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About the Seven Locks Housing management board.
Seven Locks Housing is a regulated registered social landlord, a limited company and a charity. In relation to all these aspects there is an expectation that the organisation is properly governed. Effective governance is the responsibility of the management board (the board).
The board works with the executive team to direct the company in accordance with its rules and objectives on behalf of tenants, employees and the community. It sets the values of the organisation and makes the policy and strategy decisions that are behind the day to day work of the organisation. The board monitors the performance of the organisation, and managers are accountable to the board for the day to day running of Seven Locks.
The board is made up of representatives of Seven Locks tenants, the District Authority and of independent members who bring particular knowledge and skills to the company. All board members work on an unpaid voluntary basis.
People usually become board members because they interested in the management and development of the company, they wish to influence the strategic direction of the company, they want to contribute to their community or they have a commitment to the provision of affordable housing. As a board member they often find they are able to build on personal knowledge and skills that they can take into other areas of their lives including study and employment.
A board member needs to be an effective team member with particular skills, competences and knowledge. To support board members in their role Seven Locks provides training and ongoing development and support.
Training for potential tenant board members
Tenants who are interested in becoming a board member are offered a place on the social housing governance award programme. This is a university accredited professional qualification.
The social housing governance award enables potential future board applicants to gain an understanding of the important role and duties of a housing association board member and the current challenges facing the housing sector. The award was first developed by Trent and Dove Housing Association,
one of their tenants who completed the course said;
"A real eye opener, I know it will be valuable to me if I am successfully elected as a board member. I have learnt much that will help me with my current job and studies".
The course covers the following areas which in each case are given a local context- Key principles of good governance
- The role of the board member
- The mission statement, business plan and financial planning
- Regulation, inspection and guidance
- Monitoring, measuring performance and self assessment
- Governance structures
- Equality and diversity
- Risk management and internal controls
Assessment is on the basis of a portfolio of work compiled during the course.
People who complete the training are awarded a certificate in social housing governance, which is a nationally recognised qualification worth 30 credits at level 4.
Appointment of tenant board members
After successful completion of the course you would have the opportunity to put yourself forward for vacant tenant board member positions. When a vacancy occurs, all tenants are notified of the nomination and election process. Nomination will only be open to those who have successfully completed the social housing governance award.
It you are interested in becoming a board member and would like to find out more about the process and the social housing governance award, contact Deborah Bennett on 01858 414537
Company Registered in England, Number 5571472. VAT Registration Number 917 941 988. Registered with the Housing Corporation No. L4506