We are delighted to introduce this exciting new programme at Riverside, which we hope will offer a route for those who may not ordinarily consider themselves candidates for Board positions or find the route onto a Board difficult.

We know that the path to board membership can seem daunting and not everyone will feel they have the necessary expertise or experience, which is why we’re excited to launch this programme. It’s designed to offer you the opportunity to develop your skills, knowledge and confidence, and to help you to flourish regardless of where you currently stand. We’re not looking for the finished article. This opportunity is about growth and development. We’re committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

In the Board Trainee Programme, you’ll spend up to two years gaining experience of what it is like to be a board member for a housing association. You’ll go to a range of board and committee meetings across our group, getting the chance to ask any questions you have and give your opinion. You’ll have an experienced board member as a ‘buddy’ to help guide you through every step.

To further support you, you’ll be enrolled on the Housing Diversity Network’s (HDN) Board Trainee Programme, too. HDN developed the programme in recognition of the lack of diversity across housing association boards.

During the programme, you’ll 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, 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 and understanding our customers
• Health and safety assurance
• Business transformation
• Managing assets

Our long-term goal is to develop trainees who in time will be able to gain the skills, experience and confidence needed to be successful in applying for a full Board Member or Committee Member role with the Riverside Group.

Role requires you to:
At Riverside, we believe that by having a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences, we’ll make better and more informed decisions for the benefit of our customers and colleagues. We know that, across the national housing sector, there is a lack of diversity at board level, and we want to change that. Our aim is to build the capacity of a diverse group of people for now and the future.

We’re keen to offer board experience to people who may face barriers in gaining such opportunities, particularly those from groups traditionally under-represented at board level. We’re looking for people who can bring passion, enthusiasm and new ways of thinking to our team.

We want to ensure that our future board talent is representative of our diverse communities and widen the varied perspectives that contribute to our boards and committees.

• You’re expected to show commitment to your personal training and development during your time on the programme.

• You’re expected to abide by Riverside’s Code of Conduct. You must ensure that all information obtained during the programme is confidentially maintained in accordance with the law and the Group’s policies and procedures.

• You’re expected to respond promptly to communications from HDN and Riverside during the course and whenever possible within any specified response deadlines.

• You’re expected to attend all of the HDN Board Trainee Programme sessions.

• A schedule of Riverside Group Board and committee meetings will be arranged with you. Additionally, you may 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’re expected to participate fully in evaluations of your own progress through the programme and contribute to the assessment of the Riverside Board Trainee Programme’s success overall.

• Supported by Riverside and HDN, you’ll be expected to take ownership of your own development through the programme.

Person Specification – Knowledge, Skills and Experience
• Personal behaviour and style – or a willingness to work towards developing these skills
• Displays passion, energy and enthusiasm for the role and for Riverside’s vision and values
• Is committed to working in the best interests of current and future residents and customers
• Is a strong leader with personal and professional credibility
• Skilled at developing and maintaining relationships with others
• An assured influencer who is able to question and challenge with independence and integrity and who does not cross over the line of operational management
• A pragmatist, with the maturity and sensitivity to analyse complex issues and deliver sound judgment
• Possesses a high degree of probity and integrity
• Works in a collaborative, open and engaging style
• Is committed to accountability, transparency and equality of opportunity
• Is self-aware and open to feedback and personal development
• Can commit the time necessary to the role
• Is able to generate new ideas and bring new perspectives

Recruitment Pack