Chair Of The Focus Board

Job summary We are looking to appointa new, Independent Chair of the Board for Focus Independent Adult SocialWork.Therole of Chair of the Focus Board is a three-year term, and will be eligible forre-appointment for one additional term (on approval of the Board Governors).The role will beappointed on a self-employed basis, and will attract a payment of £10,000 perannum to fulfil the role.
Main duties of the job The Chair will lead the Focus Board, ensuring that it conducts its affairs in an open and transparent manner, acting with integrity, leading by example and promoting the desired will be required to support, and where appropriate, challenge the Chief Executive and the Leadership Team to ensure the required objectives are being met.We are looking for someone who has a good understanding of Focus, and the wider health and social care arrangements in our local will need a strong track record of building relationships with a range of stakeholders across both organisations and communities, and have a reputation for your ambassadorial and diplomatic approach.You should bring a passion to challenge, guide and champion our work, a strong understanding of good governance, and positive energy to lead our Board of Governors to help us to continue our journey of improvement to drive Focus forward.
About us Focus is a Community Interest Company that works inpartnership with the Local Authority to deliver the statutory Social Workduties and functions in North East Lincolnshire.
Focus is a members led organisation, with allstaff having the right to join and have their say in how the company isrun.
The majority of Directors on theBoard are employees, elected by their colleagues.Whilst we face the same challenges as other adult socialcare organisations, we believe that being an Independent Social Workorganisation provides us with unique opportunities to be more flexible andcreative in our approach.
This benefitsthe people who use our services, their families and carers, and also our staff.Everyone at Focus is proud of the work we undertake, andwe are all committed to making a difference.
We are looking for a new Chair who has thesame commitment and beliefs and, as a positive confident leader and ambassador,will help strengthen and deepen our reach into local communities, guiding usthrough the next phase of development for our organisation.You will need to be aconfident positive leader and ambassador on our behalf with the strategicacumen and emotional intelligence to promote our work and vision, and supportour Chief Executive and Leadership Team.For more information aboutour current Board arrangements, please visit: - Job description Job responsibilities PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP Provide leadership to Focus and its Board, ensuring that Focus has the maximum impact for its beneficiaries Ensure that the Governors fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the organisation.
Ensure that the Board operations within its CIC objectives, and provides a clear strategic direction for the organisation.
Ensure that the Board is able to regularly review major risks and associated opportunities, and satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advance of opportunities, and manage and mitigate the risks.
Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the organisation, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.
GOVERNANCE Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the organisation.
Develop the knowledge and capability of the Board Governors.
Encourage positive change, and where appropriate address and resolve any conflicts within the Board.
Appraise the performance of the Governors and the Board on an annual basis.
Ensure that the Board of Governors is regularly refreshed (in line with the Articles) and incorporates the right balance of skills, knowledge and experience needed to govern and lead the board effectively.
Work within any agreed policies adopted by Focus.
EXTERNAL RELATIONS Act as an ambassador for Focus.
Maintain close relationships with key members of the health and social care community in North East Lincolnshire, including the wider HCP, ICB and NELC Partners.
Act as spokesperson for Focus when appropriate.
Represent Focus at external functions, meetings and events.
Facilitate change and address any potential conflict with external stakeholders.
EFFICIENCY & EFFECTIVENESS Chair meetings of the Board of Governors effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision making process.
Ensure that the Governors are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of Focus, and that the Board takes collective ownership.
Foster, maintain and ensure that constructive relationships exist with and between the Governors.
Work closely with the Chief Executive to give direction to the Board policy making and to ensure that meetings are well planned and meaningful, and reflect the responsibilities of the Board.
Monitor that decisions taken at meetings are implemented.
RELATIONSHIP WITH CHIEF EXECUTIVE & WIDER LEADERSHIP TEAM Establish and build a strong, effective and constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive, that they are held to account for achieving strategic objectives.
Support the Chief Executive, whilst respecting the boundaries that exist between the two roles.
Ensure regular contact with the Chief Executive; develop and maintain an open and supportive relationship within which each can speak openly about concerns, worries and challenges.
Liaise with the Chief Executive to maintain an overview of Focus affairs, providing support as necessary.
Conduct an annual appraisal / review for the Chief Executive in consultation with the Board Governors.
Ensure that the Chief Executive has the opportunity for professional development and has appropriate external professional support.
Person Specification Experience Essential Experience of operating at a senior / strategic leadership level within an organisation.
Successful track record of achievement through their career.
Experience of external representation, delivering presentations and managing stakeholders.
Significant experience of chairing meetings / events.
Qualifications Essential N/A Personal Qualities & Knowledge / Skills Essential PERSONAL QUALITIES Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to Focus, Adult Social Work and the wider Adult Social Care community.
Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities and to be comfortable in an ambassador role.
Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively.
Strong networking capabilities, that can be used for the benefit of the organisation.
Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment.
Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours.
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Broad knowledge and understanding of Focus, the wider Adult Social Care and the current issues affecting the sector.
Good awareness of the current national and local health and social care environment and how all services are delivered.
Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate staff and volunteers and bring people together.
Knowledge of high level governance, including strategic planning, financial management, commissioning, risk management, performance management and business growth.
Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a Director / Chair.
Ability to work as part of and leader of a Board.
Be skilled in asking open questions that create discussion.
The ability to think strategically and plan ahead, balancing needs and constraints.