Thank you for your interest in the Trainee Board Member programme at Origin.
Origin is committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion and through our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Strategy and accompanying action plan we are taking practical steps to embed these principles into the way we work.
We have joined up with the Housing Diversity Network (HDN) to deliver a two-year learning, development and mentoring programme, to support and nurture a more diverse cohort of future Board Members in the housing sector.
We are keen to provide Board experience forthose individuals who may find there are barriers in the way of access to such opportunities, with the longer-term outcome that they become full Board Members either at Origin or elsewhere within the housing sector.
You do not have to have any previous specific experience in social housing but you do need to be passionate about what we do and the positive impact we wantto make on people’s lives and communities. We will support you through the programme, offering opportunities to observe our Board and Committee meetings and providing a structured induction and development opportunities as well as paying you an allowance for participation plus reasonable expenses.
Our aim is for our recruitment process to be as inclusive as possible; therefore if you need any support or assistance with your application, please do not hesitate to contact our Recruitment Team by email at recruitment@originhousing.org.uk
Alternatively, if you want to have an informal, no obligation chat with our Chief Executive Carol Carter about the opportunity, then drop Natalie Davidson an email (natalie.davidson@originhousing.org.uk) and we can set up a phone call when it is convenient for you.
This is a great time to become part of the Origin team, so please do read on forfurther details about this opportunity and we hope to hear from you soon.
Neil McCall
Chair
Carol Carter
Chief Executive
Our Values
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Create Energy
We direct our energy towards moving things forward. We gain energy from our achievements which, in turn, motivates us even more.
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Take the Lead
Take action, get involved, listen, challenge, be objective, question, help, try things out, make a difference. We embrace change and are inspired and encouraged to make change happen.
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Be Generous
We are committed to giving more of ourselves - it comes naturally to us. From this we feel fulfilled.
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Stay Grounded
We 'get' life; we know where it can take people - sometimes up, sometimes down. We're realistic and pragmatic in our approach. We believe it is our social responsibility to get individuals, families and communities back on track.
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Remember the little things
We're here to make the world a better place; one small action at a time. Little things add up and become a big change.
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Build Trust
There exists a common trust between us; our residents and each other. We are inclusive, united by our shared goal to build thriving communities where people can prosper and grow.
Core themes that underpin our 2021/25 corporate ambitions
We’re on your side: we will focus on what is most important to our customers and work together to get it right forthem first time every time. We will align with and connect to our residents and staff in practical ways, in a partnership of equals, building trust and confidence in our people and services.
Small changes make a big difference: we will work in an agile way to innovate and try out new ways of working which deliver business efficiency, staff engagement and service improvement.
A data driven business: using data intelligently to make decisions which help us achieve our goals more effectively.
Partnerships with a purpose: pro-active pursuit of constructive partnerships; with voluntary, community, statutory, commercial organisations - which help deliver on our social purpose.
Further information
To find out more about us, click on these links for our accounts and annual report. Profiles of Board and Executive leadership team can be found here.
We know that not everyone will feelthey have the skills, knowledge or experience to be successful in securing a Board position.
This programme is designed to provide the opportunity for you to develop yourskills, knowledge and confidence – so we are not looking for the finished article.
HDN developed the programme in recognition of the lack of diversity across housing association boards. The programme will develop a diverse group of individuals who:
- Understand strategic performance
- Grasp risk
- Are open to creativity and finding new ways of working
- Maintain their diversity of skills, thought and experience to hold us all to account
- Exercise sound leadership and judgement
- Would be an asset to any organisation
During the programme you will develop a range of skills and knowledge in the following areas:
- Governance and regulation of
housing associations - Government Housing Policy direction, strategy and impact
- Diversity of thought – to using your skills in the boardroom
- Role of Audit and Internal Controls assurance
- Value for Money and management
of risks - Understanding financial reporting
and treasury management - Customer engagement –
understanding our customers - Health and Safety Assurance
- Business transformation
- Managing assets
It is hoped that on completion of this programme, you will have acquired the knowledge and experience that will allow you
to be ready to make a successful application for a Board Member position.
What's involved
If you are selected onto the trainee programme, you will take part in a two-year scheme and will be able to access:
- A comprehensive introduction to Origin as well as having access to the same network and development opportunities as our Board Members
- On-going support from the HDN who will also provide training and networking events to help equip you with the skills and knowledge to enable you to operate in a Board level environment
- Support through mentoring schemes
- Origin’s Board and Committee meetings as an observer to experience what you’ve learned and support your learning
- Development exercises (such a mock board meetings and development sessions with other trainees on the programme)
- Support from Origin Board members and Executive Team
Expectations
You are expected to show commitment to your personal training and development during your time on the programme.
You are expected to respond promptly to communications from HDN and Origin during the course and whenever possible within any specified response deadlines.
You are expected to abide by our Board Code of Conduct. You must ensure that all information obtained during the programme is confidentially maintained in accordance with the law and or policies and procedures.
You are expected to attend all of the HDN Board Diversity programme events (held virtually or face-toface) and meet with your mentor between these events.
A schedule of attendance at Origin Board/Committee meetings will be arranged with you. Additionally, you will be invited to attend induction events and board development sessions during the two years. Failure to attend without good reason may ultimately result in the termination of your participation on the programme.
You are expected to participate fully in evaluations of your own progress through the programme and contribute to the assessment of the Board Diversity programme’s success overall.
Supported by HDN and Origin, you will be expected to take ownership of your own development through the programme