The Role

Non Executive Directors, Achieving for Children
Salary £495 per day  | All AFC areas | Three Years  | Part time

The Royal Borough of Kingston, London Borough of Richmond and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead have commenced an executive search to recruit two Non Executive Independent Directors to join the Board that oversees the strategic management of Achieving for Children. 

Achieving for Children is a community interest company that is owned by and provides children's services on behalf of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.  Achieving for Children is focused  on providing high quality and affordable health, social care and education services to children and young people.

“We strive to achieve excellence in everything we do by putting children and young people first in the design, delivery and evaluation of every service we provide, to ensure that they are supported to live safe, happy, healthy and successful lives. Our broad service offer is informed by leading practice and a strong evidence-base of what works best. It is guided by our daily work with children and young people and the organisations that work with us to help and support them.”  Further information can be found in the organisation’s Business Plan and Impact Report.

Achieving for Children is governed by a board of directors who oversee strategic management in the company.  The Board is made up of six Council Appointed Directors, one Executive Director and three Non Executive Independent Directors (NEID). 

The councils are looking to appoint two new Non Executive Independent Directors to start as existing terms of directors come to an end in April and September 2021.  The terms will be for an initial period of three years with the option to extend for a further three years.  Longer term planning means we are particularly interested in applicants who would be available to undertake the chairship in 2024, when the existing chair’s tenure comes to an end.

We are looking for directors who share our vision and who are passionate about supporting children to achieve outstanding outcomes.  Directors will work with other board members to inform strategic direction and ensure the organisation has robust corporate governance, financial and risk management arrangements and will be required to be either Chair of Audit and Risk Committee or Vice Chair of the AfC Board. We are looking for Directors that are agile, creative, innovative, with digital and business development expertise. We are keen  to build on our success as a visible Board that adds value to the organisation and thinks creatively for the long term sustainability of Achieving for Children.      

Vice Chair of the AfC Board 
In addition to performing the functions of the Non-executive Directors the Vice Chair:

• Provides a sounding board for the Chair to give them support, giving informal feedback, honest advice and a fresh perspective
• Occasionally deputising, if required, as Chair of the Board
• To mediate tensions among the board, or between Chair and COFO, that may arise from time to time and help bridge the gaps.
• The Chair may request the Vice Chair to lead certain projects.

Time commitment – 24 days per year

Chair of Audit and Risk Committee
In addition to performing the functions of the Non-executive Directors the Chair of Audit and Risk Committee will:

• Chair the Audit and Risk Committee and provide assurance to the AfC Board on the effectiveness of internal control arrangements
• Maintain oversight of AfC’s governance, internal control, financial resilience, risk management and value for money framework

Reflecting on the current skill set of the Board we would be particularly interested in applicants with expertise in finance, data intelligence and risk management.

Time commitment – 20 days per year

We would welcome applicants who have experience of children's services whether that be professionally or as a parent or via childhood experience.  The AfC Board aims to be representative of both the communities that AfC services as well as the AfC workforce.  The Annual Equalities Summary Report sets out our approach to equality and diversity and explains what we have achieved during the year in relation to the protected characteristic groups. It is crucially important that the board reflects diverse and inclusive values. 

Successful candidates must have the time and commitment to fulfill the role; be passionate about improving opportunities for children; have strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to the company’s values and public service nature; be a strategic thinker as well as have relevant experience and professional knowledge. 

How To apply
If you would like more information about this role please see our role profile.

Please apply online with a CV, including a supporting statement addressing how you meet the criteria for this post detailing what skills, knowledge, experience and abilities you can bring to the role, as outlined in the role profile.   

For an informal discussion about the position please contact the AfC Recruitment Consultant on email, recruitment@achievingforchildren.org.uk.

Closing Date: 31st March 2021
Interview Date: Week commencing 19th April 2021

Achieving for Children is an equal opportunities employer, this extends to welcoming candidates from BAME backgrounds. 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils