Brief for Consultancy Services Governance Review

Brief for Consultancy Services Governance Review

Introduction South Liverpool Homes is seeking tenders from consultants to undertake an independent review of our governance arrangements. The review will examine the existing governance structures and relationships making recommendations that will accelerate the ongoing drive for excellence in our governance arrangements to ensure strategic priorities are achieved. Background South Liverpool Homes was formed in October 1999 following a large scale voluntary transfer (LSVT) from Liverpool City Council. The transfer was undertaken with the support of local residents to secure additional investment in their homes whilst maintaining affordable rent levels, security of tenure, and preserving the right for transferring tenants to buy their home. Since the transfer, we have transformed into a group structure which delivers more than just traditional landlord functions, the SLH Group is the collective term: Governance & Remuneration Committee Audit & Risk Committee South Liverpool Homes (SLH) is the housing association and also the parent of the group. Avela Services is a commercial enterprise and home to SLH Home Service LLP, our partnership with Penny Lane Builders Limited, responsible for delivering repairs & maintenance and investment services. SLH Projects Limited is the development company within the group and has yet to commence trading. SLH is regulated by the Regulator for Social Housing (RSH), regulation is based on a model of co-regulatory requirements with a more definitive focus on governance, financial viability and value for money with organisations being held accountable to Page 2 of 6

their customers for service delivery through effective customer scrutiny arrangements. SLH s last assessments by RSH were through an In-depth Assessment and a Stability Check both in 2017. SLH continue to hold regulatory ratings for Governance of G1 and Viability V1. Approach to Governance SLH s aim is to continue to have a robust and responsive approach to governance. For us, excellence in governance is about the framework in which our Board and its Committee structures lead, direct, control, scrutinise and evaluate the work that we do. The RSH quite rightly places an increasing premium on good governance, and expects a high standard of compliance with a wide range of regulatory and statutory requirements. The housing sector is a moving feast and we have seen quite a few near misses or significant issues within housing associations over the past few years. Each and every one of these relates back to governance, and the strength of the control environment operated by the Board in question therefore SLH will use the governance review to ensure it: Continues to meet its strategic objectives Has a framework for responsible growth activities Has a robust control environment Continues to be agile and responsive to the changing environment in which we work SLH s last full independent governance review was completed in December 2014. This was followed by an internal audit confirming all recommendations from the review were completed. In 2017, governance was further tested through the In- Depth Assessment. This review will coincide with the appointment of the new Chair, Steve Jennings, who will take position at September 2018 s annual general meeting. Scope of the Governance Review The following should be included in the review, although it is recognised that this list is not exhaustive and there may be additional work required, this would require approval ahead of completion: Effective leadership ensure the current structure, composition and skills are complimentary to SLH s current and future ambitions and that the Board, whilst completing its fiduciary requirements, is forward looking. Review succession planning arrangements Governing instruments advise as to whether the current governing instruments across the group are compliant and effective. The review should also consider the clarity of responsibility across the structure whilst ensuring both effective control and delegation Page 3 of 6

Control & scrutiny in reviewing the structure, identify how risk flows between the parent and commercial subsidiaries should be managed. Consider how current risk management arrangements could be enhanced to prevent duplication and continue with clear lines of responsibility between Boards and Committees Evaluate consider SLH s current annual effectiveness reviews, identifying how increased value can be obtained from the process for future reviews Processes review existing processes to ensure they are effective and efficient in supporting good governance The outcomes of the review will be summarised in a report to the Governance & Remuneration Committee who will then make recommendations to the Board based on the outcomes. Form of Response We require a concise response covering: How you will address the requirements of the brief and deliver its required outcomes a method statement not exceeding two sides of A4 Who the Delivery Team will comprise of and how they will add value to the review (responses should not exceed two sides of A4 paper): o Detail the delivery team who will work on this service, detail their role, relevant qualifications, skills and experience of performing similar reviews What you feel the governance challenges /emerging themes are for the housing sector over the next three years and how this review will support SLH to response to such challenges (not exceeding one side of A4) Breakdown of pricing: Number of days estimated Daily rate Expected expenses Overall project cost References - give a minimum of two names and contact details of existing, or previous clients where similar work has been completed within the last two years and from whom SLH could obtain references Details of relevant insurance cover Completion of form of tender A single stage evaluation will be completed on written submissions in response to this brief; clarity or additional information may be sought. In addition, SLH wish to make it clear at the outset that it does not view appointments of this kind as a purely scientific process. A major consideration will be the evaluation team s views on which of the competing organisations it will be Page 4 of 6

able to work with best to achieve the desired outcomes for South Liverpool and the area s residents. Submission Please send your response electronically by 12 noon, Friday 3 August 2018 to claire.ryan@slhgroup.co.uk No submissions will be accepted after this time and date. Selection Timetable Brief sent out 9 July 2018 Responses returned 3 August 2018 Appointment 17 August 2018 Process and Timeframe The process and timeframe for completion of the work will be agreed immediately following appointment. A draft report will be presented to the Governance & Remuneration Committee on 16 October 2018 with a final report presented to the SLH Board on 30 October 2018. Use of Internal Resources Meetings will be organised by SLH staff as instructed and office accommodation will be made available. Information Security & Data Protection In order to provide assurance that adequate arrangements are in place to comply with the provisions of the Data Protection Act, the Bidder is asked to include copies of their Information Security and Data Protection policies. Contact For further information please contact; Claire Ryan Director of Investment & Assurance 0151 285 5609 claire.ryan@slhgroup.co.uk Page 5 of 6

Appendix 1 form of tender Registered Office: South Liverpool Homes Parklands Conleach Road Liverpool L24 0TY Governance Review I/We, Hereby agree to enter into a contract to undertake the above project in accordance with the tender documentation particulars, for the sum of: (words) (figures). Exclusive of VAT In the event of this tender being accepted, I/We undertake to complete the whole of the project within project timetable. I/We agree to hold this tender open for acceptance for a period of three months from the submission date, and it shall remain binding upon us and may be accepted at any time before expiration of that period, or any additional period agreed by us in writing. Signed In the Capacity of Duly authorised to sign for and on behalf of: Date I/We understand that the South Liverpool Homes is not bound to accept the lowest price of any tender. Page 6 of 6