Voluntary Audit and Assurance Committee Member

Applicant Information Pack
Voluntary Non- Executive Audit and Assurance Committee
Member

“Our mission is to prevent homelessness by creating safe places to
live, supporting strong futures, by removing barriers, and
influencing change within the sector.”

St. Anne’s and Spring Housing is dedicated to safeguarding all of our customers, and expects staff, volunteers and
contractors to share this commitment.    Applicants must be able to undertake a DBS check and provide a satisfactory
certificate if required, together with evidence of your current right to work in the UK.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, and positively welcome applications from everyone.

Investing to prevent homelessness

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ABOUT US:

St. Anne’s Hostel and Parkview

▪  Private company limited by guarantee

▪  Registered charity

▪  Registered social Housing provider

▪  Founded in 1976 by Father Pascal Dillon, a local priest

▪  Operating for over 47 years

▪  Steeped in homelessness within Birmingham

▪  Well known hostel facility and first to take pets

Spring Housing Association

▪  Private company limited by guarantee

▪  Registered charity

▪  Founded in 2014 by former Spring CEO and four Senior Officers

▪  Response to the housing crisis,

▪  Back to original ethos of housing associations,

▪  Support the use of private housing stock for social good

On the 1st April St. Anne’s and Spring came together within a group structure with St. Anne’s as

the registered provider/Parent and Spring the subsidiary.

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MISSION, VALUES AND AIMS

ST. ANNE’S & SPRING

Our mission is to prevent homelessness by creating safe places to live, supporting strong futures, by
removing barriers, and influencing change within the sector.

▪  Positivity: We create uplifting environments that inspire hope. We face challenges with a can-do attitude

and look for solutions.

▪  Respect: We put people at the heart of decision-making. Every individual’s voice matters, and we will

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respect that.
Inclusivity: We embrace diversity to ensure everyone feels valued and supported. We believe in building
a team that reflects the communities we serve.

▪  Determination: We don’t give up in removing barriers and achieving goals. Challenges will arise, but we

are determined in how we overcome them.

▪  Encouragement: We support people to shape their own futures. We believe in empowering others to

take control of their lives.

▪  Preventing Homelessness: Delivering safe homes and tailored support for lasting stability and reducing

the stigma of homelessness.

▪  Encouraging Independence: Promoting the development of life skills and personal growth for brighter

futures.

▪  Building Communities: Fostering connections and inclusivity to inspire positive change.

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ABOUT OUR GROUP

St. Anne’s and Spring Housing supports individuals in need of accommodation and tenancy-related
assistance across the West Midlands. We collaborate with the private sector and housing associations to
provide both general needs and specialist services for people who are homeless or at risk of
homelessness. Our person-centred approach helps individuals obtain, maintain, and sustain long-term
housing solutions.

With a dedicated team of over 100 staff, we operate across Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry,
Herefordshire, Solihull, Staffordshire, and Warwickshire. We deliver various housing solutions and tailored
support across 23 geographical regions, working closely with local authorities to address housing
challenges.

Last year we were finalist for Housing Hero’s and Women in Housing Awards. We were also finalist for
Social Value Award and Best Social Housing Provider.

We welcome feedback to continually strive to improve the working environment and experience for our
customers.

Feedback from Customer Survey

Feedback from New Staff Members Induction Survey

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"Friendly staff, interesting job role, good payment”
“It’s a supportive, friendly open environment”
“I like the ethos and values of Spring, also it is one team and support is always available.
“I like how helpful and friendly the staff are, that there is always someone to help if you get stuck. I like
that the company is clearly customer focussed and do everything they can to help and support”

Dear Applicant,

I would like to thank you for your interest in joining the St. Anne’s/Spring Group Structure as a Group Non-
Executive Member of our Audit and Assurance Committee.

I’m truly excited about the direction our Group is taking. The housing crisis continues to worsen, and
homelessness remains a major issue across the Midlands. We are committed to tackling this challenge by
working with private sector landlords to bring homes into social use for social purpose. Staying true to our
original mission, we are making a real difference in the lives of our customers.

This progress has only been possible through the dedication and commitment of our staff. Their passion
and hard work have been fundamental to both the success of our services and the positive impact on our
customers' lives.

If you are successful in your application, you will see firsthand what makes St. Anne’s/Spring different. We
have a positive, “can-do” attitude and embrace diversity in both our services and our people. This is an
exciting and dynamic environment, and you will be joining an organisation with a genuine passion for
creating long-term change.

We are seeking Members for our Audit and Assurance Committee who share our commitment to
preventing homelessness. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in shaping the strategic direction and
financial sustainability of the Group, ensuring that policy translates effectively into practice. We are
particularly interested in individuals with expertise in housing legislation, strategic risk management,
property development, and/or human resources.

I hope you find this information helpful during the application process. If you require further details, please
email janette@springhousing.org.uk  or visit our website.

Yours sincerely,

Janette Beckett
Group Chief Executive

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JOB ADVERT:

Voluntary Audit and Assurance Committee Member

Are you passionate about making a real difference in housing?  Our Group is looking for a dedicated Audit
and Assurance Committee Member to help drive transparency, accountability, and excellence in our
governance.

As a key Committee Member, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring financial integrity, risk management, and
compliance while shaping the future of our mission-driven organisation. You’ll work alongside fellow
professionals, offering insight and challenge on financial controls, audit processes, and strategic risks.

We’re looking for financial/performance savvy, independent thinkers with experience in audit, regulations,
risk, finance, or governance. Strong analytical skills, integrity, and a collaborative mindset are essential.

This is a voluntary role, offering the opportunity to influence real change with a dynamic and growing
housing provider. Ready to contribute your expertise to something meaningful? Join us.

Apply now to be part of our mission to prevent homelessness and promote independence.

What We’re Looking For:

▪  Experience in one or more of the following audit, risk, finance, or governance (housing, charity, or

public sector experience)

▪  Expertise in housing legalisation, strategic risk management, property development and/or Human

Resources.

▪  Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen eye for detail.
▪  A commitment to read, understand and scrutinise board papers and attend four committee meetings

a year.

▪  A collaborative mindset with the ability to challenge constructively.
▪  Passion for preventing homelessness, social justice, ethical housing, and community impact.

What You’ll Do:

▪  Provide independent oversight and scrutiny of audit, risk, and financial processes.
▪  Ensure compliance with regulatory and governance standards.
▪  Support decision-making that safeguards our services for people in need.

Why Join Us?

✓  Make a difference in the lives of those at risk of homelessness.
✓  Work with a committed and values-driven team across the West Midlands.
✓  Enhance your professional profile in a strategic advisory role.

For further information, or to have an informal discussion with our Group Chief Executive, Janette Beckett
please email janette@springhousing.org.uk or contact our main office on 0121 633 1443.

The Association is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the
community.

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PERSONAL SPECIFICATION:

Essential

Desirable

Commitment
Commitment to St. Anne’s/Spring Missions

Shares Group values as a not for profit, charitable housing association.
Ability to commit to four meetings per year.
Ability to read and scrutinise papers in advance of meetings to contribute effectively to
the committee meetings.
Experience
Involvement at a senior level in a people-centred business or voluntary sector/public
sector organisation or active service on a Board of such an organisation.
Experience of membership of committees.
Knowledge & skills – key competencies
Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making

▪  Takes the time to understand the business environment and its challenges.
▪  Maintains a big-picture perspective, aligning decisions with long-term goals.
▪  Anticipates future trends and opportunities for the Group.
▪  Actively contributes to shaping strategic direction, identifying new initiatives,

and driving innovation.

Guiding Strategic Action

▪  Develops a deep understanding of the business and its operating

environment.

▪  Translates this insight into clear strategic objectives and measurable goals to

drive performance.

▪  Empowers and delegates effectively to the Senior Team ensuring

accountability and execution.

Critical Information Seeking

▪  Proactively seeks relevant information to assess Group performance.
▪  Ensures a thorough understanding of regulatory, legal, and key objectives.
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Identifies gaps and contributes to informed decision-making and remedial
actions when needed

Problem Solving and Decision Making

▪  Breaks down complex issues into clear, manageable components.
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▪  Uses analysis to inform and influence strategic decision-making effectively.

Identifies risks, opportunities, and viable solutions.

Sensitivity to Others

▪  Recognises the impact of their behaviour and actions on colleagues,

stakeholders, and the wider community.

▪  Actively manages personal and organisational conduct to foster positive

relationships and perceptions.

Listening, Communication, and Influence

▪  Adapts communication style and approach to effectively engage diverse

audiences.

▪  Uses a range of methods to deliver clear, impactful messages aligned with

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different agendas and priorities.
Influences others through persuasive, culturally aware, and audience-specific
communication.

Collaboration and Relationship Building

▪  Builds and maintains strong, effective working relationships.
▪  Works cooperatively and collaboratively to achieve shared goals.
▪  Confidently networks with diverse stakeholders to foster connections and

partnerships.

Confidence and Self-Control

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▪  Trusts in their own ability to tackle personal and organisational challenges.
▪  Maintains objectivity and sound judgment when navigating complex or

conflicting options.

▪  Demonstrates confidence in public settings, effectively representing the

Group
Corporate Citizenship

▪  Upholds the highest standards of integrity and ethics in all actions.
▪  Leads by example, demonstrating commitment to the Groups goals, values,

and community impact.

▪  Champions diversity, equality, and social responsibility, ensuring decisions

are made for the right reasons.

Personal

Energy and enthusiasm

Circumstances

Commitment to Audit and Assurance Responsibilities

▪  Dedicates sufficient time to attend committee meetings.
▪  Remains available for ad-hoc discussions and additional engagements

beyond formal meetings.

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