Board Member
Scottish Borders Housing Association
Board Member
Non-remunerated
2 days/month
Scottish Borders Housing Association is a Registered Social Landlord, providing the essential function of quality housing to over 5,600 homes. Operating across 40 communities in the Scottish Borders, SBHA is driven by living its values, places tenants at the heart of all it achieves, and innovates and improves to meet and exceed the needs of tenants across the Scottish Borders.
As they enter their 20th year, SBHA are looking to bolster the strategic framework that will guide them into the next chapter in appointing a new voluntary board member. During a cost-of-living crisis, with challenges ranging from fuel poverty to food inflation, the importance of strong strategic leadership is greater than ever, to ensure that SBHA continues to provide the best possible housing and support to its tenants. SBHA is committed to providing affordable rents across its communities while investing intelligently in its properties to ensure tenants have high quality homes that last, and the new board member will be part of the system of leadership that makes this happen.
The incoming board member will be one of 12 on the board, but importantly one of 4 appointed members who bring specialist skills and experience to the board and to SBHA. Alongside 4 elected members and 4 tenant members, the SBHA board is designed to be as representative and high-functioning as possible, to ensure that every decision taken has the best possible outcome for tenants and for the organisation.
To complement the existing suite of skills on the board, and following the end of many years of dedicated service of an existing board member, SBHA are delighted to welcome a new board member with financial skills. The role is directed to financially experienced candidates with a track record in the following areas:
- Risk Management
- Financial information
- Business Planning
- Treasury Management
In addition to these key strategic finance skills, candidates more broadly should have a track record of effective strategic leadership, in any sector, with desirable experience including the areas of customers, place, people, business resilience and growth. Direct experience of the social housing sector is desirable but not required, but candidates are expected to share the values of SBHA of the sector and demonstrate an interest in the social impact made by housing associations.
The Board operates a quarterly meeting cycle, plus 2 additional meetings for Strategic Planning and Business Plan & Budget Setting. There are three sub-committees and a commercial subsidiary board, detailed in the role description. The incoming board member would be invited to sit on the Audit & Compliance sub-committee, which provides detailed assurance on compliance and risk, in addition to their standard board duties. The role is on a voluntary basis, although reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
If you connect with the values and skills detailed here and are inspired by the need to provide great homes and services, we would love to hear from you. Applications are welcomed from all relevant candidates, and in particular from those who would strengthen the representation and diversity of the board.
For a confidential discussion please call David Currie at Aspen People on 0141 212 7555.