Appointment Brief February 2017
Chief Executive
2
Chief ChiefExecutive Executive | March 2017
Introduction from the Chair Dear Candidate I am delighted that you are considering applying for the role of Chief Executive at CPRE, an organisation with an inspiring track record that is making big plans for the future. We are at an exciting time in our development, celebrating our 90th birthday last year with some significant campaigning achievements and with an inspiring vision to make sure we are in a position to defend the English countryside at such a critical time. This is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to build on that record and make a real difference to the English countryside – protecting it where necessary, shaping its development for the better where possible. The implications of Brexit are unclear, but offer us a major opportunity to influence the agenda, particularly in agriculture. The recent Housing White Paper sets out significant proposals that will affect how the countryside looks in the years to come, and we are keen to continue our engagement with the Government on it. Shaun Spiers has led CPRE for more than 12 years, and is now going to head up independent think-tank Green Alliance. Shaun leaves CPRE in a very good place, with
Chief Executive | March 2017
strong finances, an ambitious new strategic plan and a great track record of recent successes, including our widely acknowledged influence on the Housing White Paper. At the same time, our Director of Campaigns and Policy is undertaking a process of improving our ability to run high profile, integrated campaigns and to influence the long-term policy agenda in those areas that have such an impact on the countryside: including housing and planning, farming, transport and action to tackle litter. We are also currently recruiting a new Director of Fundraising and Supporter Services, and the new post holder will arrive part-way through a major membership review which will influence where and how we focus resources in the next few years. CPRE makes a real difference to the countryside and the lives of people who value it, whether they live in town or country. I do hope you will be interested in applying for this challenging, but very rewarding role. Su Sayer CBE Chair
3
Who we are Formed in 1926, CPRE is a powerful combination of effective local action and strong national campaigning. Our President is Emma Bridgewater, pottery designer and businesswoman, and our Patron is Her Majesty the Queen. We believe a beautiful, thriving countryside is important for everyone, no matter where they live. Millions of town and city dwellers recharge their batteries with a walk or a bike ride in the local Green Belt, spend weekends and holidays in our National Parks, or enjoy fresh local produce. People who live in rural areas keep our countryside beautiful and productive. Locally and nationally we stand up for the countryside, protecting it from the threats it faces, and working to shape its future for the better. We don’t own land or represent any special interests.
4
We’re a grassroots organisation, with more than 200 local groups, a branch in every county and over 60,000 members and supporters. At the same time our national office employs around 40 staff and gives the countryside a voice in Westminster and in the media. Our local knowledge and national profile means CPRE is effective in tackling both the specific issues that really matter to our members, and the wider challenges the countryside faces. CPRE’s vision for the countryside in 2026, our centenary year, sets out how England can achieve both necessary development and a more beautiful, better loved countryside. In the three years of this strategic plan, we will make progress towards this ambitious goal.
Chief ChiefExecutive Executive | March 2017
Context The countryside is unique, essential, precious and finite – and it’s in danger. The country’s population is growing; there is an urgent need for new housing; and politicians of all parties want new roads, railways, power stations and other major infrastructure. CPRE has never blindly opposed development. Our task is to question whether it is needed and, when it is, to ensure that it damages the countryside as little as possible and benefits it as much as possible. Some of our most immediate threats are: • The lack of strategic planning over future land use in England • The need for a better planning system
Achievements We our proud of our track record of success, which includes: • Our ‘waste of space’ social media campaign, reinforced by heavyweight research, which persuaded the Government to give priority to brownfield development • Amendments to the Housing and Planning Bill to ensure a future for rural social housing • Winning unequivocal Government commitments to defend the Green Belt • A charge for single use carrier bags, which led to an 85% reduction in bag use in its first year. That means eight billion fewer plastic bags issued, and a significant reduction in litter
• The need for a new approach to agricultural policy and funding post Brexit • The need for new housing and infrastructure • Adaptation strategies in response to some of the impacts of rapid climate change e.g. coastal and inland flooding
Chief Executive | March 2017
5
Strategic Plan 2017-2019 Vision A beautiful and living English countryside that is valued and enjoyed by everyone.
Mission To promote, enhance and protect the English countryside.
How we act With integrity, openness and honesty; basing our advocacy on strong evidence and proposing solutions wherever possible; working co-operatively across CPRE and with other organisations and individuals.
What makes CPRE unique Our campaigning is evidence-based and reasoned, as well as passionate. We are experts in the planning system and landscape character, locally and nationally. We have a long track record of achievement, dating back almost 90 years. We do not own land but defend the countryside in the public interest.
Aims • To promote and enhance the character of the countryside
• To promote a more sustainable approach to land use
• To defend the countryside from damaging development
6
Chief ChiefExecutive Executive | March 2017
Our Goals • A planning system that protects and enhances the countryside as well as achieving positive outcomes for people, the economy and the environment • Efficient infrastructure systems that enhance the beauty and vitality of the countryside • Rural landscapes and character are protected and enhanced
Chief Executive | March 2017
7
Federated Structure CPRE encompasses National Office, eight regions and 43 branches; the regions and branches are largely staffed by volunteers. Each of the regions has its own regional meeting arrangements and some have topic groups. The wider CPRE network operates as a federal structure, with the branches generally aligned with county boundaries.
All deliver broadly similar objectives and receive a share of the membership subscriptions from CPRE’s members. The Chairs of the branches hold over 70% of the voting rights at the Annual General Meeting of the national CPRE. Each branch also has volunteer groups. The structure of the organisation is a huge strength that gives CPRE both a national presence and a strong and effective grassroots involvement. All parts of the federated organisation work together as “one CPRE” on key campaigning actions such as responding to the recent Housing White Paper.
While 41 of the branches are separately registered charities, with their own governing documents and boards of trustees, they generally use the name and branding of CPRE. Two branches, Durham and Northumberland, are part of the main charity.
Audit Committee
Membership 2 Board Members
Annual General Meeting
Nominations Committee
Trustee Board
Board Members: Chair, Treasurer, Chair of Policy Committee, 5 General Board Members & up to 2 Selected Members
3 Voting Members, Chairman of CPRE & 1 other Board Member
Policy Committee
Voting members
CPRE
Generally experts in the policy areas on which we campaign
Charity and Company Ltd by Guarantee (National Office)
Regions (8)
Not independent charities, sub-group of National Office
Branches (43)
Independently registered charities, 2 part of National Office
District Groups (sub group of Branch) Represented on Branch Exec Committee
8
Chief ChiefExecutive Executive | March 2017
Our Finances Income Our work relies on the financial support of our members and donors who share our vision of a beautiful and living countryside. Our income was £4.3m in 2015, with membership and other regular donations contributing £1.8m and legacies £1.3m. Funding from charitable trusts and companies contributed £0.5m and appeals £0.4m.
Expenditure We spent £3.7m in 2015, with £3.0m (81%) on our charitable activities – including £0.6m that was passed on to our 8 regional groups and 43 branches who undertake so much valuable front line work. They rely on hundreds of volunteers who contribute many thousands of hours of valuable work campaigning locally – responding to local plans and individual planning applications, as well as carrying out a range of activities to help improve the quality and character of the countryside. Our results for 2016 are about to be audited and indicate a further substantial surplus as a result of an exceptional year for legacies. As a result, we have started 2017 with sufficient reserves to cover the risks we have quantified in income and expenditure, a deficit budget for 2017 and a significant sum that can be deployed tactically to help achieve our strategic plan. For more information on CPRE please visit: http://www.cpre.org.uk
Chief Executive | March 2017
9
Role Description Position Title: Chief Executive Salary: £80,000-£85,000 Contract: Full time and permanent Flexible working arrangements will be considered. Hours: 35 hours per week Normal office hours are 9.30am to 5.30pm with one hour (unpaid) for lunch every day. There will be a need to travel to various parts of England on a regular basis, normally by train, with occasional overnight stays. Location: CPRE’s National Office, 5-11 Lavington Street, London SE1 0NZ
Key responsibilities Strategy
• Work with the Chair, Board and Senior Management Team to develop and implement the organisation’s strategic vision with clear aims and objectives
• Understand and effectively
communicate the context within which CPRE operates to influence policy and drive change
• Be creative in identifying growth opportunities for the organisation
• Ensure that appropriate
structures, resources and operational systems are available to turn strategy into reality
Governance
• Work with the Chair of the
Board to ensure high standards
10
Direct Reports: Director of Campaigns and Policy, Director of Finance, Director of Fundraising and Supporter Services, Head of Campaigns and Communications, Executive Assistant; plus eight volunteer regional Chairs Role Summary: To provide strategic and inspirational leadership to CPRE to ensure a beautiful and living countryside that is enjoyed by everyone. To maintain and grow CPRE’s reputation and influence. To ensure that operational development, financial performance and delivery are fit for purpose and effectively implemented.
of governance and that the Board fulfils constitutional and legislative requirements
• Ensure appropriate and accurate management information and other guidance to the Board of Trustees to ensure they have a clear and accurate understanding of the health and performance of the organisation and are able to take informed decisions
• Support the Chair in ensuring
the continued engagement and development of all Trustees
External Relations
• Act as an ambassador for the
organisation demonstrating high standards and credibility with government departments, NGOs, the private sector and the media
• Establish new and strengthen existing relationships that influence policy and build organisational voice and reputation
• Oversee an advocacy and
campaigning strategy that ensures CPRE demonstrates positive outcomes
• Maintain and build a network of
contacts across charities, local authorities, government bodies, senior civil servants, think tanks and other agencies of shared interest to ensure CPRE remains informed and is able to maximise potential opportunities
• Clearly articulate the value and impact of CPRE to a diverse range of audiences, partners, collaborators and stakeholders
Chief Executive | March 2017
Leadership and Management
• Provide excellent leadership
to CPRE, ensuring all staff are inspired, motivated, valued and are performing to their full potential
• Lead, develop and empower
the Senior Leadership Team, delegating appropriately
• Maintain and build positive working relationships with branches and regions
• Take responsibility for planning
and monitoring resources to improve organisational delivery
• Ensure there is an effective
framework for performance monitoring, management and recognition
Finance and Income Generation
• Present the annual budget for
Board approval and ensure regular re-forecasts, and financial and administrative management and reporting systems
• Strengthen and grow
relationships with current and future donors and partners
• Ensure open communication
with the Board on financial and organisational performance
Person Specification Essential Skills, Knowledge and Experience
• Outstanding communicator, exceptionally skilled at
clear and persuasive internal and external leadership
• Significant leadership experience within a complex, externally focused organisation
• Experienced and confident operating in the public eye, in a complex and challenging policy environment
• Ability to be credible and influential at the highest
levels of government and with senior stakeholders from a wide range of public, commercial, charitable and other organisations
• Highly developed people management skills,
experienced at role modelling behaviours to motivate and inspire others
• Experience of networking, persuading, influencing
and forming effective relationships with leaders and stakeholders from a wide variety of sectors including government, business and other leading public bodies
• Experienced at handling a complex set of demands in an efficient, orderly way
• Flexibility and sensitivity in relating to a wide variety of different people within and outside CPRE
• Understanding of the voluntary sector and experience of working with volunteers or as a volunteer
• Politically astute with strong intellectual, financial and analytical capabilities
Desirable Skills, Knowledge and Experience • •
Good networks within the environmental, planning, energy and transport policy fields Policy development experience
Attitudes • • •
Exceptional personal integrity and credibility Finesse, energy and enthusiasm Passion for the countryside
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, able to represent the organisation in the media and at high profile events
Chief Executive | March 2017
11
Benefits Holiday: 25 days per calendar year, increasing by one day per full year of service up to a maximum of 30 days.
Pension: CPRE offers a group personal pension policy with Aviva. CPRE will contribute to this policy monthly at a rate of 7% of current salary. CPRE will start making contributions to this from the beginning of the third month immediately following the start date. Staff members make a personal monthly contribution of a minimum of 1% of salary.
Life assurance: CPRE has an employee life assurance policy
which covers all staff during their employment with CPRE. The policy covers four times annual salary.
12
Chief ChiefExecutive Executive | March 2017
How to Apply To apply, please forward a comprehensive CV together with a supporting statement (maximum two pages of A4). You should give the names, positions, organisations and telephone contact numbers of two referees, relevant to this role. References will only be taken once your express permission has been granted. Finally please ensure that you have included mobile, work and home telephone numbers, as well as any dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the recruitment timetable. Applications should be made via the Prospectus website at: www.prospect-us. co.uk/executive/job/HQ00169466
Chief Executive | March 2017
Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: 27th March 2017
Interview with Prospectus: 5th - 11th April 2017
Panel interview with CPRE: 19th April 2017
Second interview with CPRE: 26th April 2017
Queries
If you wish to have an informal discussion about the opportunity, have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, or need additional information please contact our retained advisors Linda Griffiths or Stella Pedersen at Prospectus on 020 7691 1920, or e-mail linda.griffiths@prospect-us.co.uk or stella.pedersen@prospect-us.co.uk
13
Prospectus Ltd 020 7691 1925 www.prospect-us.co.uk
Created by the Prospectus Advertising & Design team