Job Description
Group Head of Governance
Job Details
Job Title:
Group Head of Governance
Service Area:
Governance/Corporate Services
Responsible to:
Director of Corporate Services
Responsible for:
Governance & Risk Manager and Team
Band:
tbc
Hours of Duty:
36 per week in accordance with the Flexible Working Hours Scheme
and Agile culture. The incumbent is expected to carry out evening,
weekend and Bank Holiday work, based on the exigencies of the
Service.
Job Purpose
To act as Group Company Secretary for the Group (including subsidiary organisations) ensuring that
all duties as required by the rules of the Group, the Homes and Communities Agency, Registrar of
Industrial and Provident Societies, and Companies House are carried out effectively.
Responsibility for sound governance of the Company and for the guidance of the Board in the
execution of tasks required.
To ensure that good governance procedures are in place and an appropriate framework of Standing
Orders is developed and maintained for the Group in order to support delivery of Group Corporate
Plans.
To advise the Board and Senior Management Team of legal implications of policies, and on all
statutory and constitutional requirements.
To actively and effectively contribute to the Senior Management Team in driving forward the
organisation in meeting strategic objectives in alignment with the Executive Team.
To ensure excellent administrative and company secretarial support services to the Board and its
Committees and subsidiaries is provided.
To ensure the company secretarial function is executed for City West Housing Trust and any
subsidiaries, ensuring that all duties as required by the constitutions of City West and any
subsidiaries, and that the regulatory requirements of the Homes and Communities Agency, Charities
commission and Financial Services Authority [for CWHT] and Companies House [if required] are
carried out effectively.
Author:
Paul Carhart
Date created: March 2014
Date reviewed
Key Responsibilities
1. Work with the Executive Team to ensure that the Board remains aware of changes and
developments in corporate governance, good practice, regulation and legislation and that those
are communicated to the Board, enabling it to make informed decisions. Ensure any resulting
recommendations are implemented. Liaison with the organisation’s legal advisors, as required.
2. Interpret existing and proposed legislation as it affects all issues relevant to area(s) of
responsibility and report to the Executive Team on possible effects and solutions.
3. Advise on constitutional issues and ensure committee procedure, terms of reference and
delegation of the Group’s rules are adhered to ensuring that any changes in the regulations,
legislation and governance framework under which the Group operates are briefed and
recommended to the Board in order to make informed decisions and implement, including liaison
with Legal Advisors on related matters.
4. Responsible for the arrangement and management of the process of the Annual General Meeting
of City West and establishing, with the Board’s agreement, the items to be considered, including
drafting necessary resolutions and including the completion of the Statement of the Board to be
published in the annual accounts.
5. To manage and co-ordinate a Group Governance Review including the development and review
of business plans to support the payment of Board Members.
6. To ensure that all Members of the Groups Boards and Executive Team comply with all aspects of
governance as prescribed in the rules, group governance document and delegatory framework
ensuring these documents are updated in accordance with the expanding Group.
7. Assisting in the annual compilation of the Group’s compliance with regulatory reports, e.g.,
internal controls assurance, self-assessment etc. Responsible for informing all statutory
authorities of any significant changes in the company’s structure in management.
8. Ensure the timely and accurate completion of all relevant Statutory Documentation including
annual returns and ensure that all Statutory, Board and Shareholder registers are maintained and
managed effectively.
9. Support the implementation of the Board’s appraisal and development programme and develop
services for Board Members that enable them to carry out their duties effectively, ensuring the
competencies required for effective governance are identified, developed and maintained.
10. To facilitate the induction of new Board Members into the Business and provide clear information
on their roles and responsibilities.
11. To liaise with the Assistant Director of ICT on all matters relating to Data Protection compliance.
Contribute to the development of the Company’s Risk Management Strategy Framework and
ensure the implementation of effective controls.
12. Liaison with HCA, National Housing Federation, All Boards and Committees, Legal Advisors,
external consultants, internal & external auditors
13. Ensure that arrangements are in place for the safe custody and application of the common seal
in full accordance with the Standing Orders.
14. Ensuring regular access to our Legal Professionals and effective monitoring of legal advice
through the organisations Consultants framework
Author:
Paul Carhart
Date created: March 2014
Date reviewed
To ensure that the internal Audit process is monitored on a regular basis to ensure it remains
effective and to liaise with heads of service to ensure they are compliant to the processes.
Leadership Responsibilities
1. The Group Head of Governance has responsibility for the Governance & Risk Manager and
team.
2. To support the Director of Corporate Services on all matters relating to Group Governance.
3. To work in supporting Directors and senior managers to articulate the future vision of City West
and to ensure the successful implementation of operational and strategic plans.
4. To ensure that all appropriate financial, operational and strategic objectives are delivered within
agreed timeframes and meet customer expectations of service.
5. To be committed to City West’s values and actively promote these behaviours in all relationships,
to promote a culture consistent with City West’s values.
6. Responsible for managing and directing the use of resources effectively and efficiently to deliver
team objectives, conscious of the financial implications of these decisions
7. Ensure that individual and divisional objectives are aligned to meet the needs of the organisation
and monitor the performance against objectives.
8. Actively promote team working within own department and across City West, to meet operational
and corporate objectives.
9. Ensure that the team demonstrates a high level of knowledge within the functional area and
ensure that the team delivers a high standard of performance.
10. Committed to City West values and actively promote these values within the team, as well as
motivating others to demonstrate behaviours in working to common purposes and objectives (as
above).
11. Involve all individuals within the team to gain ownership, support and commitment to meeting
objectives.
12. Set clear expectations of all individuals and discuss performance and development on a regular
basis, to motivate and enhance performance and to meet customer expectations.
13. Monitor and manage sickness absence within the team in accordance with City West’s
Attendance Management Policy.
14. Ensure departmental health and safety procedures are in place and adhered to, in order to
comply with City West’s Safety Policy and Procedures and associated Safety Standard
requirements.
15. Ensure that all employees within their area of the business understand their legal responsibility
and individual level of accountability with regard to health and safety.
Author:
Paul Carhart
Date created: March 2014
Date reviewed
General Responsibilities
1.
This job description is current at the date shown, but in consultation with you, it is liable to
variation by management to reflect or anticipate changes in or to the job. It is expected the
post-holder will when required undertake other duties commensurate with the post and salary
grading if required, subject to any reasonable adjustments under the Disability Discrimination
Act 1996.
2.
City West has defined standards of performance to meet external and internal customer
requirements. All staff are expected as part of their day to day job role to meet and where
possible exceed customer expectations of service and seek value for money in all aspects of
their work.
3.
City West each year sets out its corporate and service plans that detail projects and initiatives
to achieve its objectives. All employees will contribute to these plans by their particular skills
and attitudes. Employees are also encouraged to seek out new ways of improving services
and working practices which can be implemented as part of our service operations
4.
Diversity, Respect and Equal Opportunities are key aspects of our Values. The company
expects employees to work within the Company’s Equal Opportunities Policy, Customer
Service and Performance Policies ensuring that these are complied with throughout all
activities within the scope of this role to ensure the highest standards of customer care. All job
holders need to work in a way that reflects the company’s Values.
5.
The above duties may involve having access to information of a confidential nature that may
be covered by the Data Protection Act, be commercially sensitive or relate to client
information. In such circumstances confidentiality must be maintained at all times in
accordance with the company’s policies. If you are unclear at any time, refer the matter to
your manager.
6.
The Health, safety and welfare of anyone working with City West and those we work with are
of vital importance to the company.
7.
Our Board approved a Health and Safety Policy and Statement and the structure of regular
meetings will ensure the right resources and training are provided, that people understand
their responsibilities for services and each other, and that high standards of health and safety
are delivered, monitored and regularly reviewed.
8.
Participate in the selection of key staff for your department and administer disciplinary and
grievance matters as the role requires.
9.
Undertake all reasonable training activity designed to support you in your role.
Author:
Paul Carhart
Date created: March 2014
Date reviewed
Person Specification
Criteria
Essential
How assessed
Desirable
How assessed
Assessment key:
I = Interview
T = Test/Assessment
AF = Application Form
QC = Qualification Certificate
Education and
Qualifications
Related degree,
recognised legal
qualification and / or
experience of
governance in the
housing sector
Evidence of personal
development both
professionally and
managerially
Knowledge and
Experience
QC
QC
ICSA
QC
AF / I
Knowledge of
corporate
governance
legislation and best
practice.
AF / I
Understanding of the
roles and
relationships between
the Board, Chair,
Chief Executive, and
Executive Directors.
AF / I
Demonstrable
Company Secretary
experience.
AF/I
Knowledge of legal
and compliance
requirements
pertaining to City
West and any
subsidiaries as may
be appropriate.
Management
qualification
Knowledge of the
Social Housing
Regulatory
Environment –
including HCA and
FSA
AF / I
AF / I
Recent, successful
and relative
experience of
working in a senior
governance or
internal audit role.
Author:
Paul Carhart
Date created: March 2014
Date reviewed
AF / I
Experience of dealing
effectively with
governance and
business conduct
issues.
People management
– including effectively
managing and
motivating staff and
the ability to manage
relationships with
external advisors
effectively.
AF / I
Experience of
working in an
organisation under
public and political
scrutiny.
AF / I
Budget Management
AF / I
AF / I
AF / I
Experience of
working with different
internal and external
stakeholders and
across boundaries.
Personal
qualities
Personal Integrity.
AF / I
Ability to work under
pressure to
demanding
timetables.
AF / I
Confidence in
liaising with senior
figures
AF/I
Good political
awareness
AF / I
Strong attention to
detail.
AF / I
Team player with
skills to develop
collaborative
relationships.
Ability to establish
effective working
relationships and to
quickly gain the
confidence of others.
Able to work flexibly
e.g.; in evenings and
occasional
weekends to attend
Board and
Shareholder
meetings or events.
Author:
Paul Carhart
AF / I
AF / I
Date created: March 2014
Date reviewed
AF / I
Skills
Highly developed
communication,
interpersonal and
facilitation skills, with
ability to gain and
sustain credibility with
Board, Chairperson,
and Executive
Directors.
I
Effective
interpersonal and
influencing skills.
I
Able to analyse
information and
present wellreasoned and
structured arguments
orally and in writing.
I/T
Good presentation
skills.
Ability to explain
complex matters to
non-experts.
I
I
Where the post holder is disabled, every effort will be made to supply all necessary aids,
adaptations or equipment to allow them to carry out all the duties of the job. If, however, a certain
task proves to be unachievable, job redesign will be fully considered.
Author:
Paul Carhart
Date created: March 2014
Date reviewed