Join Quays Housing as Our New Chair: Lead with Purpose in a People-First Organisation
Welcome from the Chair
About us
Our Board
Job Description
Person Specification
Application process and key information
Welcome from David Baybut, Chair
Dear applicant,
It is with a sense of both pride and anticipation for the future, I am stepping down from my role as Chair
of Quays Housing following almost six rewarding years in post. It has been a privilege to serve during
a time of growth and transformation, and I am confident that new leadership will bring fresh perspectives
and continued success.
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of Quays Housing, supporting its
mission to reduce and prevent homelessness in the UK.
We are looking for someone with a diverse range of skills and experiences, who is passionate about
contributing to our continued growth and impact. You will play a vital role in steering the vision,
ensuring strong governance, and making a meaningful difference to the communities Quays serve.
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to the Board, our people, and all
those I have had the pleasure of working with during my tenure. It has been an inspiring journey, and I
look forward to supporting the next generation of leadership in any way I can as they build upon the
strong foundations we have laid together.
If you or someone you know is interested in applying or would like more information, please don’t
hesitate to reach out. Quays look forward to welcoming new voices to its Board and continuing their
important work.
Best wishes
About US:
Originally established as a not-for-profit limited company, Quays Housing transitioned to a Community
Benefit Society in 2019 to better align with its social purpose. It is a subsidiary of Change Housing.
We provide high quality homes to vulnerable individuals in housing need and create a pathway to
support services so they can thrive within the community. We operate on a national level, providing homes through a lease-based model, where properties are leased from investment companies without reliance on government grant funding. As an exempt charity, we are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, with Her Majesty’s Revenues and Customs charity status.
Our Board operates independently and with full transparency, ensuring that no conflicts of interest exist
with the boards of our investors. By prioritising individual well-being and fostering an environment of trust and respect, we aim to create lasting positive change for both our tenants and the wider community. Read more Here https://quayshousing.org.uk/about-us/
Driven By Values:
Passion:
We’re fuelled by our commitment to make a difference by addressing homelessness, passionately
advocating for the fundamental right of every individual to have a place to call home. Together we’re working tirelessly to create positive change.
Pride:
We are proud to offer the best accommodation and support in all our services, with a strong
emphasis on tailoring our support to each individual’s needs. It’s like wrapping a blanket of care around each person we serve.
Inclusion:
We uphold the principle of inclusion, valuing the unique individuality of every person. We leave no
one behind, recognising that differences are sources of strength, and diversity is the lifeblood that enriches both our lives and our communities.
Collaboration:
We love working together, and we do it with enthusiasm. Whether it’s at the local, regional, or
national level, we join hands to understand needs and create services collaboratively. We’re also
proud to engage closely with our partners in the voluntary and faith sectors.
Empowerment:
At our core, we’re dedicated to empowering our people, guiding them toward their fullest
potential, and supporting them as they move beyond the impact of their past experiences.
Together, we’re embarking on a journey of growth and progress, side by side.
Learn more about how we live our values here https://quayshousing.org.uk/about-us/ & https://quayshousing.org.uk/driven-by-values-how-our-core-principles-shape-quays-housing/
Our Board:
Our Board is the guiding force behind Quays Housing, bringing together a team of experienced and passionate individuals dedicated to our mission of providing safe, supportive housing and fostering community well-being. Each board member brings a wealth of expertise and insight from diverse sectors, including housing, social care, finance, and community development. Together, they ensure that Quays Housing stays true to its core values—putting people first, promoting inclusion, and driving positive change across our communities. Meet the leaders working to shape a brighter, more inclusive future for all those we serve. Learn more about the #TeamQuays https://quayshousing.org.uk/about-us/our-people/
Job Description:
Remuneration of £7,000 per annum, plus expenses
Time commitment: A minimum of 6 bi-monthly (a mixture of online and in person) meetings per annum
(usually Tuesday afternoons). The standard meeting calendar is set 12 months in advance.
Summary
The non-executive Chair leads the Board, oversees its activities, and works to ensure that Quays Housing
achieves its mission in line with its values, meeting the requirements the Co-operative and Community
Benefits Society, FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) and best practice.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Governance:
Provide strong, effective leadership, overseeing performance and encouraging a
collaborative and high-performing Board culture.
Promote high standards of corporate governance, ensuring compliance with regulatory and
industry standards, including adherence to the NHF Code of Governance 2020.
Chair Board meetings, participate in subcommittees as needed, and approve changes to
committee structures and terms of reference.
Oversee the risk framework for identifying, managing, and reporting risks to safeguard
Quays’ assets and reputation.
Act as an ambassador for the charity in partnership with the Managing Director.
Strategic Direction & Alignment:
Establish and support a framework for the approval and implementation of the company’s
strategic goals and Corporate Plan.
Ensure Executive activities align with values, vision, mission, and long-term objectives.
Drive a culture of continuous improvement, setting and supporting challenging targets for
service enhancement.
Executive Support & Accountability:
Establish a strong working relationship with the Managing Director, providing both support
and challenge to hold them accountable for performance.
Work closely with the Leadership team to ensure a systematic approach to strategic
assurance, alignment with corporate objectives, and robust performance management.
Lead the remuneration, development and succession planning for the Managing Director.
Financial Oversight & Risk Management:
Ensure the Board satisfies itself regarding the accuracy of financial information, approve
annual statutory accounts, budgets, and financial plans.
Oversee service delivery to ensure it represents good value and complies with SLA’s.
Assess and agree on policies addressing material financial or other risks to Quays Housing.
Board Development & Succession:
Approve changes to the Board’s size, structure, and membership, and support succession
planning for Board and Executive roles.
Approve Committee membership and Committee Chairs, maintaining strong, qualified
leadership.
Person Specification – who we are looking for:
– Essential Experience
- Experience of chairing a not-for-profit Board
- Experience of working in a complex group structure
- Experience of setting the strategic direction of a business
- Experience of Business Development
- Experience of driving organisational performance
- Experience of leading teams and managing performance
- Experience of setting and reviewing customer service standards
– Desirable Experience
- Demonstrable skills and experience of leadership and delivery in the homeless
sector or close equivalent, ideally on a national basis - Experience of funding options and funding bids
- Experience of property investment and development
Skills & Knowledge:
– Essential
- Excellent chairing skills
- Excellent communication & presentation skills
- A strong understanding of corporate governance
- The ability to quickly process and analyse information
- Financial skills and risk management skills
- Strong commercial acumen
- Strong leadership skills
–Desirable
- A track record of demonstrating an understanding of issues associated with
individuals who have experienced homelessness. - A good understanding of the economic, environmental, social, and political context
within which the homeless sector operates - Strategic understanding of homelessness and housing solutions
- Knowledge of current and long-term housing and planning issues
Personal qualities
-Essential
- The gravitas to develop strong working internal and external relationships.
- The ability to constructively challenge
- Good independent judgement.
- A commitment to equality and equity in all aspects of the organisation and its operations
- A clear sense of social values.
- High standards of personal and professional
integrity. - Personal and professional credibility that will command confidence across a wide range of stakeholder interests.
Application process and key information:
To apply for this position please send an up-to-date CV to recruitment@quayshousing.co.uk
demonstrating your full career history together with a supporting statement explaining why you
are interested in the role, how you meet our person specification and what you would bring to
our Board. Applications must be received by midnight on Sunday 24 November 2024.
