Excellence in Governance Blase Lambert

1. Excellence in GovernanceBlase Lambert

2. What do you think about the story below? Rod, Jane & Freddy are at the office every day. They get the phone calls, write the letters and meet the staff. They say ‘We do the work round here, so we make the decisions.’ The rest of the committee says nothing. It meets to get reports from Rod, Jane & Freddy. ‘We leave all that to them. They’re here every day, so they know best.’ Example 1

3. And how about this one? Paul runs all the repairs. He picks the contractors, signs the invoices and gets the cheques signed. He says ‘I get on with my job and no one interferes; no red tape.’ The committee seem to get their repairs done very quickly. Paul has a very good Christmas. Example 2

4. And finally......... Steve has an eye for the ladies; there are 8 of them on the committee and he’s seeing 6 of them at the same time, including the 2 who are married to the other 2 men on the committee! Steve always gets his own way on committee decisions! The women have recently started talking to each other and have realised what Steve’s been up to. Steve’s not so popular with the ladies now and the committee’s meetings have turned really nasty; the co-opis getting nothing done. Example 3

5. CCH & NHFExcellence in Governance

6. The ‘Little Hitler’ syndrome • The ‘us & them’ oligarchy • Corruption • Lack of accountability • Favouritism • Failure to declare conflicts of interest • Apathy The Seven Deadly Sins

7. Ethics – The Co-operative Values & Principles • Accountability & Democracy • Members First • Openness & Transparency • Diversity & Inclusion • Review & Renewal • Clarity • Control • Structures The Principles of Good Governance

8. Accountability, clarity, roles & responsibilities • Effective chairing & the Code of Conduct • Having the right skills set to manage • Maximum terms in office? • Confidentiality & data protection • Policies & records • Preparation & focus • Staff recruitment & management • Service agency & contractor procurement & monitoring • Legal & Regulatory compliance • Management of key risks Key Criteria in Good Governance

9. Constitution and composition of the Governing Body • Essential functions of the Governing Body • Induction and information • Responsibilities of the Chair • Conduct of the Governing Body’s business • The Senior Staff Member or Service Agency • Sub Committees • Audit and risk • Conduct and probity The Main Elements of the Code

10. Determine strategy, establish plans, control the business & scrutinise performance • Collective responsibility & serving all members • Composition & membership • Chairing by a member • Consideration of conflicts of interest • Functions should be formally recorded along with clear delegation of decision making and budgetary control The Governing Body

11. Induction & training • Information that enables effective decisions to be made • Recruitment must be open & transparent • Consideration of how to involve newer members and to refresh membership • Annual appraisal of effectiveness and of individuals • Payment of members – independent, disclosure, proportionate and linked to specific measurable objectives Board Membership

12. Chair’s responsibilities – decision making, effective meetings, action, professional advice, relationship with Senior Staff Member & Service Agency • Code of Conduct - meeting conduct, proper reporting channels, matters arising, any other business, policy on breaches • Effective decisions based on timely & accurate information • Working with the Secretary to ensure clear agendas, advance sight of documents, clear & concise minuting Chairing & Conduct

13. Service agencies & staff must be clear about their role • Management Agreement & fees structure; contracts & salaries • Effective scrutiny against targets • Sub-Committees must have clear terms of reference • Proper reporting channels • Must be chaired by members and have a majority of members on them Delegation

14. An annual report to all members on performance & governance • A strategy to ensure the democratic operations of the co-operative & communication of key information • Regular review of membership policies • Compliance with relevant equalities legislation • Representation of membership through the governance of the co-operative Involvement & Information

15. Identification of key risks – probability, impact, control & management • The need for effective internal controls • Independent & effective external auditors • Discharging internal audit requirements and enabling independent member scrutiny • Compliance with audit recommendations • Hospitality & gifts • Personal data & requests for information Audit & Risk

16. The Economic & Consumer Standards • Co-Regulation & Tenant Panels • Governance, Viability & Rent Standards • Value for Money Standard • Home Standard – Quality of Accommodation, Repairs & Maintenance • Tenancy Standard – Tenure, Allocations & Mutual Exchange • Neighbourhood & Community Standard – Neighbourhood Management, Local Area Co-operation & Anti-Social Behaviour • Tenant Involvement & Empowerment Standard – Customer Service, Choice & Complaints, Involvement & Empowerment, Understanding & Responding to Tenants’ Diverse Needs Regulatory Framework 2012

17. Members – AGM functions (accounts, auditor, election & continuation), policy consultation, Sub-Committee membership, rules changes & requisitions • MC Members – collective responsibility, declarations of interest, meeting preparation & attendance, representation, confidentiality & role as employer / client • Secretary – compliance with Rules, organising meetings & papers, minutes, the Annual Return, the Register of Interests & maintaining company records • Treasurer – financial control, the Financial Standing Orders, budget setting, monitoring, accounts & audit • Staff – contracts & job descriptions • Contractors & consultants – specifications & agreements Responsibilities