CHAIR June 2021
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Carers Support West Sussex - Chair
Thank you for your interest in the role of Chair of Carers Support West Sussex We are an independent charity in West Sussex dedicated to improving the support provided to carers, to enable them to have a good quality of life, access to information, guidance, and encourage independence, to give carers a choice of a life alongside their caring role. We have over 100 members of staff and over 70 volunteers. We also benefit from a highly dedicated Board of Trustees. With more than 29,000 carers currently registered with the Charity, we run Support Groups, a Carer Response Line, help carers access equipment to assist them in their caring role, or provide funds so that carers can do something for themselves. We can also help carers access counselling and call back services, wellbeing support and have teams in all the of the major hospitals in West Sussex, as well as East Surrey Hospital in Redhill. The Impact Report for 2020/21 gives a flavour of the Board’s activity for one of the most challenging years for the Charity to date.
Our culture is energetic, inclusive, committed to continuous improvement, working in partnership, and ensuring we make the best use of digital tools that enable us to support those who turn to us. Our ambitions are to do more for and with those we support, to help more family and friend carers across the region. We are governed by a Board of up to 10 Trustees, each committed and motivated to help the Charity realise its ambitions.
Carers are at the heart of everything we do and as such their voices have been a key part of our new strategy which will be published during July 2021. The strategy has been developed following extensive primary research and secondary data insights of “what works” for and with carers.
We are seeking an experienced individual, who can galvanise the Board, provide strong strategic direction, support, challenge our Leadership Team and champion our work, to join us as the Chair of Trustees. The ideal candidate will be someone who has performed a Chair role before and has extensive experience of governance and risk management. Ideally, you will have an appreciation and understanding of the Care Sector and be able to navigate the local and health authority context. We are seeking someone who will leverage their wealth of experience on behalf of Carers Support West Sussex, ensuring robust and structured governance, promoting open and fruitful dialogue, but also being unafraid to provide challenge where necessary.
Imagine a world where carers do not have to fight to be heard and recognised. A world where carers feel valued and supported for who they are and what they do.
We look forward to meeting those who wish to join us to support our ambitions. Thank you for your interest.
Our vision is to bring the day forward when unpaid carers are seen, heard, and included.
Neal Young – Acting Chair Sonia Mangan - CEO
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Carers Support West Sussex - Chair
Strategy Development for 2021-25 Throughout 2020 the Charity Board, employees and volunteers have been working alongside carers as part of our overall charity review. We have heard from 1,000 carers, held six carer focus groups and heard from almost 200 individuals and organisations. Our findings are outlined in the Primary Research Insight Report and the Secondary Data Research Report. The Charity team have held several organisation wide strategic development workshops. At this time we have a draft strategy which is subject to further revisions and edits but will incorporate the following: Charity Purpose We are there for carers when they are most in need.
Strategic Aims/Intentions (2021-2025) We know from hearing from and being with carers everyday what works for them and what doesn’t. Our challenge in being there for carers when they are most in need, is to be the charity team of staff and volunteers who can: 1. Be connected - We will meet carers where they are at in their journey, working individually with at least 4,000 every year to improve their health and wellbeing. 2. Be the early offer - Provide the carer contact point and increase new carer registrations by a minimum of 10% year on year. 3. Be the experts in carers - Working with carers and bringing their voice to communities, partners and decision makers across the county. 4. Be present in the community - Being there for all carers across the county, being appropriate, visible, and accessible at local level. 5. Be partners - Create tangible partnerships leading to opportunities for and with carers.
Vision Our vision is to bring the day forward when unpaid carers are seen, heard, and included.
6. Be consistent and creative - Create and sustain the internal capacity we need to deliver consistent and quality services, whilst exploring opportunities and potential. To learn more about our Board, click here.
Values We are focused, putting carers at the heart of everything we do.
Inclusivity – respecting people, cultures, and organisations.
We act together, working with and for carers, the communities they live in and the people that can make a difference to them.
Caring – improving quality of life and influencing behaviour change. Integrity – operating with honesty and reliability.
We are leaders working with each other to bravely find potential and opportunities across all communities, enabling carers to be identified and involved. Quality – the highest practical level we can reach in outcomes, learning and behaviour.
Loyalty – long-term committed partnerships and cooperation. Innovation – driving our service development and our will to succeed.
The Role Title:
Chair
Remuneration:
The role of Chair is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed.
Reports to:
Board of Trustees
Direct Reports:
Chief Executive
Job Description The Chair will provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees, enabling them to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic development of the Charity. The Chair will hold the Board and Executive Team to account for the Charity’s vision and objectives, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each Trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the Charity. The Chair will also support, and where appropriate, challenge the Chief Executive & Executive Team and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the entire Executive to achieve agreed objectives. He or she will act as an ambassador and the public face of Carers Support West Sussex, in partnership with the Chief Executive and the Trustee Board.
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Carers Support West Sussex - Chair
Principal Responsibilities
Governance
Strategic leadership
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Provide leadership to the Charity and its Board, ensuring that Carers Support West Sussex delivers on its mission and strategic plan Ensure that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the Charity Ensure that the Board operates within its charitable objectives, and provides a clear strategic direction for Carers Support West Sussex Ensure that the Board is able to regularly review major risks and associated opportunities, and satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities, and manage and mitigate the risks Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the Charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability and probity Provide effective strategic planning support to the Board to enable the Charity to plan effectively for the future
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Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for Carers Support West Sussex Develop the knowledge and capability of the Board of Trustees, including appointment of additional Trustees to expand the range of experience of the Board when required Encourage transformation where appropriate, address and resolve any conflicts within the Board Appraise the performance of the Chief Executive and the Board on an annual basis Ensure that the Board of Trustees is regularly refreshed and incorporates the right balance of skills, knowledge and experience needed to govern and lead the Charity effectively, and which also reflects the wider population Work within any agreed policies adopted by Carers Support West Sussex
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Efficiency and effectiveness • •
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External Relations • •
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Act as an ambassador for the Charity Maintain close relationships with key stakeholders which will include Government, the Charity Sector, and Partners Act as a spokesperson for the organisation when appropriate Represent Carers Support West Sussex at external functions, meetings and events Facilitate change and support solutions to any potential conflict with external stakeholders
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Chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process Ensure that Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of Carers Support West Sussex and that the Board takes collective ownership Foster, maintain and ensure that constructive relationships exist with and between the Trustees Work closely with the Chief Executive to give direction to Board policy-making and to ensure that meetings are well planned, meaningful and reflect the responsibilities of Trustees Monitor to ensure that decisions taken at meetings are implemented
Establish and build a strong, effective and a constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive, ensuring she/he is held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives Line manage the Chief Executive Support the Chief Executive, whilst respecting the boundaries which exist between the two roles Ensure regular contact with the Chief Executive and develop and maintain an open and supportive relationship within which each can speak openly about concerns, worries and challenges Ensure the work of Carers Support West Sussex is promoted to key stakeholders and the wider public sector to support the ongoing success of the Charity Liaise with the Chief Executive to maintain an overview of Carers Support West Sussex’s affairs, providing support as required Conduct an annual appraisal and remuneration review for the Chief Executive in consultation with other Trustees Ensure that the Chief Executive has the opportunity for professional development and has appropriate external professional support Ensure the Board of Trustees are encouraged to promote the work of Carers Support West Sussex to their own network of contacts within the public and private sector
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Carers Support West Sussex - Chair
Additional requirements & responsibilities Be aware of and ensure that Carers Support West Sussex complies with all statutory and regulatory requirements, particularly company and charity law and Charity Commission regulations. As a legal director of the company, a Trustee must read the Statutory Statement of Directors’ Duties and agree to abide by his/her legal responsibilities and duties referred to therein. Be familiar with Carers Support West Sussex’s Memorandum and Articles of Association and ensure that the Charity and his/her fellow Trustees act within its powers, do not breach any rules set out in the constitution, and review the constitution regularly. Formally agree the levels of authority delegated to Board Sub Committees and to the Chief Executive ensuring that there are clear lines of reporting and accountability. Reflect regularly on the Board’s performance as well as your own performance as Chair and ensure the Board has the skills required to govern the Charity well and has access to relevant external professional advice and expertise. The above list is indicative only and not exhaustive. The Chair will be expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonably commensurate with the role.
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Carers Support West Sussex - Chair
How to Apply
Equality statement
Selection process
Before applying, please check that you can answer yes to all the following questions:
Carers Support West Sussex is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to having a Board that is made up of diverse skills, backgrounds, experiences and abilities. We actively encourage BAME and disabled applicants and value the positive impact that diversity has on all our teams.
All candidates will be notified about the status of their applications. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undertake an additional assessment prior to the final interview.
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Are you able to travel to the offices of Carers Support in West Sussex when required? Do you have extensive strategic, leadership experience as a Board Chair? Have you experience of working as part of a Board, Committee or equivalent?
If you cannot answer yes to these questions, please do not apply, as we will be unable to progress your application. If you can answer yes to all the above questions, then please click here to apply. You will need to complete a short application form and submit an up-to-date curriculum vitae (of no more than 2-3 pages) in MS Word, and a cover letter. Please provide the CV and cover letter in TWO separate documents. Please send your application documents in MS Word saved in the following format: First Name - Last Name -Document Name- Date (mmyyyy) e.g., Malika-Cook-CV-072021CSWS-C. The cover letter should be no more than 2 pages long – bullet points are acceptable. It should explain: • why you are interested in this role • why you are interested in Carers Support West Sussex • how your skills and experience make you a good fit For guidance on preparing a statement, please see here.
Timeline Closing date: Preliminary interviews: Final panel interviews:
Sunday 12th September w/c 27th September and w/c 4th October w/c 25th October
We are committed to equality and diversity within our workforce and all opportunities provided by Carers Support West Sussex. We are Disability Confident Committed and encourage interest from applicants who may require reasonable adjustments in order to participate. Oxford HR is carefully managing the appointment process to ensure that it is impartial, inclusive and fair.
Queries If you have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, need additional information, or would like to have an informal discussion, please email csws-chair@oxfordhr.co.uk in the first instance.
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Carers Support West Sussex - Chair
About Oxford HR Oxford HR operates globally - mainly within the international development and charity sectors. We carry out retained executive search mandates at board and senior management levels. We also offer human resource and organisational development consultancy. Oxford HR has many years of experience in search as well as an extensive network of international development, social sector, corporate, public sector, and academic contacts from across the world. We carry out comprehensive and often international searches designed to meet the specific needs of our clients. Oxford HR’s team members have significant personal experience of working in international development and the social sector as well as the corporate and governmental sectors. We are in a unique position to find and assess talented individuals from a variety of backgrounds.
Please note that all our clients recruiting in the UK are legally obliged to confirm that the appointee is eligible to work in the UK. As of 1 January 2021, government’s new regulations will apply. For further information visit the Home Office website here.
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Carers Support West Sussex - Chair
OXFORD
LONDON
AMSTERDAM
NAIROBI
46 Woodstock Road
Three Tuns House,
Korte Schimmelstraat 12
Watermark Business Park
Oxford
109 Borough High Street,
1053 SZ
Cove Court,
OX2 6HT
London
Amsterdam
1st Floor
SE1 1NL
Ndege Road off Langata Road
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The Netherlands
Kenya
+44 (0) 1865 985 457
+44 (0)20 7939 7451
+31 (0) 683 334 473
+254 (0) 797 233 217
www.oxfordhr.co.uk | Company No. 6456325