Governing Body Member

Role Description for Governing Body Members of Ardenglen Housing Association

1. Introduction

“The Governing Body leads and directs the RSL to achieve good outcomes for its tenants
and other service users.”  Regulatory Standards of Governance and Financial Management,
Standard 11

1.1

This role description has been prepared to set out the responsibilities that are
associated with being a Governing Body Member (GBM) of Ardenglen Housing
Association (AHA).  It should be read in conjunction with the accompanying person
specification and AHA’s Rules and Standing Orders.

1.2   AHA is a Registered Social Landlord and a Scottish Charity.  The role description
reflects the principles of good governance and takes account of (and is compliant
with) the expectations of the Regulatory Standards of Governance and Financial
Management for Scottish RSLs and relevant guidance produced by the Office of the
Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).

1.3   AHA encourages people who are interested in the Association’s work to consider

seeking election as a GBM and is committed to ensuring broad representation from
the communities that it serves.  GBMs do not require ‘qualifications’ but, from time to
time, we will seek to recruit people with specific skills and experience to add to or
expand the existing range of skills and experience available to ensure that the
governing body is able to fulfil its purpose.  We have developed a profile for the GB
which describes the skills, qualities and experience that we consider we need to lead
and direct AHA and carry out an annual review of the skills that we have and those
that we need to inform our recruitment activities..

1.4

This role description applies to all members of the Governing Body, whether elected
or co-opted, new or experienced.  It is subject to periodic review.

2. Primary Responsibilities

2.1   As a GBM your primary responsibilities are, with the other members of the Governing

Body, to

  Lead and direct AHA’s work

1 Scottish Housing Regulator (April 2012) Regulation of Social Housing in Scotland: Our Framework
available here

  Promote and uphold AHA’s values

  Set and monitor standards for service delivery and performance

  Control AHA’s affairs and ensure compliance

2.2   Responsibility for the operational implementation of AHA’s strategies and policies is

delegated to the Chief Executive Officer.

3. Key Expectations

3.1   AHA has agreed a Code of Conduct for Governing Body Members which every

member is required to sign on an annual basis and uphold throughout their
membership of the governing body.

3.2   Each GBM must accept and share collective responsibility for the decisions properly

taken by the Governing Body. Each GBM is expected to contribute actively and
constructively to the work of AHA.    All members are equally responsible in law for
the decisions made.

3.3    Each member must always act only in the best interests of AHA and its customers,
and not on behalf of any interest group, constituency or other organisation.  GBMs
cannot act in a personal capacity to benefit themselves or someone they know.

4. Main Tasks

  To contribute to formulating and regularly reviewing AHA’s values, strategic aims

and performance standards

  To monitor AHA’s performance

  To be informed about and ensure AHA’s plans take account of the views of

tenants and other customers

  To ensure that AHA operates within and is compliant with the relevant legal

requirements and regulatory frameworks

  To ensure that risks are realistically assessed and appropriately monitored and

managed

  To ensure that AHA is adequately resourced to achieve its objectives and meet

its obligations

  To oversee and ensure AHA’s financial viability and business sustainability whilst

maintaining rents at levels that are affordable to tenants

  To act, along with the other members of the governing body, as the employer of

AHA’s staff

  To ensure that AHA is open and accountable to tenants, regulators, funders and

partners

5. Duties

  Act at all times in the best interests of AHA

  Accept collective responsibility for decisions, policies and strategies

  Attend and be well prepared for meetings of the governing body and sub-

committees

  Contribute effectively to discussions and decision making

  Exercise objectivity, care and attention in fulfilling your role

  Take part in ongoing training and other learning opportunities

  Take part in an annual review of the effectiveness of AHA’s governance and of

your  individual contribution to AHA’s governance

  Maintain and develop your personal knowledge of relevant issues and the wider

housing sector

  Represent AHA positively and effectively at all times, including in the local

community and when attending meetings and other events

  Respect and maintain confidentiality of information

  Treat colleagues with respect and foster effective working relationships within the

governing body and between the governing body and staff

  Be aware of and comply with our policy on the restrictions on payments and

benefits

  Register any relevant interests as soon as they arise and comply with AHA’s

policy on managing conflicts of interest

6. Commitment

6.1

An estimate of the annual time commitment that is expected from GBMs is:

Activity

Attendance at up to 10 regular meetings of the Governing Body

Reading and preparation for meetings of the governing body

Attendance at up to 4 sub-committee meetings (no requirement to sit on sub
committee)

Reading and preparation for sub-committee meetings

Attendance at annual planning and review events (including individual review
meeting)

Time

20hrs

15hrs

8hrs

6hrs

7hrs

Attendance at events such as estate tours, tenant / customer conferences,
openings and site visits

Attendance at internal briefing and training events

External Training and conference attendance (may include overnight stay or
weekend)

Total

7.  What AHA Offers GBMs

2hrs

7hrs

7hrs

72hrs

7.1

All GBMs are volunteers and receive no payment for their contribution.  AHA
has adopted an Entitlements, Payments and Benefits Policy which prevents you or
someone close to you from inappropriately benefiting personally from your
involvement with AHA., This and related policies also seek to ensure that you are not
unfairly disadvantaged by your involvement with AHA.  All out of pocket expenses
associated with your role as a GBM will be fully met and promptly reimbursed.

7.2

In return for your commitment, AHA offers:

  A welcome and introduction when you first join the governing body;

  A mentor from the governing body and a named staff  contact for the first six

months, with ongoing support

  Clear guidance, information and advice on your responsibilities and on AHA’s

work

  Formal induction training to assist settling in

  Papers which are clearly written and presented, and circulated in advance of

meetings

  The opportunity to put your experience, skills and knowledge to constructive use

  The opportunity to develop your own knowledge, experience and personal skills

  The chance to network with others with shared commitment and ideals

8. Review

8.1

This role description was approved by the Governing Body on 20 April 2021  .  It will
form the basis of the annual review of the effectiveness of your contribution to our
governance.   It will be reviewed by the Governing Body not later than 2024.