Job Title: Location: Reports to: Governance Manager MS National Centre, London Head of Governance Introduction to MS Society The MS Society is the UK s leading MS charity. Since 1953, we ve been providing information and support, funding research and fighting for change. We fund research, give grants, campaign for change, provide information and support, invest in MS specialists and lend a listening ear to those who need it. The MS Society is a democratic organisation. Every one of our 38,000 members has an equal say in what we do. We are also supported by 9000 volunteers and 260 staff members. Our Mission Our mission is to enable everyone affected by MS to live life to their full potential and secure the care and support they need, until we ultimately find a cure. Our aim is to beat MS. Context of Work More than 100,000 people in the UK have MS, more than 2 million worldwide. We offer hope for the future by investing in research, and help for today through our information, support and campaigning. People with MS guide our work. Our volunteers and supporters shape our research programme through our Research Network, help us provide support locally through our branches and groups and help us write our publications. Our paid staff also provide information and support services to people affected by MS, work with scientists and healthcare professionals and raise funds in four national offices and communities across the UK. With branches in every part of the UK the Society s work has inspired thousands of volunteers, supporters and staff members to make a difference to the lives people affected by MS. Purpose To ensure the delivery of governance to an agreed quality standard, monitoring and evaluating the service throughout the Society, providing efficient and effective advice and services to the Board of Trustees, its committees and National Councils. As a key member of the Governance team to contribute to the leadership, planning and policy formulation of the team as a whole and to play a significant part in the overall implementation of the Governance and Chief Executive s teams objectives, including contributing to the smooth operation and successful functioning of the Chief Executive s office. 1
As a member of the management community to influence and implement the Society s direction of travel to meet our organisational objectives. Key Relationships: Internal The post holder works closely with Chairman and Trustees, chairs and other members of National Councils, Directors and staff at all levels throughout the Society and across the UK. External The post holder works closely with both members and people affected by MS who contact the Board or Chief Executive about the MS Society or its work. Chief Executive Head of Governance Governance Manager Governance Officer Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive and Chair Key Accountabilities: The MS Society Governance Manager will take a significant role in and responsibility for the work of the MS Society s Governance and Chief Executive s teams in supporting and enabling others to deliver the MS Society s strategic goals and in their work of enabling and supporting the Board in its oversight and scrutiny of the work of the MS Society in delivering those strategic goals. 1. Business plan implementation 1a Develop and implement governance systems, procedures and events for the Board of Trustees, its committees, the National Councils, and others as agreed with the Head of Governance 1b Committee services to the Board of Trustees and its committees 1c Guidance and support to administrators with a role in governance 1d Monitor, evaluate and quality assure governance systems and systems to support legal and regulatory compliance across the MS Society 2. People management 3. Financial management 2
4. Monitoring and reporting on performance General Key competencies The post holder is expected to model and promote the MS Society s values and leadership behaviours: Understands and commits to the MS Society Vision: Places people affected by MS at the heart of what we do; seeks ways to improve and have a greater impact and acts as an ambassador for the MS Society. Enables others to act: Trusts, empowers and develops staff, respecting and valuing diversity, skills and contributions from others. Maintains and develops own competences and engenders trust and respect from colleagues. Inspires and motivates: Maintains motivation creates energy and momentum; is positive and solution focused; and drives excellence and improvement. Analyses and Evaluates: Analyses information from a range of sources in order to make effective decisions; weighs up risks and challenges; applies critical thinking; is outcomes focussed and measures impact. Plans and prioritises: Works efficiently and plans ahead; prioritises effectively; is mindful of fundability; and is able to balance urgent and important activity. Communicates Effectively: Influences others, flexes to suit different audiences, builds rapport and is open and approachable Demonstrates professional competence: Maintains own area of technical or professional competence, shares and distributes knowledge and expertise, balances professional competence with effective interpersonal skills. Detailed Responsibilities: 1. Business plan implementation 85% Planning and allocating work, monitoring achievement of deadlines, and supporting staff as appropriate Focussing the work of the team to implement business plans and contribute to the achievement of the Society s strategic aims and priorities Ensuring a clear focus on driving improvements in quality, impact and performance 1a Develop and implement governance systems, procedures and events for the Board of Trustees, its committees, the National Councils, and others as agreed with the Head of Governance (20%) To develop and maintain effective communications with members, staff and other stakeholders on governance issues To establish, maintain and monitor appropriate committee procedures across the four nations Work with the Head of Governance to set, agree and implement appropriate governance standards across the MS Society 3
To create and sustain procedures for record keeping and information retrieval to comply with agreed governance standards and current regulation To lead on the planning and execution of the MS Society s AGM, and other Board or governance events 1b Committee services to the Board of Trustees and its committees (35%) Working in conjunction with the Head of Governance and Governance Officer provide effective support to the MS Society s Board of Trustees and its committees including preparation of papers, developing agendas, drafting of minutes, recording and following up of actions and briefing members For committees, ensure there are nominated chair and Executive Directors to lead on each committee and ensure meetings are conducted to agreed standards Be responsible for the maintenance of the register of: o Trustees/Directors o Interests of the Trustees/Directors o Interests of members of the senior management team o Gifts and hospitality for the trustees/directors Ensure that arrangements are made for the election of the Board and committee members, including: o Establishing voting rights o Obtaining the necessary declarations from candidates o Arranging the distribution of candidate statements o Arranging the issue of voting papers where necessary o Arranging for the returning of ballot papers and the counting of votes. o Declaring the results of the elections Ensure that the Trustees Annual Report and annual returns are submitted to the Charity regulators and Companies House before their submission deadlines Working in conjunction with the Head of Governance identify the ongoing development needs of Trustees and members of committees and agree development programmes where appropriate 1c Guidance and support to administrators with a role in governance (10%) To support and train assistants and administrators and others across the MS Society in providing an efficient service to National Councils and, as requested, other committees and working groups 1d Monitor, evaluate and quality assure governance systems and systems to support legal and regulatory compliance across the MS Society (20%) Work with the Head of Governance to o develop systems to monitor and evaluate governance quality and standards across the MS Society o report on governance performance to the Executive Group and Board of Trustees, making recommendations for improvement, implementing agreed reforms 4
o develop systems and processes to support legal and regulatory compliance across the MS Society Collect and collate information for regulatory and other returns 2 People Management 5% Managing performance and development, through regular feedback, supervision, supporting learning and the Performance development review process Recruiting and inducting new staff. Developing and maintaining effective working relationships across the team, department, directorate and Society. 3 Budget Management 5% Accountable for the efficient management of expenditure including supporting the Head of Governance in effective budget preparation, planning, monitoring and review Ensure effective financial and resource management 4 Monitoring and Reporting on Performance 5% Accountable for the analysis and evaluation of the team s work, performance information, monitoring and reporting against objectives, outcomes and KPIs. Ensuring action is taken in a timely manner to enable corrective action to be taken Ensuring the impact of the team s work is measured in accordance with the MS Society s outcomes framework General Compliance with MSS s governance procedures, MSS policies and guidelines. Contribute to a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are valued and staff are enabled to do their best. Acting as project manager as required and contributing to relevant programmes and projects Providing advice on matters relating to the team s functional/service areas Other Duties The Governance Manager will be expected to work collaboratively with the Head of Governance, the Governance Officer and the Chief Executive s Executive Assistant to ensure the smooth operation and successful functioning of the Chief Executive s Office. To be prepared to travel to meetings across the UK and be away from home overnight, as the job reasonably demands. Some meetings may be during evenings or weekends. To undertake any other work as could be expected of a Governance Manager. 5
Person Specification Qualifications Essential Educated to degree qualification/equivalent qualification or Relevant professional experience, which demonstrates equivalent academic skills Evidence of continuous professional development. Desirable Working towards being ICSA qualified Experience Essential A proven track record of success in leading and managing a team of comparable size and complexity, to deliver high quality results to deadlines Experience of developing, communicating and implementing business plans Proven planning and project management experience to control effective use of resources Demonstrable experience of applying effective problem solving techniques when the situation demands Experience of financial and budgetary management Experience of organising meetings, writing agendas and taking accurate concise minutes in formal and informal meetings Experience of developing accurate paper and electronic record systems, capable of information retrieval, analysis and dissemination to relevant parties Experience of supporting and working with volunteers Desirable Experience in a similar role, ideally in a charity or not for profit organisation Proven planning and project management experience of extended crossfunctional teams to control effective use of resources Experience of supporting and working with volunteers in a governance/committee environment Knowledge and Skills Essential The ability to manage change effectively The ability to focus on impact and deliver outstanding results in a team environment Demonstrable commitment to collaborative team work Demonstrable commitment to inclusive working, ensuring equality and valuing diversity Excellent interpersonal skills, and able to influence/persuade a wide range of stakeholders at all levels of seniority, both staff and volunteers 6
Excellent communication skills including written, verbal and listening, with the ability to communicate effectively in a wide range of media and to a wide range of audiences Excellent organisational, workload and time management skills Ability to work to and meet firm and/or multiple deadlines Ability to work on own initiative Commitment to quality Accuracy and attention to detail Discretion and absolute respect for confidentialityknowledge of keeping accurate records with effective dissemination of decisions and information to relevant parties Ability to train and develop others Understanding of corporate governance requirements Desirable Knowledge of Charity and Company Law Received training from a recognised organisation such as ICSA Advanced IT skills including good understanding and experience of Microsoft Office Products (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Project Employment terms Grade: Band E Level 2 Salary scale: 30,373-34,542 Signed by postholder Date Signed by Executive Director Date 7