One team, one vision

Finance & Development Director

Briefing Papers Severn Vale Housing

February 2015

Finance & Development Director

• Letter from Tim Knight, Chief Executive

• About Severn Vale Housing

• Corporate Strategy 2015 – 2018 Staff Structure

• Report & Financial Statements 2014 *available to download

• For further information please visit: www.svhs.org.uk

• A copy of the Advertisement

• Job Description and Person Specification

• Summary Terms & Conditions

• Application Guidelines • Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form *(Word version available to

download)

*available to download from www.emaconsult.co.uk

Introduction

About Severn Vale Housing

Other Important Documentation

About the Role

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Finance and Development Director

Introduction

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February 2015

Dear Applicant Many thanks for your interest in the post of Finance and Development Director. We are about to embark on a new chapter in our story. With high levels of customer satisfaction, a recent successful refinancing, and strong, supportive partnerships, we’ve got everything going for us. A new Chair, Laurence James, was appointed last year, and more recently new independent Board members were appointed, to help us in our journey to achieve our vision and aims. We are currently adding the finishing touches to our new corporate strategy that will act as our roadmap to 2018, so it’s an exciting time to join us. Our new Finance & Development Director will play a key role in bringing our strategy to life and turning great ideas into caring and community focused services enabling customers to live healthy and independent lives. You will ensure careful and attentive stewardship of our financial operations, helping us to make the very best use of resources. A sound financial foundation will be key in supporting our ambitions and to our development programme, which will be a lead area of responsibility for the appointee. Working with an experienced development manager the Director will identify, evaluate and realise commercial opportunities that support our growth strategy and resonate with our values and ambitions. Supporting our asset management strategy will be a key activity, so that we can retain and enhance the value of our stock to underpin sustainable growth. As part of our corporate management team, we will need a visible and influential leader within the organisation, someone who can bring our corporate plan to life and connect delivery on the ground to our strategic priorities. We expect that you’ll be a qualified accountant with a track record of achievement in treasury management, strategic funding management and accountancy in an organisation of similar scale and complexity and direct experience of the housing sector would be an advantage. We also expect you to be used to managing change and developing staff, and be comfortable working in an environment of cultural change that embraces and upholds the Society’s new values – to be ‘professional, purposeful, caring, creative and trustworthy’. This is a great opportunity for an exceptional individual to join a new management team to help shape the future and help us achieve our future strategic vision. Yours sincerely Tim Knight Chief Executive

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Finance and Development Director

About Us

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About Severn Vale Housing (SVHS) History Severn Vale Housing came into existence in April 1998 following a Large Scale Voluntary Transfer (LSVT) from Tewkesbury Borough Council. Over 3,000 homes were transferred to Severn Vale Housing's ownership and an extensive programme of refurbishment and improvement was put into place. Severn Vale Housing is a non-profit making organisation, which means any money made is reinvested back into the business to create better homes, and regulated by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). Now Severn Vale Housing manages around 3,800 properties and provides services to over 5,000 customers. Our vision talks about creating efficiencies to help more people; everything we do is aimed at achieving outcomes that will eventually impact on the people to whom we provide homes and services. Our mission supports this to 'make a positive difference to people's lives'. Our Vision

We are putting the final touches to our corporate strategy, and below is the SVHS vision of where we intend to be by 31st March 2018: ‘To be recognised by our stakeholders as the leading housing provider in Gloucestershire by providing caring and community focused services enabling customers to live healthy and independent lives’. Our Strategic Aims There are four clear, powerful strategic aims that describe what we will do to achieve this vision. These are;

1. To meet the diverse needs of our customers by making their homes and our services more efficient.

2. To create vibrant and connected communities where people feel safe, well and proud to live.

3. To maximise existing income sources and generate new income to complement and support the delivery and expansion of homes and services.

4. To be recognised by our stakeholders as having a business culture based on continuous improvement, teamwork, flexibility and the ability to respond to the challenges we face.

These aims form the thrust of all activities that we will undertake in the next three years, and will help steer and inform improvement efforts and investment (both in cash and resource terms) across the business.

Running through these strategic aims are two distinct types of activity: those that consume cash and resources, and those that produce cash and resources. These two need to be kept in balance, and to a great extent dictate the pace of change.

Guiding Principles We have developed a set of guiding principles for the achievement of its vision. The following are the main rules SVHS management and staff think are essential to achieve the vision;

1. We are supported by robust, transparent and audited governance and strong financial planning.

2. We operate under stringent quality controls across all our service areas.

3. We identify and effectively manage risks throughout the business.

4. We make decisions based on evidence and knowledge of our business, customers and communities.

5. We work collaboratively on shared goals, both inside the organisation; and with selected external partners.

6. We maximise the commercial value of our assets.

7. We invest in and support our staff in achieving their full potential.

Financial and Non-Financial Benefits We are currently developing with staff and managers a set of quantifiable and ‘hard to quantify’ list of benefits that will flow from the strategic vision and the SMART goals that will underpin each objective. These, along with the key performance indicators (KPIs), will be important measures that accompany the strategy.

While the absolute numbers are still being worked through, the categories of benefits, and to some extent their quantum, are known. These are summarised in the following chart:

Financial Non-Financial

Qua

ntif

iabl

e

• Reduced operating cost (VfM)

• Increased Return on Assets (RoA)

• Increase in income from new services

• Clear financing options for meeting Joint Core Strategy (JCS)

• Restoration of G1 rating

• Better governance generally

• Greatly increased productivity

• Increased customer satisfaction

• Reduced cycle time and yield loss in key processes

Non

Qua

ntif

iabl

e • Clear understanding of SVHS asset base

• Reduced costs through Customer Self Service

• Clear vision and strategy

• Improved leadership skills

• Cross functional working (silo destruction)

• Better risk management

The budgeting process and development of our Business Plan, currently underway, will formally capture these savings and investments.

Chief Executive

Finance & Development

Director

Asset Management

Director

Customer & Community

Director

Governance & StrategyDirector

New in post

New hire

• 100% Compliance• Strategic KPI’s• % Statutory returns• % Risks Managed• HCA KPIs• H&S Compliance

• Customer Satisfaction

• Community value• Ombudsman• % Arrears• Avg Relet Time

• No. of Repairs per property

• Average £/Repair• % RFT• % Gas Services

Complete (CP12)

• £ capital available• Portfolio return (ROI

(A) / NPV)• Direct vs. Indirect

• Financial viability• Maintain financial

control• Create financial

capacity for growth• New build• Commercial (e.g.

GRHA)• Procurement• Audit (Financial)

• Improve repairs and maintenance

• Connect the R&M & Planned maint.

• Aids & adapt’s• Income generation• Facilities Mngt• H&S (Property)

• Drive new ways of delivering services customers want

• Create measurable value in communities

• Joined-up customer services (incl. Contact Centre

These clearer accountabilities will reside in a new Executive Management Team

• Company Secretary• Good governance• Effective risk mngt• Strategic change• Legal (Operations)• Statutory compliance• Stakeholder Senate• Data protection• Overall H&S• Audit (incl. Cttee)• Customer Involvement

Head of Business

Improvement

• Drive / facilitate business perf. Improv’t

• Change programmes / Change Agents

• Project programme mngt / Co-ordination

• Customer complaints• IT• VfM

• Leading the organisation• Board• HR (People development: H&S - People)• Stakeholder Relationships• PR / Marketing• Reputation• Communications• Regulatory relationships• Business Continuity• Continuous Improvement

• VfM Overall Efficiency Indicator

• % Appointments made / kept

• No. Learning from complaints

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Finance and Development Director

About the Role

Finance & Development Director

£85k - £90k per annum plus car allowance

Location: Tewkesbury

Ref: EMA 245

Severn Vale Housing is about to embark on a new chapter in our story. With high levels of customer satisfaction, a recent successful refinancing, and strong, supportive partnerships, we’ve got everything going for us. We are currently adding the finishing touches to our new corporate strategy that will act as our roadmap to 2018, so it’s an exciting time to join us. Our new Finance & Development Director will play a key role in bringing our strategy to life and turning great ideas into caring and community focused services enabling customers to live healthy and independent lives. You’ll ensure careful and attentive stewardship of our financial operations, helping us to make the very best use of resources. A sound financial foundation will be key in supporting our ambitious development and growth programme, which you will lead on - identifying, evaluating and realising commercial opportunities that support our growth strategy and resonate with our values and ambitions. You’ll also play a key role in supporting our asset management strategy, so that we can retain and enhance the value of our stock to underpin sustainable growth. As part our corporate management team, you’ll be a visible and influential leader within the organisation, bringing our corporate plan to life and connecting delivery on the ground to our strategic priorities. We expect that you’ll be a qualified accountant with a track record of achievement in treasury management, strategic funding management and accountancy in an organisation of similar scale and complexity (direct experience of the housing sector would be an advantage). You’ll bring a dynamic leadership style and an ability to connect colleagues to our strategic vision and see it come to life in front line services. We’ll want to hear about previous success in setting clear business goals and delivering growth, and establishing productive professional networks and partnerships. For more information or a confidential discussion, please contact Simon Wright at EMA Consulting on 01926 887272. For a copy of the briefing papers, please email responsehandling1@emaconsult.co.uk call 01926831467 or visit www.emaconsult.co.uk No agencies please. Closing date: noon, 20th March 2015

Job Description Finance and Development Director

Responsible to: Chief Executive Department: Finance & Development Responsible for: Finance Manager; & Development Manager Purpose of Job: Responsible through the Chief Executive to the Board for the

effective leadership, development, delivery and management of Severn Vale Housing’s financial operations, maintain financial stability and maximise the use of financial resources in line with key corporate and business plan objectives and organisational vision, mission and values. To lead the delivery of Severn Vale’s development programme and growth objectives through the identification, appraisal and implementation of commercially sound business opportunities. To assist with the development, review, management and implementation of Severn Vale Housing’s asset management strategy to ensure the effective, efficient and sensitive utilisation of housing stock within strategic business objectives. Provide inspirational leadership to staff to enable them to perform to their full potential and deliver high quality services. As a member of the Executive Team, to contribute actively to corporate decision making, policy formulation, business development and the achievement of strategic aims and objectives; and participate in the development and successful implementation of the Society’s Corporate Strategy and Business Plan and its regular review to meet changing business need and priorities. To ensure the effective provision of financial business support within a customer focused framework to maximise the potential of Severn Vale’s people and resources and achieve high levels of performance, quality and satisfaction.

Responsibilities To lead the development, evaluation and review of the Annual Budget and Business Plan within a robust risk management framework to achieve business aims and objectives. Be accountable to the Chief Executive for the strategic leadership, direction and management of effective and efficient financial support and systems for Severn Vale Housing, ensuring that high quality responsive services are provided to all business areas. To lead and direct the management and delivery of effective, comprehensive financial systems, budget and treasury management, business planning, risk assessment and assurance controls to maintain financial stability and meet the changing social and economic needs of customers and the business. To develop, recommend and implement financial strategies, plans and policies and ensure that Severn Vale Housing’s financial and treasury management systems comply with statutory and other regulations and best practice. To direct the organisation’s resources in a cost effective and efficient manner, ensuring that internal and external audit requirements are met and liaising with external auditors as required. To lead and direct the successful delivery of the development programme in line with strategic business objectives, building effective relationships with external bodies and partners, including the HCA and lead on negotiations and relationships with funders on behalf of Severn Vale Housing, keeping the Board fully briefed on any issues. To help the head of asset management operations ensure the effective and efficient management and maintenance of Severn Vale Housing’s housing stock in order to fulfill its commitment to residents. To lead and direct the development and maintenance of effective internal control processes which embrace best value policies and procedures and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements to ensure effective control and protection of the organisation’s assets and liabilities. In line with Severn Vale Housing’s strategy and the business plan, to assist the investigation and appraisal of appropriate business opportunities and growth options which maximises revenue from the current customer portfolio and develop Severn Vale Housing’s approach to growing the business to ensure maximum potential is fulfilled. To ensure that commercial business opportunities are translated into financially viable initiatives supported by robust business plans and risk management frameworks.

To ensure the effective provision of corporate financial support services in line with business requirements and within a customer focused framework to maximise the potential of Severn Vale’s people and resources and achieve high levels of performance, quality and satisfaction, in relation to Finance. To ensure that strategies for corporate business systems are deliverable, add value, and embrace growth and innovation and that effective contingency arrangements and disaster/recovery plans are in place.

To ensure that corporate financial support functions contribute to continuous improvement in service delivery, anticipating and responding to changing business requirements.

To work with the Board, Executive Team, Managers and staff to ensure that the risk management framework is utilised effectively in regard to the Society’s financial services, and is embedded in strategic and operational finance service delivery.

To ensure that business planning, performance and information services support service improvement plans and are prioritised to achieve high level performance and value for money. To provide leadership to the Financial and Development Services teams, ensuring effective performance management and management of resources to deliver high quality services, maximising and developing best practice in all areas of work in order to fulfill individual and team potential. To work with the Development Manager to formulate the Society’s Development strategy, helping to identify/maximize new business opportunities within Gloucestershire. To assist the Development Manager in the Society’s bidding process for funding consideration by local authorities and the HCA. To establish and maintain good relationships with a range of stakeholders including local authorities, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), developers and other parties. To ensure that all business areas receive comprehensive and relevant financial and management data and support in order to inform effective decision making and deliver high quality customer focused services. Ensure that the quality and standards of financial and development services are monitored within a robust framework of key performance indicators and that effective systems are in place to measure success and identify potential areas of concern, taking prompt remedial action where necessary.

To foster and develop effective working partnerships with key stakeholders and explore and investigate opportunities to improve the standard and range of financial and development services provided.

To lead and initiate change and transformation in the provision and development of financial and development services in order to meet key organisational objectives. To keep abreast of changes in legislation, best practice and the wider operating environment and review, recommend and implement changes in policy, procedure and working practices to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements relating to financial and development services, improve service delivery and performance and contribute to achieving strategic business objectives. To lead the effective management of budgets to achieve value for money through the best use of available resources. To produce appropriate service delivery plans, as agreed with the Executive Team and the Board, with appropriate targets and objectives, within the context of a performance and continuous improvement culture. General

• To promote and ensure the implementation of the Society’s equality and diversity and health and safety policies are adhered to at all times

• To promote and practice continuous learning/improvement

• To promote and practice the staff performance management framework

• To promote the Society as a learning organisation, developing and promoting best practice

• To promote the vision and values, leading by example to others

• To work collaboratively with others towards ‘One team, one vision’

• To be aware of the need of confidentiality and responsibilities in respect to data protection

• To ensure risk is managed effectively in all areas of own and team’s responsibility

• To provide appropriate reporting systems

• To ensure that maximum use is made of information technology systems within the department

• To ensure, wherever possible, that the Department is resourced at all times during the Society’s hours of business

• To work towards continually improving value of money of all services

• To ensure the procurement and best value principles are factored in to the purchase of goods & materials

• To support & embed cultural change within the business area

• To provide appropriate reporting systems and prepare and present reports to the Board and Executive Team as required

• To conduct oneself in line with general standards of conduct and behavior as detailed in the Society’s code of conduct

• To carry out any other duties appropriate to this post, as necessary or as requested

• Demonstrate flexibility regarding working patterns as business needs arise

This job description sets out the main duties of the post at the date when it was completed. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the post or the level of responsibility entailed.

Person Specification

Finance and Development Director

SECTION CRITERIA

Education & Qualifications

Member of appropriate professional body (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, etc.)

Work Experience Proven track record in a senior position dealing with the treasury management, strategic funding management and accountancy with a large organisation; ideally to include work experience within the housing sector

Direct management and supervision of a finance team

Budget preparation; setting and monitoring; and financial forecasting

Preparing and presenting financial and management accounts, reports and information

Liaising with auditors, business advisers and Board members

Experience for Responsibility for Staff Selection, Management, Motivation and Performance

Management by process & fact

Customer liaison/influence

Stakeholder liaison/influence

Reporting to Boards and/or Committees

Skills / Knowledge Thorough knowledge of accounting legislation and practice, including strategic financial and funding management

Thorough understanding of current good practice in areas under your control and self-motivation in terms of continuing professional development

Good working knowledge of current accounting software systems

Practical knowledge of management systems for all accounting functions including purchase ledger, sales ledger, payroll, cash and banking, and nominal ledger

Ability to:

- present complex information clearly and concisely

- develop and communicate business goals and values

- think clearly & strategically

- be self-motivating, act on own initiative and take appropriate decisions

- prioritise a complex workload and deliver to target

- develop influential networks of key decision- makers, both internally and externally and facilitate effective partnerships

- write effective reports using Word, Excel, etc

- liaise with statutory agencies e.g. regulatory bodies, HMRC

- act as an effective Team Leader and a Team Player - utilise strong interpersonal skills to manage and motivate staff

- set targets and motivate and inspire staff to achieve these targets

- prioritise responsibilities under pressure (excellent time management skills)

- act at all times with Personal Integrity and Confidentiality

Special Factors Flexibility in approach to hours worked in order to deliver to deadlines

Attendance at evening and week-end meetings where necessary

Finance and Development Director

Terms & Conditions Salary £85,000 - £90,000 per annum plus 10% car cash allowance Location Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire Pension Option of joining the company pension scheme. Full details will be provided upon appointment Holidays 25 days plus bank holidays Sick Pay Up to 3 months full pay and 3 months half pay (subject to qualifying period) Relocation Reimbursement of reasonable relocation expenses for eligible employees Employee Assistance Programme A freephone helpline that provides unlimited access to a confidential advice, information and counseling referral service Training and Development Severn Vale are committed to the development of their employees and as such there are a lot of training and personal development opportunities The above does not constitute an offer of employment. A full statement of the terms and conditions of employment will be provided to the appointed candidate.

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Finance and Development Director

Other Important Documentation

How to Apply – Finance and Development Director

Thank you for expressing an interest in the position of Finance and Development Director at Severn Vale Housing. If you have read the candidate briefing papers and you would like to apply, please follow the guidelines below.

Application Process

Please submit an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) and covering letter, ensuring that you quote reference EMA 245.

It is important that your CV/letter highlight supporting evidence of how your previous experience and skills relate to the criteria outlined in the Job Description and Person Specification. Within your CV, please supply the following:

• Full name and postal address;• Work and home telephone number, mobile number and email address (NB

most written communication with you will be electronic);• National Insurance number;• Employment history (explaining any gaps);• Education and dates your qualifications were obtained;• Current memberships of relevant professional associations/institutes and

dates;• Current or most recent salary.

We also request that you complete an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form which is included in this pack and available to download from our website (www.emaconsult.co.uk/recruitment).

The timetable for the Selection Process is included below. In your supporting letter, please advise us if you have any difficultly with the outlined dates and/or any other dates when you are unavailable for assessment. We try to offer flexibility but it can be difficult to convene the selection panel outside the advertised selection dates due to diary commitments.

Please return your application by 12 noon on 20th March 2015 (electronic submissions preferred) to our retained consultants at EMA to responsehandling1@emaconsult.co.uk. Your application will be treated with strictest confidence.

If you wish to send a hard-copy by post, the full address is as follows:

EMA Business and Management Consultancy Limited 15 Dormer Place Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 5AA

Assessment and Selection Process

All applications will be considered and assessed against the requirements of the Person Specification in order to select an initial short list of candidates. If you have been successful at this stage EMA will contact you via telephone/email immediately following the initial shortlisting meeting. If you are unsuccessful at this stage you will receive a letter from us informing you of this decision.

Timetable

The information outlined below has been agreed with Severn Vale Housing:

Process Date

Advertised Closing Date for Applications 12noon, 20th March 2015

Shortlisting meeting Candidates do not need to attend 24th March 2015

Screening Interviews 30th March 2015 (TBC)

Final Interviews and Assessments 14th April 2015 (TBC)

*If you are invited for interview, you will be asked to bring alongevidence of your professional qualifications as described on your CV.

Contact Details

If you have any queries about the position or the selection process; or if you would like an informal and confidential discussion with our consultant, please do not hesitate to contact EMA on 01926 887272.

Thank you for your interest in this position.

Simon Wright

Simon Wright Managing Consultant EMA

EQUALITY/MEDICAL DETAILS FORM

Name:

Do you have any medical conditions which we should be aware of? Yes / No

If yes, please provide details:

Do you have a disability which we should be aware of? Yes / No

If yes, please provide details: Learning Disabilities (eg. Downs Syndrome) �

Learning Difficulties(eg. Dyslexia etc) �

Mental Health Needs � Severe or Profound Hearing Loss � Speech Impairment � Partially Sighted or Blind �

Physical Impairment/Limited Mobility � Wheelchair User � Other, including long term or chronic illness �

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES MONITORING

I would describe myself as:

White: British � Irish � Other �Mixed: White & Black Caribbean � White & Asian �

White & Black African � Other �Asian or Asian British: Pakistani � Indian �

Bangladeshi � Other �Black or Black British: Caribbean � African � Other �Chinese or other Ethnic Group: Chinese � Other � Gypsy/Romany/Traveller: �If other please specify:

What is your religion? Please tick one category:

Buddhist � Christian � Hindu � Jewish � Muslim � Sikh � No Religion � Prefer Not to Say � Other (please specify)

What is your sexual orientation? Please tick one category:

Heterosexual � Bi-Sexual � Gay Man � Lesbian Woman � Prefer Not to Say � Other (please specify)

Do you consider yourself to be transgender? Yes � No �

Employee Signature: Date:

Human Resources Only:

Actioned by: Date: