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.