CIH Scotland Board

Information Pack

Scotland Board Member

Introduction to the Role

The CIH Scotland Board is a sub-committee of the UK Governing Board with delegated powers. The remit for the Scotland Board is:

  • To determine and monitor a CIH Scotland business plan which is consistent with the overall aims and objectives of the CIH corporate business plan
  • To consider, support and promote the CIH Equality and Diversity Strategy
  • To consider, advise on, and determine CIH policy in relation to all policy areas devolved to Scotland.

CIH Scotland Board responsibilities also include the following:

  • To have oversight of, and monitor CIH Scotland's business plan (which should deliver CIH corporate plan objectives)
  • To have oversight of, and monitor the budget necessary to deliver the business plan, with the Scotland Board having full spending autonomy within the agreed budget including spending on staff and procurement where this is delegated to the Board by the Governing Body
  • To consider, support and promote the CIH Equality and Diversity Strategy
  • To determine and review CIH strategy in Scotland in relation to policy areas devolved to Scotland, professional practice, media relations, public affairs
  • To set and review CIH strategy in Scotland in relation to matters of professional development, including: the arrangement of training, seminars and other events; membership promotion; a programme of activities for members; and communication with members
  • To be responsible for the development and review of the performance of an annual national housing conference (where appropriate)
  • To make recommendations to the Governing Body on any aspect of the CIH Scotland's business which has implications for UK policy.

The Scotland Board has 15 members. Board members are normally appointed for a three year term to provide strategic direction to the organisation, oversee our operation, promote housing and the CIH and uphold CIH values and objectives. However each year one third of the Board have to stand down.

Job Description

Key functions

  • Contributing to the business of the Scotland Board and establishing its overall strategic direction
  • Overseeing the functions of CIH Scotland through high standards of probity, scrutiny and challenge
  • Contributing to the management of CIH Scotland’s functions in line with its Charter and Bye Laws, charitable objectives, legal obligations and delegated authority
  • Ensuring the development and effective implementation of CIH Scotland’s Business Plan
  • Ensuring commercial viability, effective financial and risk management within CIH Scotland
  • Preparing in advance, regularly attending and participating fully in Scotland Board meetings and other CIH business meetings as appropriate
  • Contributing, as appropriate, to any delegated groups, working groups or ‘task and finish’ groups established by CIH Scotland
  • Accepting accountability for the decisions made by the Scotland Board
  • Developing effective working relationships with other Scotland Board members, the CIH staff and members, particularly in Scotland
  • Upholding standards and discipline within the Scotland Board, and ensure compliance with the Code of Governance.

Person Specification

Skills and Experience

Undertaking the role of a Scotland Board member requires a mix of skills and experience, particularly leadership, communication, interpersonal and networking. As well as an understanding of Scottish and UK housing issues and the role of the CIH; experience in the housing sector and as a board / committee member. Please see, and fill in, the Skills and experience matrix for Scotland Board of CIH.

General Information

Any CIH member can apply to be considered for a position on the Scotland Board.

The positions are voluntary, although reasonable expenses will be met. Duties will commence following the AGM in March 2016and a time commitment of, on average, one day per calendar month is expected. This includes 4-5 Board meetings a year, a strategic ‘away day’, reading of Board papers, representation of CIH Scotland externally and attendance at the CIH Scotland Annual Conference & Exhibition. Scotland Board meetings will be held at CIH offices in Edinburgh.

There are two stages to becoming a Scotland Board member. Firstly, those nominated to the Board will be considered by a selection panel on the basis of their skills and experience and then, if successful (there is no appeals mechanism), they will be put forward to CIH members in Scotland for election. Elections will take place at the end of January 2016. The result will be confirmed to members at the AGM in March 2016.

How to apply

All applicants should apply in writing and submit the following:

▪A covering letter setting out why the post is of interest to you and how you meet the Person Specification

▪A completed Skills and experience matrix for Scotland Board of CIH

▪A full CV; and

▪A Diversity Monitoring Form

Completed applications should be sent to Annie Mauger, Executive Director, CIH Scotland either by email to or by post to CIH Scotland, 4th floor, 125 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 4AD.

The deadline for receipt of nominations is 5pm on Friday 8th January 2016.