Bath & North East Somerset Council has said it is looking to appoint an independent Non-Executive Chair and Non-Executive Director to serve on its Housing Development Company Board.

It follows a decision by the council last year to adopt a new protocol for governance of its Local Authority Companies. As a result, from May 2019, Councillors will no longer be nominated to B&NES company boards.

The council is now inviting applications for the roles of Chair and Non-Executive Director to serve on its Housing Development Company Board,  to advise on housing development and related company governance matters.

Councillor Tim Warren, Leader of the Council, said:  “We set up Aequus Developments three years ago to help develop, deliver and manage much needed housing across the district and generate income to support council services.

“The company is making good progress with a number of developments in the pipeline and nearing completion, such as the redevelopment of the old council offices at Riverside View in Keynsham.

“These are two important appointments and the successful candidates will steer the direction of the company over the coming years.”

Applicants for the roles should be able to demonstrate an ability to look objectively at property developments and make balanced judgements based on the evidence provided.

Private sector development & housing expertise and/or a commercial background in finance is highly desirable. Previous experience of chairing company boards is also required for the Chair’s role.

The Guildhall building in Bath

The Guildhall building in Bath | Image courtesy of B&NES Council

An annual remuneration of £4,000 will be provided for the Non- Executive role, and £10,000 for the Non-Executive Chair including travelling and subsistence expenses.

Non-Executives are required to attend 4-6 meetings a year and provide ad-hoc advice to the Board. The Chair’s commitment is expected to be around one day each month attending meetings and working with the Executive Management Team.

All applicants must carefully consider any potential conflict of interest issues either present or future prior to applying for consideration for this role.

It is important for the Board to protect its objectivity and develop a reputation for impartiality, and candidates will need to demonstrate at interview how they have considered and propose to address this.

To apply for either of the roles, send a CV together with a supporting statement setting out why you wish to be considered to Enquiries@aequusdevelopments.co.uk or post to Aequus Developments Limited, 20 Old Bond Street, Bath, BA1 1BP.

For an informal discussion about this role, contact Tim Richens, Aequus Managing Director on 01225 395300.

The closing date for expressions of interest is Thursday 28th February.  It is anticipated interviews will be held early in March with the successful candidates taking up their appointments on 7th May 2019.