Executive Director of ResourcesRecruitment PackApril 2019

3Connexus-Group - Executive Director of Resources - Recruitment Pack Contents

Your application ........................................................................................ 04

Welcome to Connexus Housing Group .................................... 06

About Connexus Housing Group ................................................. 08

Structure ........................................................................................................ 10

Our Executive Management Team ............................................. 14

Job Description .......................................................................................... 16

Person specification ............................................................................ 18

Key terms and conditions .................................................................. 22

Key dates and the selection process ........................................ 22

Supplementary Information ............................................................ 24

The media advertisement ................................................................. 27

Contents

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Thank you very much for your interest in this post. On the following pages, you will find details of the role and 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;

• 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 three pages;

• The declaration form (completion of the equalities section is not mandatory, but is requested for monitoring purposes in line with our commitment to equality and diversity); and

• Indicate 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: connexus@campbelltickell.com

Applications must be received by Friday 10th May 2019 (12 noon).Please ensure we receive your application in good time. If you do not receive confirmation of receipt within 24 hours of sending, please call the team on 020 3434 0990. To help avoid your submission being treated as spam, please use a secure email address from which to send your application and refer to the role and organisation in the header.Please do call me if you wish to have an informal discussion about the role and organisation, or if you have any other questions to help you decide whether to apply.

Kind regardsKelly ShawKelly Shaw Senior Associate Consultant Campbell Tickell

Your application

Connexus-Group - Executive Director of Resources - Recruitment PackYour application

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These are exciting times for Connexus. Formed in 2017 from the merger of Herefordshire Housing and Shropshire Housing Group, we now deliver homes and services across Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Shropshire. We are a key regional provider in these markets, providing over 10,000 homes and with a turnover of £56m and over 600 staff. We have an ambitious development programme and are absolutely committed to continuing to deliver much needed homes and services across our counties. As a large rural housing provider, we face some unique challenges, but we know that our services are needed now more than ever. Both of our legacy organisations have a strong track record of delivery, and as our newly appointed Chief Executive I am looking to take the organisation to the next stage. We want to continue to deliver great properties in communities where people really want to live, ensuring that some of our most rural communities can continue to thrive. To do this, we need to ensure that we provide great homes and services, but also deliver desperately needed new homes in Herefordshire and Shropshire. We have a committed group of colleagues, strong finances and great relationships with our partner local authorities.

All is in place to deliver our ambitions, achieve our targets and secure our future and we are now looking forward to recruiting an Executive Director of Resources with a passion for the issues that face us, and a track record of delivery. As a professionally qualified accountant you will have a proven track record of successfully leading a range of high performing services and teams and will be a people-focussed leader able to inspire your staff group. Connexus is at an important stage in its journey, aligning what we do and developing “The Connexus Way” – our way of thinking, behaving and working. This role will allow you to contribute and support the delivery of our ambitious plans and make a real difference in Herefordshire and Shropshire. This is a unique chance to make an impact and difference in the housing sector. We are absolutely committed to delivering our plans and strategies, and the ambitions we set out when Connexus was created. If you have the necessary drive and passion for what we do, we look forward to discussing this opportunity with you. We welcome your interest and will be pleased to receive an application.

Richard WoolleyChief Executive

Welcome to Connexus Housing Group

7Connexus-Group - Executive Director of Resources - Recruitment Pack Welcome to Connexus Housing Group

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Connexus is proud to have some of the UK’s most exciting and forward thinking housing and support services. From the leading Careline service, providing telecare to over 37,500 customers, to more local innovative services such as the mobile responder service, reducing the impact on ambulance and hospital services and the Ludlow Foyer, providing a supported environment for young people.With over 600 employees and a portfolio of over 10,000 homes, we support people, create places, and work in partnership with like-minded providers to help our customers reach their potential.

Our group includes:

Herefordshire Housing – with over 5,800 homes across Herefordshire

South Shropshire Housing – with over 2,370 across South Shropshire and Herefordshire

Meres and Mosses Housing – with over 2,350 homes across North Shropshire

Floreat – a profit for purpose arm with a fresh approach to delivering brilliant new homes

Independence Trust – providing a range of innovative services that support peoples emotional and physical wellbeing

Connexus is at an exciting stage in its journey, aligning what we do and developing what we call The Connexus Way – our way of thinking, behaving and working. This framework supports our corporate plan, providing a foundation for the way we will deliver core objectives to; empower people to meet their needs and aspirations, provide great homes and sustain communities, create and value partnerships, and be well run, delivering value for money.Our transformational change programme – One Connexus – takes us further on our journey as one organisation, with projects focussed around;Where we work – ensuring we meet the needs and requirements of our colleagues and customers, we understand the demands and are fit for the future.

About Connexus Housing Group

9Connexus-Group - Executive Director of Resources - Recruitment Pack About Connexus Housing Group

The way we work – ensuring we are efficient and effective, emphasising our organisation as a single system and branded as one, with high colleague morale and satisfied customers and, The people of Connexus – our colleagues embrace and deliver The Connexus Way and our customers are treated as individuals based on what matters to them.

Local areaWorking for Connexus also means you can live and work in one of the most stunning parts of the UK. Shropshire has a wealth of things to do and you are never far away from beautiful scenery; In the Medieval town of Shrewsbury you can marvel at the black and white buildings and at the same time take advantage of the fact that Shrewsbury has far more than its fair share of independent and unique shops.

Ludlow is not just beautiful, it’s delicious! Shropshire’s gastronomic capital sits within the famous Blue Remembered Hills of the south of the county and is a great place to find your inner foodie. It also has a castle, which was once the home of future Kings of England, situated at one end of a medieval market square, which still holds regular markets. And if you love the great outdoors, the Shropshire Hills offer some outstanding post work or weekend hikes.Next door is the beautiful cider county of Herefordshire with its meandering river wye, it’s apple orchards, it’s independent eateries – including The Beefy Boys who’ve won awards all over the world for creating the best burgers; it’s castles that were once at the fore front of British history, and the world famous Mappa Mundi and its ancient cathedral. The rurality offers fantastic

routes for those who love to cycle, walk or run, whilst taking in fantastic views. And all the while you’re never too far from major cities like Bristol, Cardiff and Birmingham with mainline direct routes to all. For choral music fans Hereford is a triennial host for the oldest in the world non – competitive three Choirs festival with its neighbouring cathedral cities of Worcester and Gloucester. For book lovers you are not far away from the town of Hay on Wye with its world-famous literary festival. Against the backdrop of the Malvern Hills which inspired Edward Elgar so much and offers more outstanding walks, is the annual Royal Three Counties agricultural show with just about everything that is good about rural living.

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Structure Chart

Executive Director of

Housing and Wellbeing

Executive Director of

Development

Executive Director of Assets and

Repairs

Executive Director of Resources

Head of ICT

Head of HR

Head of Finance and Procurement

Head of Governance

Head of Insight and Change

Chief Executive

Connexus-Group - Director of Resources - Recruitment PackStructure Chart

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Our Executive Management Team

Richard Woolley - Chief Executive

Richard has over 20 years’ experience in the housing sector, gained with both Large Scale Voluntary Transfers (LSVTs) and traditional housing associations. Richard is the newly appointed Chief Executive.

Christine Duggan - Director of Housing and Communities

Christine has worked in the social housing sector in Herefordshire for over 15 years. She has experience across all parts of the business having previously led amongst others; homelessness and floating support, business improvement, and neighbourhood services.

Duncan Forbes - Interim Deputy Chief Executive

Duncan started out as a legal aid lawyer working in London law centres. He then set up his own legal practice in Wales. Duncan was the lead consultant on the setting up of Bron Afon Community Housing and then went on to become their first CEO and spent over 9 years there.

Connexus-Group - Executive Director of Resources - Recruitment PackOur Executive Management Team

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Vivien Knibbs - Interim Director Assets and Repairs

Vivien’s an experienced housing professional, having worked across both the housing association and ALMO sectors (arm’s-length management organisations). She has experience in all aspects of strategic and operational housing delivery and has a significant track record in delivering organisational change programs.

Rowan Kirk - Interim Director of Development

Rowan has over 30 years of experience working in senior development roles in the residential and care markets in the public, third and private sectors. Rowan has worked as a Director at Sanctuary Group and Keepmoat Ltd.

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Job Description

Job title: Executive Director of ResourcesResponsible to: Chief ExecutiveDepartment: ResourcesNumber of people directly managed: 4 direct reports; Head of finance, HR, ICT, GovernanceBudget Responsibility: Up to £10MKey Relationships:• Regulators / Auditors / Lenders

& Banking officials / Other Professional bodies

• Colleagues / managers/SMT / EMT / Board

• Local Authorities and other Housing Associations

Location: Herefordshire or ShropshireMain purpose and scope of the job:As a member of the Executive team, you will contribute to the strategic management of the organisation with a clear focus on the future as well as the here and now. You will provide strategic advice, leadership and direction for the Resources Directorate, ensuring the services and advice provided enable the organisation to maximise all of its resources whether they are financial, human or technological. Ensure that sound evidence-based financial and value for money decisions enable the organisation to fulfil its mission.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities: Executive team: • As a member of the Executive

team, you will contribute to the development of organisational strategy and plans, sharing responsibility for their delivery.

• Keep abreast of statutory, political, regulatory and economic trends in the broader environment, best practice in the sector and competitor activity and interpret this information to inform strategic plans.

• Operate as a key contributor to the management of change, integration and improvement through the development and implementation of corporate strategies and plans across the organisation, leading and working with colleagues to deliver seamless and consistent services for customers.

• Provide advice and information to the Board and its committees to enable effective decision making.

Resources directorate: • Lead on the development of

strategic finance plans and ensure the organisation has the appropriate information and advice to make effective decisions across the business, so that it can achieve its mission.

• Develop appropriate and innovative strategies, policies and plans either to respond to emerging legislation, issues or challenges, or to improve services or to deliver better value for money.

• Lead the organisation’s treasury management function, determining the strategy, ensuring the provision of appropriate advice, and liaising with funders and investors in all material aspects.

• Take a lead on risk management across the organisation. Ensure the organisation has a proper appreciation of risk management and mitigation.

• Act as the client for the organisation’s external and internal audit services, so that the organisation’s interests are effectively safeguarded and audited.

• Ensure the organisation has appropriate and cost effective information technology which supports business goals and digital transformation to support improved access; high quality information; and a positive customer experience.

• Lead on the establishment and maintenance of a fit for purpose and effective governance infrastructure ensuring compliance with the code of governance and regulatory and statutory requirements.

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure that the HR/OD function provides a proactive, flexible, customer focused service which supports business objectives.

• Lead on the management of all resources in the directorate, monitoring budgets, maximising income, and developing

17Connexus-Group - Executive Director of Resources - Recruitment PackJob Description

and implementing strategies to improve value for money.

• Monitor and manage performance of all services in the directorate, to ensure that they achieve agreed objectives and targets, that all advice services are high quality and meet the needs of the business. Take corrective action where required, creating a culture of ambition and high achievement.

• Ensure that all services within the directorate fully comply with professional and accounting standards, statutory and regulatory requirements and organisational policies and procedures, including health and safety; equality and diversity; and procurement.

• Build close relationships with funders, external partners and stakeholders, representing and promoting the organisation and building its reputation.

Leadership: • Lead, inspire, direct and empower

staff by setting challenging goals, providing development opportunities and effectively communicating the organisation’s direction and objectives.

• Promote a culture of customer services, innovation, respect, collaborative working, efficiency and achievement within the operations function, ensuring the organisation’s values are embedded in all activity.

• Sponsor and lead programmes of work, leading change and delivering to time and to budget with buy

in from staff and effective multi-disciplinary working.

• Be a role model of the behaviours required within the directorate, acting with openness, professionalism and integrity at all times, ensuring that staff within the operations function are committed to encouraging and embracing diversity.

Key Performance Measures: • Compliance with

Financial regulations• Compliance with

Housing regulations • Decreased external attrition/

increased internal attrition• Maintenance and improvement

of organisational morale• Delivery of financial budgets and

end of year company accounts • Delivery of internal key

performance measures• Decrease in colleague complaints/

colleagues disatisfactionStandard Requirements (Applicable to all roles)• All individuals are expected to be

flexible in undertaking the duties and responsibilities attached to their job and may be asked to perform other duties which reasonably correspond to the general character of their job and their level of responsibility.

• All individuals are expected to maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job and participate

in appropriate learning and development activities.

• All individuals are expected to carry out their duties and responsibilities having regard to the company’s commitment to providing a customer focused service.

• Act as an ambassador for the Group at all times during the course of your duties.

• Ensure compliance with requirements under the Data Protection Act 2018 and follow the Group’s Data Protection Policy and procedures relating to confidentiality.

• To promote equality and diversity and to treat everyone with fairness and dignity. Whilst being committed to the principles of Equality and Diversity.

• To recognise health and safety as a responsibility of every individual, to take reasonable care of oneself and others in the workplace and comply with policies, relevant legislation and any service specific procedures that may apply to the role.

• Ensure practice is firmly rooted within the Children and Adults Safeguarding framework. As an organisation we take an assertive approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children and adults with care and support needs and colleagues will need to demonstrate an understanding and commitment to best safeguarding practice.

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Person Specification

Qualifications:• Relevant professional qualification

e.g. CIPFA/CIMA/ACA/ACCA and full membership of a recognised UK accountancy body. Evidence of continuing professional development would be an advantage.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience: • Proven track record of successfully

leading a range of high performing finance services which have enabled an organisation of comparable size and complexity to achieve ambitious goals and continuing financial health.

• A thorough knowledge of the financial compliance and regulatory framework relevant to the organisation, particularly in the management of risk.

• Substantial experience in treasury management, managing a loan portfolio and being accountable for covenants and long term financial projections.

• Housing sector experience is desirable but an awareness of the sector and services would be advantageous.

• Strategic vision and foresight, with experience of developing a strong service culture, where organisational infrastructure proactively supports frontline service delivery.

• Ability to create and lead a culture based on the organisation’s values, to inspire, motivate and develop staff at all levels; skilled at building cohesive and motivated teams who are committed to the organisation’s vision and goals.

• Ability to identify and see the potential of innovations and new technology to deliver efficiency and an improved service offering and to lead and manage significant change and create an environment where change and innovation are considered and dealt with positively and seen as an opportunity for continuous improvement.

• A track record of delivering excellence in customer services, for continuous improvement of services and service offerings in order to deliver increased social value.

• Ability to interpret financial information, analyse complex data and present information in an accessible way, able to manage budgets and make sound financial decisions, continuously striving for better value for money.

• Ability to make sound judgements, and find solutions to complex issues and problems, taking a commercial approach, identify and manage risk.

• Ability to work effectively in partnership with board members, executives, staff, residents, customers and external stakeholders; with the ability

to engage effectively at all levels and to present complex information in an accessible way.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; well-developed ambassadorial, influencing, networking, promotional and negotiating skills, particularly in relation to working with funders and investors.

• Shared vision and values of the organisation.

• Resilient, robust, confident and determined, also self-aware and committed to addressing areas for personal development.

• Having an understanding of and embracing diversity; treating others with dignity and respect with a real desire to understand and meet diverse customer needs and aspirations.

• A decisive and effective decision maker who leads by example with an open, engaging and enthusing style.

• A personal and professional credibility that will command confidence at all levels.

• Works well in a team, with a collaborative style that engages people at all levels and promotes positive relationships throughout the organisation and its partners.

• Committed to accountability, openness, transparency and equality of opportunity.

19Connexus-Group - Executive Director of Resources - Recruitment Pack Person Specification

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Key terms and conditions

Key dates and the selection process

Salary and package:Salary is c. £110kBenefits:Westfield Private Health, Car allowance 10% of salaryPension:SHPS DC – auto-enrolment scheme – 5% employer contribution

Holiday entitlement: 28 days rising to 30 days (Jan to Dec holiday year)

Working hours:37 hours per week based around the usual working week.

Probation and notice periods:6 months’ probation

Location:Connexus has four key locations and you will be required to work across the Connexus estate but you will mainly be in the Hereford and Craven Arms offices where the finance team is based but full company estate travel is required.

Close for application:Friday 10th May 2019 (12 noon)The client meeting to agree longlisted candidates will take place on Wednesday 15th May. Successful candidates will be informed on Thursday 16th May. All unsuccessful candidates will be offered feedback by Campbell Tickell.

First interviews:Thursday 23rd May 2019Longlisted candidates will be interviewed by a Campbell Tickell panel.Interviews will be held at Connexus. The Gateway, The Auction Yard, Craven Arms, SY7 9BW.

Final interviews:Thursday 6th June 2019Shortlisted candidates will asked to complete online WAVE profile.The final interview will be a panel interview with the opportunity to meet with new The Executive Team for a separate discussion session.Interviews will be held at Connexus, Legion Way, Hereford, HR1 1L.

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Supplementary Information

Connexus Brand Story

The Connexus Way – Corporate Plan 2018 - 2021

Connexus Financial Statements 2017/18

Connexus Group Documents

Connexus Group News

Connexus Group – Our Brands

Full details of Connexus can be viewed at https://connexus-group.co.uk

Executive Director of Resources c.£110k | West MidlandsFormed in July 2017, Connexus brought together two successful housing groups providing homes and delivering services across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Gloucester. With a combined portfolio of over 10,000 homes, a £56m turnover, and more than 600 colleagues we are an important regional provider whilst also having a key role as place-shaper and community anchor.There is ample opportunity to make a real di�erence in this role. We have a strong financial position, an ambitious development programme, recently strengthened governance, a willingness to innovate, excellent local partnerships and a great reputation for housing, well-being, place-shaping and regeneration.

With the recent appointment of a new Chief Executive, we are now looking to further strengthen the executive team with the recruitment of a new Executive Director of Resources. As a member of the Executive Team, you will contribute to the development of the organisational strategy and plans, sharing joint responsibility for delivery and have a clear focus on the future as well as the here and now.As a professionally qualified accountant, you will have a proven track record of successfully leading a range of high performing services and teams. You will be a people-focussed leader who will inspire your sta� group, coupled with the ability to direct and empower colleagues by setting challenging goals.

You will join a dynamic senior management team who are keen to make an even greater positive di�erence to the lives of the people and communities we serve. Working with us also o�ers the opportunity to live in some of the most stunning countryside, villages, towns or cities in the UK.You will join Connexus at an exciting time. If you are an experienced finance professional looking for your next challenge, then please contact our retained consultant Kelly Shaw at Campbell Tickell on 07900 363803 or 0203 434 0990 for an informal chatClosing date: Friday 10th May 2019 (12 noon)

27Connexus-Group - Executive Director of Resources - Recruitment PackThe media advertisement

Third Floor Olympic Office Centre 8 Fulton Road Wembley Middlesex HA9 0NU

020 8830 6777 020 3434 0990 (Recruitment)

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