 020 8768 7964
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Equality & Diversity
Hexagon Housing Association is committed to promoting equal opportunities
both in the provision of services and in our employment practices. Hexagon
serves diverse communities in South East London and the surrounding
areas. We value diversity, and recognise the benefits of employing a diverse
workforce in relation to our customer service and growth as an Organisation.
Through our work in providing affordable housing and care services, and as
an employer, we will help ensure fair treatment for all members of the
community, regardless of race, ethnic origin or nationality; gender; disability,
whether mental or physical; religion; marital or family status; sexuality or
sexual orientation; HIV status; age or physical appearance. We recognise
that because some groups or people experience prejudice and discrimination,
to make opportunities really available, we have to make an extra effort. We
will strive to ensure that no-one receives less favourable treatment or is
disadvantaged by any conditions, requirements, provisions criteria,
procedures or practices that cannot be justified, or victimised for taking action
against discrimination or harassment.
A full copy of our Equality & Diversity Policy is available on our website at
http://www.hexagon.org.uk/content/264/equality-and-diversity-policy.aspx
Recruitment of Ex-offenders
As an organisation, using the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure
service to assess applicants’ suitability for positions of trust, Hexagon Housing
Association complies fully with the CRB Code of Practice and undertakes to
treat all applicants for positions fairly. It undertakes not to discriminate unfairly
against any subject of a Disclosure on the basis of conviction or other
information revealed.
A fully copy of our Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy is available on our
website at http://www.hexagon.org.uk/content/265/recruitment-of-exoffenders.aspx
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Application Guidance Notes
References
Before a new Board member stands for election, we must have received
satisfactory references, please note that if we do not receive satisfactory
references we may withdraw the offer.
Eligibility to work in the UK
If you are successful you will be asked to produce evidence demonstrating
your eligibility to work in the UK.
Data Protection
Any data about you will be held securely with access restricted to those
involved in dealing with your application in the selection process. We will
consider that by signing and submitting your application form you are giving
consent to the processing of your data including putting your application
forward for other suitable positions within 6 months of your application.
Returning your Application Form
Completed application forms must be received by midnight on the closing
date, unless stated otherwise on the advertisement. To ensure delivery of
your completed Application Form it is best to return it by email to
[email protected].
If you require acknowledgement of your application please follow the
instructions below and note that unless you do this we cannot
acknowledge receipt of your application:
• If e-mailing you must activate a read receipt from your email account.
• If sending by post you must enclose a stamped addressed envelope
with correct postage.
You should hear by the end of the week following the closing date if you have
been shortlisted. If you do not hear from us, your application has not been
successful on this occasion. Please do not hesitate to call us to obtain
feedback if you wish.
If you require clarification on any of the above, please contact the Human
Resources Department on 0208 768 7941, who will be pleased to assist you.
Good luck with your application.
Thank you for your interest in Hexagon Housing Association.
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Hexagon Housing Association Ltd
130-136 Sydenham Road
London SE26 5JY
Board Members’ Application Form
Name ………………………………………………………………
Home Address …………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………….
Post Code …………….. Tel No………………….
Date of Birth ………………………………………………………
Occupation ………………………………………………………..
Work/Business Address …………………………………………..
…………………………………………..
Post Code ………Tel No …………….…
Potential conflict of interest
Are you related to any member of staff
or Board Member of the Association?
YES / NO
Are you related to, or do you employ, any contractor/consultant
That carries out work for the Association?
YES / NO
If the answer is YES, to any of the above, please supply details.
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
Are you a Board/Committee Member of another housing
Association or organisation providing care or housing
Services?
YES / NO
If the answer is YES, please supply details: ………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………...........
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Have you ever been convicted of any criminal offence?
Yes
No
*If yes, please give details below
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
*Note: You are not required to give any information on ‘spent’ convictions
under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Have you been prohibited in law from being a director
of a company?
Yes
No
Are you in rent/service charge arrears by more than
six weeks
Yes
No
Have you ever been found guilty of a Court Judgement
for anti-social behaviour or a breach of tenancy
Yes
No
Skills and Experience
Please use the space below to demonstrate how you meet the requirements
listed on the Person Specification. It would be helpful if you can give examples
of how your skills and experience meet the essential requirements. If you
believe that your qualifications assist you in meeting the Person Specification,
feel free to describe these (i.e. professional qualifications, employment
history). (continue on a separate sheet if necessary). Feel free to attach a
copy of your CV if you think that could be helpful.
Signed………………………………………………Date……………….
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THIS PAGE WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE APPLICATION FORM PRIOR
TO SHORTLISTING
SELF-ASSESSMENT FORM
Hexagon Housing Association Ltd operates an equal opportunities policy, which aims
to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and equally regardless of race, creed,
disability or sex. In order to satisfy ourselves that the policy is being carried out
efficiently, we ask that you assist us to monitor the policy by completing this form.
The form will be removed from the application form and will not be used to influence
a decision on your possible employment with the Association. Your reply will be
confidential and will be used for monitoring purposes only.
1.
Please indicate the description which you feel is the most appropriate
description of your ethnic origins:- (NB Please complete Part 1 and Part 2)
If your ethnic origins are a combination of those listed, please tick all those
which apply.
Part 1
Irish
Caribbean
African
Chinese
British
Asian
Indian
Pakistani
Bangladeshi
Gypsy/Romany
Other
Question Refused
Part 2
Black
White
Other
_______
_______
_______
_______
_______
_______
_______
_______
_______
_______
_______
_______
2.
Please indicate your sex:
Male _______
Female _______
3.
Do you have a disability?
Yes _______
No
_______
_______
_______
_______
Please describe any disabilities you have (any information given will be
treated in the strictest confidence.
………………………………………………………………………………..
If you are disabled, are there any special arrangements you would like
us to make if you are selected for interview?
………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………
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4.
Where did you see the advert for this post? ………………………………
5.
My sexual orientation is…
Bisexual ______ Gay ______ Lesbian ______ Heterosexual ______
Decline to answer ______
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