How to become a Board Member
The following are answers to some questions that are frequently asked by independents, tenants and leaseholders who are interested in joining the Board.
What is the Board all about?
a Board of Management of 15 unpaid volunteers governs Maidstone Housing Trust: Maidstone Borough Council nominates five, five are independent community representatives, and five are tenant / leaseholder Board members. The Board has responsibility and control over all aspects of the Trust's work, being responsible for the governance of the organisation, managing its budgets and taking key policy decisions. As Board members, you would be responsible for a company that has an annual turnover of 23 million pounds, a loan facility of 85 million pounds and over 130 staff. The Board is also responsible for ensuring that the organisation is effectively managed and complies with the requirements of its regulator, a Government body called the Housing Corporation.
How time-consuming would all this be?
The Trust Board meets eight times a year and an Annual General Meeting usually held in September. Board meetings are usually in the evening commencing at 6.30pm and finishing by 9.30pm at the latest. Some of the business is delegated to smaller sub-committees. The minimum requirement is to attend all Board meetings. You may also wish to join specific working parties to look at issues like kitchen and bathroom procurement or equality and diversity panels which tend to meet outside these forums.
Would I be out of my depth with all these clever people about?
You do need a degree of commitment to be a Board member, but it is also important to be enthusiastic, a team player and to be genuinely interested in the welfare of our tenants and leaseholders. Although meetings have a formal agenda we always try to ensure that they are written in plain English and don't assume that all our members have an in-depth knowledge of housing, law or management. Senior staff and independent members who have more knowledge and experience of the sector also attend meetings and are always there to help answer technical questions and all members are encouraged to take an active part. We also run training sessions on different aspects of our operations and members can attend national housing conferences to build up knowledge, expertise and confidence.
I work during the day, would this be a problem?
All Board and Committee meetings take place during the evenings. Also, Members are sent papers before meetings so you keep up to date even if you could not attend.
What training is available?
In addition to four Board Training Away Days each year, which generally take place a Saturday, members are encouraged to attend one national housing conference every 3 years. Although the Board's formal business is carried out in a meeting environment they are also encouraged to attend occasional social events with staff, site visits and open days, particularly in respect of new schemes.
I'm a single parent and don't have childcare arrangements or transport of my own, how could I get to your meetings?
Don't worry, we can arrange for the cost of a babysitter or a childminder to be available while you attend meetings. We can also arrange for a taxi to transport you to and from meetings and inevitably if an existing Board Member lives in your area, they may well pick you up and give you a lift on the way.
How much would I get paid as a Board member?
Nothing I'm afraid, our Board members are unpaid volunteers and are not allowed to receive financial or other benefits from the Trust. However, all travelling, telephone and training expenses are reimbursed.
Can anybody stand for selection?
There are a few restrictions. You will need to be over 18, an assured tenant (or joint tenant) or leaseholder and you must not have any outstanding arrears or a notice seeking possession against you. You also must not be related to a member of our staff or have a contract with us. Applicants are interviewed and selected by a panel of five existing Board members.
How can I make sure I'm representing tenants' views?
It is very important to make yourself accessible to tenants who might want you to help them with advice or to take up a problem on their behalf. Another way to raise your profile with other tenants is to attend meetings of the local residents associations or tenants groups.
As a young person, I'm not sure if I will fit into this role as you seem to be looking for someone older with experience
We are keen to involve a wide cross section of tenants and leaseholders and are really keen to attract younger people who are under represented at our existing board. If you're a tenant, you will have all the experience we need coupled with a commitment to serve tenants best interests and the potential and willingness to learn. It may take you a while to find your feet, but we'll give you all the help you need.