Information for the post of: Head of Corporate Affairs
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Job Description Job Title: Department / Directorate Band: Hours: Professionally Accountable to: Ultimately Accountable to: Responsible for: Base: Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure and Independent Safeguarding Authority check required: Job Summary: Head of Corporate Affairs Chief Executive 8d Full Time Director of Organisational Development & Communications Chief Executive and Chair Membership Manager Medway Maritime Hospital A key appointment of the Trust s Board of Directors, the Head of Corporate Affairs is ultimately accountable to the Chief Executive and reports to the Director of Organisational Development & Communications. The post holder will be responsible for establishing and maintaining the highest levels of corporate governance. The Head of Corporate Affairs will be responsible for working with and in support of the Chair and Chief Executive to meet their own obligations to ensure that the Trust is adequately prepared to comply and can secure ongoing compliance with the regulatory framework (statute, terms of authorisation and constitution) enforced by NHS regulators, including Monitor, the Independent Regulator of NHS Foundation Trusts. They will establish and manage procedures for the sound corporate governance of the Trust and will advise the Board of Directors and Council of Governors via the Chair, Chief Executive and directly. Key Result Areas: The post holder will: Act as principal advisor to the Chief Executive, Chair, Board of Directors and Council of Governors on all issues relating to corporate governance, ensuring the Trust s corporate affairs are undertaken to the highest standards of probity and
according to statutory and legislative requirements the regulatory framework; Overview of Responsibilities : Corporate Governance: As a member of the senior management team contribute to the formulation of strategy, policy and the delivery of corporate and statutory objectives; Support the Chief Executive in fulfilling his Accounting Officer responsibility with respect to good governance and to maintain the highest standards of prudence, propriety and regularity; and Manage the membership functions of the Foundation Trust. Provide independent expert advice and support to the Chief Executive, Chair and Board of Directors on all matters relating to statutory and legislative compliance and interpretation Support the Chair and Chief Executive in ensuring compliance with Monitor s publication The NHS Foundation Trust Code of Governance and other best practice in corporate governance With the Chair, ensure that the Board of Directors and its Committees are properly constituted, operated and supported, according to Standing Orders and the regulatory framework Provide authoritative advice to Chief Executive, Chair, Board of Directors and Council of Governors on legal, constitutional matters, correct and proper conduct of business and meetings. Commission and provide briefings for external legal advice where necessary to ensure the efficient and effective resolution of issues Scrutinise and report to the Board of Directors all new regulatory developments Assess the governance implications of papers put to the Board of Directors and Council of Governors Ensure all Registers required by the Constitution or related legislation are established and maintained, and along with any appropriate reports make sure they are available for public inspection Ensure Standing Orders are in place, acted upon and reviewed as necessary, and with the Director of Finance and Information, ensure Standing Financial Instructions are similarly in place, reviewed and acted upon by the Board of Directors With the Chief Executive and Director of Finance and Information, ensure the statutory annual returns, including the annual accounts and annual report are prepared, and are presented to the Regulator and laid before Parliament in accordance with prescribed timescales
Contribute to the development of systems, control process and risk management arrangements that comply with internal and external governance and best practice requirements and contribute to continuous improvement of the quality of risk information particularly in the areas of key controls Establish and monitor procedures to ensure that the Trust is able to comply with the requirements of the statutory and regulatory framework and the Constitution. Continually monitor these to ensure they comply with best practice on Corporate Governance within the NHS; Co-ordinate and assist with the production of all appropriate reports and forward plans to the relevant bodies and ensure that they are available for public inspection Act as the key point of contact between the Board of Directors, Council of Governors and the Regulator Ensure the effective flow of information within the Board of Directors and Committees, and between the senior management team and the Board of Directors, through the development and implementation of a sound performance reporting and risk management system and other appropriate mechanisms; Act as the main channel of communication and information for Non-Executive Directors Manage the Foundation Trust budget effectively, ensuring value for money Offer expert advice on preparing the Trust for the new Licensing Regime. Act as Compliance Officer Council of Governors: Ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place to: Ensure that the Foundation Trust complies with its constitution and that amendments to it are drafted and incorporated in line with correct procedures. Ensure that general meetings of the Council of Governors are held in accordance with the Foundation Trust s constitution. Ensure that effective arrangements are in place for the Board of Directors and Council of Governors to communicate with members. Manage the membership function of the Foundation Trust. Ensure an accurate membership database is maintained including the public register Undertake regular monitoring of the Foundation Trust s membership community to ensure it represents the diversity of the local population; recommending strategies to address any shortcomings
Manage legal and constitutionally compliant arrangements for elections to the Council of Governors and the appointment of stakeholders; managing the process for resignations and replacements between elections Develop internal and external two way communications channels with potential members and Governors Develop systems for securing engagement with the membership including a strong programme of health events. Encourage managers and staff to seek interaction with the membership, thus improving local accountability Ensure the provision of advice to the Council, including interpretation of the Constitution, Standing Orders and other policies/procedures Ensure the Council of Governors is supported effectively in their statutory roles, including support at meetings and governor committee meetings Ensure the Council of Governors is supported effectively in their statutory roles in particular the appointment and reappointing of Non-Executive Directors, working to support the Director of Organisational Development and Communications Support the Chair to ensure effective communication with the Council of Governors; support the induction process and training for the Council of Governors and its members; support the governor appraisal process Company secretariat: Provide a Secretariat function to facilitate the effective working of the Board of Directors, its Committees, the Council of Governors and its sub committees. Support the Chair and Chief Executive in the effective conduct of Board of Directors and the Council of Governors business, in particular, through: Planning, preparation and timely submission of agendas, reports, supporting papers and minutes ensuring they comply with Trust Polices on the production of papers and policies Preparing agenda and minutes for Council of Governors, Board of Directors, and the Trust Executive Committee; preservation of proper records of business Organisation, agenda planning, identification and assignment of actions and tasks; determine forward plans for the business of the Board of Directors and Council of Governors in consultation with the Chair and Chief Executive Ensure that the business of the Board of Directors and its Committees is planned in advance and that papers are dealt with by the most appropriate Committee in the most appropriate way. Monitoring the governance implications of business papers put to the Board of Directors and Council of Governors and ensure follow up of decisions
Maintaining a calendar of prospective Board of Directors business to ensure such business is appropriately dealt with within an annual business cycle Reviewing and discuss, as required, the Board of Director s and Council of Governors agendas to optimise the use of time at meetings Ensure Minutes of the Board of Directors, the Council of Governors and Committees properly record decisions made and their context Ensure a Private Office function is provided for the Chair and Chief Executive ensuring that decisions are communicated and progress controlled. Provide advice and support to the Trust s governance structures as required, including the Board of Directors, Council of Governors, Integrated Governance and Assurance Committee and Audit Committee; and Ensure that arrangements are in place for the safe custody and application of the common seal. Wider responsibilities: Establish effective arrangements for the proper induction of Governors and provide advice and support regarding the discharge of their duties. Identify the ongoing development needs of Governors and agree development programmes where appropriate and in conjunction with the Director of Workforce and Organisational Development. Contribute to the corporate development of the Trust through the leadership of key areas of work defined by the Chief Executive; Support the Chief Executive by identifying areas where action is necessary to ensure that the Trust is compliant with the requirements of legislation and the Terms of Authorisation and Constitution To contribute to the maintenance of constructive and fruitful working relationships with all members of the health community to foster a strong culture of partnership working. Maintain systems to ensure that all governance related policies and strategies are up to date and for the monitoring of such policies. Organise formal response to relevant consultations Maintain an effective Board Assurance Framework This job description is not intended to be exhaustive but to indicate the main responsibilities of the post and may be amended from time to time after consultation with the post holder. The duties listed above may change over time and additional duties may be required appropriate to the pay band of the post.
Diversity and Monitoring Medway NHS Foundation Trust is committed to preventing discrimination, valuing diversity and achieving equality of opportunity and will not discriminate against anyone because of their race, ethnic origin, gender or gender reassignment, disability, age, nationality, sexual orientation, marital status, colour, religion, belief or non-belief. Medway NHS Foundation Trust are committed to providing an environment and services that are welcoming and inclusive of people s race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or faith and status. The Trust believe in embedding principles of equality, diversity and human rights in all aspects of their work, valuing the diversity of all staff, patients and visitors and work towards ensuring all groups are respected and included. The Trust aim to treat everyone in a consistent and non-discriminatory manner. The information on the monitoring sheet is not used in the selection process. It will be removed on receipt and is not seen by those assessing your application. However, this information may be useful to Medway NHS Foundation Trust when looking at diversity strategy and the basic information about the successful appointee may need to be made public in a variety of publications such as the Trust s annual report and press releases. It may also be used for monitoring purposes by the Appointments Commission. Medway NHS Foundation Trust is committed to equality of opportunity for all. The Trust welcomes applications from all sections of the communities the Trust serves. All appointments are based on merit and the principles of independent assessment, openness and transparency of process.
Person Specification Factors Essential Assessed by: Attitude, Behaviour and Values Qualifications and Further Training Always puts patients first Customer service focus Willing and able to take personal responsibility Demonstrates passion for excellence Seeks out and takes opportunities for improving the service offered Takes pride in their work and their team Flexible in their attitudes and behaviours to support team working and delivery of objectives Respects, values and cares for others Supports learning and development of self and others Supports and promotes equality and diversity Educated to Post Graduate (Masters) level or equivalent professional qualification such as Member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) Management qualification Continuous professional development and experience in this role Application form and interview Experience Previous relevant experience in a Board/Company Secretary role Experience of serving and supporting Boards and Committees Proven record of working at all levels within complex organisations (ideally in a Foundation trust or other NHS setting) and across partner organisations including Care Quality Commission (and its predecessors), NHS Litigation Authority, Strategic Health Authority, and Monitor Strong track record of dealing with corporate governance and business conduct principles within a large organization Demonstrates evidence of budgetary management experience Experience of working constructively with internal and external stakeholders to create the conditions for successful partnerships Strong evidence of experience in handling complex arrangements to a high degree of accuracy, timeliness and effectiveness, including managing multiple deadlines Proven experience in writing papers for senior level internal and external audiences Knowledge Understanding of corporate governance legislation and best practice Understanding the roles and relationships between Council of Governors and Board of Directors Knowledge of Corporate Governance in a large Application form and interview
organisation and/or knowledge of PR work. First rate written and oral communication skills Understanding of implications of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 and the concept of a Licencing regime Skills Demonstrates ability to understand issues quickly and explain them clearly and succinctly Demonstrates ability to priorities workload to achieve deadlines Demonstrates problem solving and analytical skills Demonstrates advocacy and highly developed verbal, written and presentational communication skills Strong IT skills (able to manipulate and present complex data in an intelligent manner) matters to non-experts e.g. implications of legislation and financial matters Proven ability to work with a high level of autonomy over responsibility and decision-making, and make sound, properly informed judgments A calm, logical approach with an ability to work and deliver under pressure Other requirements An innovative approach and ability to influence, inspire and enthuse colleagues at all levels Commitment to, and an appreciation of, the public sector requirements in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion High energy levels, drive and enthusiasm Treats other with courtesy and respect at all times Ability to deliver, lead and advise others on highly complex and challenging issues Demonstrates strength of character and tough mindedness Personal integrity and loyalty High standards of prudence, propriety and regularity
Application Process Please visit our dedicated Recruitment Microsite www.acertus.co.uk/transformingmedway Application is via CV and concise supporting statement to be submitted to Carley Murray at Acertus via: healthcare@acertus.co.uk. In your application please detail how you meet the requirements of the role as outlined in the job and person specification. Please do not apply via NHS Jobs. If you wish to discuss any aspect of the role, organisation or application process please do not hesitate to contact either Carley Murray or Linda McCue at Acertus on 01730 266208. Following the closing date candidates will be longlisted by Medway Hospital NHS Foundation Trust by scrutiny of their application. Longlisted candidates will be asked to attend a preliminary interview with Acertus. As part of this, candidates will be required to complete an online Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ), feedback will be provided at the preliminary interview. Following this Medway Hospital NHS Foundation Trust will shortlist candidates for final assessment and interview. All candidates are requested to complete an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form. Appointment will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and employment checks. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence. Timetable Closing Date for Applications 14th February 2014 Preliminary Interviews with Acertus w/c 24th February 2014 and w/c 3rd March 2014 Final Panel Interview TBC