Person Specification

Knowledge & Experience

Strategic Leadership – a strong record of managing complex situations and priorities, implementing sustainable plans for growth and success. Knowledge of the social housing operating environment, funding, policy development and strategic challenges 

Governance and Regulations – An understanding of the legal and regulatory framework for social housing, and experience of implementing governance frameworks, including contracts, ESG, safeguarding and data protection. Strong understanding of the critical role of residents in the governance and regulatory framework and experience of customer service, resident needs and community investment and engagement 

Health and Safety – comprehensive understanding of building safety and compliance in medium to large organisations to protect residents and employees. 

Corporate Finance, Treasury, Funding, and Business Planning – Proven ability to analyse financial management data effectively, and support the development of funding and treasury strategies to support robust business planning 

Strategic Partnerships and Networking – experience in strategic partnerships and networking, including leveraging relationships to benefit Ocean by engaging stakeholders, building alliances, and seeking opportunities for lobbying and influence within Ocean’s areas of operations. Knowledge of data integrity, good data governance and data protection responsibilities. 

Risk, Assurance, and Internal Control – experience of developing risk and assurance frameworks for medium to large organisations, including emerging risk mitigation, and knowledge of internal and external audit processes

Specific Skills and Experience:

Please address how you demonstrate strategic leadership in one or more of the following areas:

  • In sector housing experience with a focus on customer and community 
  • Corporate finance experience in the public or commercial sector 
  • Digital, cyber and IT/transformation expertise

Desirable:

In addition to the above, Board members are expected to have a blend of the following skills to support the work of committees:

  • Legal and contract management.
  • Commercial and business Skills.
  • Asset management.
  • Social enterprise and investment.
  • Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG).
  • Strategic asset management and investment.
  • Environmental, sustainability, carbon-neutral programmes.
  • Housing and tenancy management.
  • Development of new homes.
  • Business transformation.
  • People and Culture, including employee engagement initiatives and cultural change.
  • Data management and cyber security.
  • IT and Technology, including digital transformation initiatives, emerging technologies and trends.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

  • Accountability, performance management, target setting and monitoring.
  • Ability to understand and analysis newly presented information quickly, reaching a well-balanced conclusion/solution.
  • Enquiring and curious, with the ability to challenge constructively.
  • Ability to provide long-term vision and implications, offering creative solutions.
  • Self-motivated and able to make independent, well-judged decisions.
  • Skilled influencer and negotiator.
  • Relationship-building skills and ability to create strong networks, representing the business, internally and externally.
  • Ability to deal with difficult and challenging situations confidently and professionally.
  • Demonstrate patience, diplomacy and show empathy.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a high level of emotional intelligence.
  • Demonstrate high levels of integrity and ethical standards.
  • Support all decisions taken by the Board.
  • Enthusiastic and motivated in developing own knowledge and skills.
  • Responsive to the need for change, with agility and courage to drive.
  • Excellent approach to customer service, taking account of needs of tenants and key stakeholders.
  • Values equality, diversity and inclusion and takes action to create it.
  • Role model Ocean’Housings Values and Behaviours.

Behaviours:

  • Strategic thinking with the ability to see the bigger picture.
  • Integrity and independence, acting in the best interest of Ocean Housing without conflicts.
  • Collaborative, working constructively with other members, fostering effective strategic relationships with stakeholders.
  • Independent judgement, able to contribute unique insights from background, profession, and/or lived experience.
  • Constructive challenge and scrutiny, holding the executive to account in a polite and collaborative manner.
  • Commitment to social purpose, promoting the mission to deliver good social housing to those in need.