Board Member and Chair of Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee

Role Profile

We are seeking a curious, experienced and committed individual who will bring diversity of thought to our board and committee. You will work with a team of dedicated colleagues who share our vision and aims for the future.

Introduction

The Audit and Risk Committee’s responsibilities are delegated by the Board of Habinteg and are detailed within the Committee’s Terms of Reference

Role Purpose

The role of the Chair is to:

  • Provide leadership and direction to the Committee.
  • Act on behalf of the Committee and in the best interests of the Board.
  • Works closely with the Board Chair and, as necessary, the Chief Executive, Executive Team and Company Secretary to ensure the Association has a planned and robust approach to demonstrating assurance.
  • Collaborate with the Board Chair to ensure that the Committee is comprised of members that possess an effective mix of skills and experience.

The responsibilities of the Chair are to:

  • Lead, inspire and motivate the Committee.
  • Ensure the efficient conduct of the Committee’s business.
  • Ensure the Committee operates in line with the desired culture and values of the organisation and the Governance Framework including its Terms of Reference.
  • Ensure that all Committee Members are given the opportunity to express their views, and that appropriate standards of conduct and behaviour are maintained in accordance with the Code of Conduct approved by the Board.
  • Ensure Committee meetings are held regularly, as necessary.
  • Establish a constructive working relationship with members of the Executive Team.
  • Ensure that the Committee receives professional advice when it is needed, either from its senior staff or from external sources.
  • Take decisions between Committee meetings under Chair’s action, with the advice of the Committee Executive Lead and report back to the Committee.
  • Take decisions delegated to the Chair of the Committee.
  • To undertake arrangements for the Committee’s own appraisal and that of members including the Chair’s own appraisal.

Committee responsibilities:

The Chair will support and contribute to the delivery of those responsibilities defined within the Audit and Risk Committee’s Terms of Reference by:

  • Actively ensuring those responsibilities are met collectively.
  • Adding value to the work of the Committee by contributing experience, expertise and insight.
  • Acting in the best interests of the Association, and its key stakeholders.
  • Participating in group decision making by contributing to debate and challenging the views of others where appropriate.
  • Utilising skills and knowledge to analyse issues presented to the Committee.
  • Ensuring high standards of probity and integrity in all aspects of the Association’s activities.
  • Applying specialist knowledge where appropriate to assist the Committee in making decisions.

Governance duties

  • To uphold the values and objectives of the Association as it fulfils its governance duties.
  • To offer the Board evidence-based assurance on compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements including, but not limited to, the requirements of the Economic and Consumer Standards under the Regulatory Framework.
  • To ensure compliance with the adopted Code of Governance and Code of Conduct, Standing Orders and Financial Regulations and any Association policies relating to Committee activity.
  • To uphold the core policies, purpose, values and objectives of the Association (including its commitment to equality and diversity).
  • To contribute to and share responsibility for decisions of the Committee.
  • To attend induction, training and performance review sessions and other such sessions or events as are reasonably required.
  • To attend all meetings of the Committee and to read Committee papers (as applicable) before meetings.

 

Person Specification

Part One

Ensure that you demonstrate how you meet one or more of the key areas from the requirements listed in PART ONE in your supporting statement.

Experience and knowledge:

  • Qualified accountant (eg CCAB) or equivalent qualification and significant relevant experience at an equivalent level;
  • High profile track record of senior leadership in finance and/or business management and achievement within an organisation of a similar scale and complexity to Habinteg whether in the commercial, public or third sectors.
  • Recent experience of an audit, risk & assurance function.
  • Chairing Boards/Committees, dealing with audit related issues such as governance, risk and value for money, ensuring high performance and good decision-making.
  • Experience of operating within a highly regulated sector and ideally an understanding of the regulatory framework for registered providers of social housing.
  • Knowledge of corporate governance and/or the housing sector and the environment within which it operates.
  • Lived experience of disability and/or social housing.

Part Two

Skills and abilities:

  • Shares the vision, values and commitments of the Association. A high degree of personal probity and integrity.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an approachable and engaging style.
  • Strong negotiator and influencer, able to work intuitively with a wide range of stakeholders.
  • Considers the long term implications and broader view of issues, identifying key risks and the means of mitigating them;
  • Able to make sound and balanced judgments and is comfortable with accountability.
  • Able to listen to a wide range of contributions, challenge constructively, and achieve consensus in collective decision-making.

Attributes and behaviours:

  • Acts in alignment to the Association’s core purpose, values, and objectives.
  • Champions the rights of customers and service users to be involved and influential.
  • Acts with integrity and places a high premium upon transparency and probity.
  • Proactively demonstrates a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
  • A collaborative style that delivers respect and confidence.
  • Has the necessary time and commitment needed to discharge the responsibilities for this leadership role.