Completing this Academy will put you in a strong position for applying for a role on our Board or Committee or a Board position elsewhere; or, you could transfer your new skills and knowledge to the workplace or volunteering opportunities. There is no set commitment at the end. We will work with you along the way.
All we ask is that you have an interest in making a positive difference to the lives of other residents and the communities where we have homes.
If you already have the desired skills, you don’t need to join the Academy to apply to become a member of the Board or Committee. The Academy intends to build on the abilities of those who want to join, but need or would like experience or development.
What does The Academy entail?
Your time in the Academy is split into two parts:
- Getting to know Havebury. The Resident Influence and Engagement team will work with you to help you understand all areas of Havebury. You will shadow some of our teams, and get to know us, as well as the wider housing sector.
- Understanding Governance. The Governance team will work with you to understand the value and importance of the resident role within the Board and Committee structure, as well as what we are required to do by the Regulator of Social Housing, and our other legal commitments. You can also observe Board and Committee meetings.
If you wish, you can complete the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) level 2 certificate and join the monthly training sessions. These are held via Microsoft TEAMS for all existing Board and Committee members. They include topics such as developing new homes, health & safety, finance and resident engagement. We will ask that you sign a confidentiality agreement.
You will also have access to our online learning academy and sessions, which are supported by external providers such as the CIH and resident engagement specialists, TPAS.
The Board or a Committee Chair will support you throughout your time in the Academy. You’ll also get the opportunity to meet members of our Leadership team and other Board and Committee members. We can also create a specific additional learning plan if there is anything you feel you would like to work on in preparation for applying for a Board or Committee role.
Positions become available on our Board and Committees when existing residents leave, or they reach the end of their agreement. Board and Committee members are initially appointed for three years; however, this is reviewed on an annual basis.
When a vacancy arises, and you wish to apply, we will also provide support and guidance to prepare you for the interview. All our Board and Committee vacancies are advertised publicly.
How long will it take?
Your time in the Academy could be between 6 and 12 months.
You will receive up to £1,000 (pro rata) a year plus expenses for things like travel or registered childcare. You will need to give a time commitment of half a day per month, although this may be more some months than others, particularly if you wish to do the CIH course.
We will be as flexible as possible with meeting times, and meetings can be conducted by TEAMS.
How do I apply?
If you want to apply for a place in the Academy, please email governance@havebury.com
We are recruiting for our Tenant Experience Committee find out more here.
