Chair ActionAid UK Action for Change · potential to grow. Despite the challenges, ActionAid ......

1ActionAid UK | Chair| January 2014

Chair ActionAid UK Action for Change January 2014


Introduction from Jane Esuantsiwa Goldsmith, Vice Chair

Thank you for your interest in the post of Chair at ActionAid UK. ActionAid is a truly inspiring organisation that makes a real difference. We hope that it inspires you too and you will consider applying for this unique and exciting opportunity to become our new Chair, helping us to achieve our vision of a world without poverty and injustice, in which every person enjoys their right to a life of dignity.

Founded in 1972, we have come along way from our initial work as a child sponsorship charity, with 2014 representing an important time for the organisation as we enter the third full year of our ambitious six-year strategy and deepen our delivery. We are proud to be a member of ActionAid International and are proud of the UK’s contribution to our global family.

Over the last two years ActionAid UK has made real progress in many areas of our strategy. We have raised funds that have enabled us to resource work overseas that has made a real difference to people’s lives, particularly in the areas of women’s rights, sustainable agriculture, education, reducing the risk and building the resilience of communities to disasters. On the campaigning front we have seen remarkable progress in awareness of the need for global tax justice with some tangible success; the long- standing pledge to spend 0.7% of national income on aid has been met.

We have also been challenged in a number of areas, particularly because of the economic environment which continues to be extremely tough. We have started to innovate in fundraising and achieved wins in those areas where we assessed there was potential to grow. Despite the challenges, ActionAid UK is well placed to continue to break new ground, building on the work of our current Chair who is moving to take on a new role as a member of our international Board.

Passionate about our values, you will play a key role in our future success harnessing the creativity, dynamism and engagement of our Board, staff, volunteers and supporters to drive our work forward. You will help us develop our existing relationships and foster new relationships which will build on the sustainability of our work. You will enhance and build our culture which seeks to promote an open dialogue and constructive challenge and contribute to a growing and high performing organisation.

If you are interested in this significant and high profile opportunity and would like to discuss it in further detail, please contact our advising consultant Philip Nelson on 020 7691 1920 or via email at [email protected].

3ActionAid UK | Chair| January 2014 3ActionAid UK | Chair| January 2014


Our reach…ActionAid was founded over 40 years ago with a mission to eradicate poverty and injustice. We have an enviable international reputation with an annual income of nearly £200 million globally, we work in 45 countries, reach thousands of communities and, most importantly, make a real difference to the lives of millions of the poorest people.

We support the poorest and the most excluded groups, and the organisations that represent them. We have a particular focus on work with women, young people and children:

• Women have less access to land, education, networks, technology, transport, cash, decision-making. They have less control over their bodies than men. All of these things keep women poor and we are developing and implementing programmes to tackle these problems, encouraging women to take on leadership roles.

• Young people are powerful drivers of change. We will work with them to shape a more democratic, equitable and sustainable world.

• The violation of rights impacts on children dramatically, limiting their future potential. This is why we will continue to use our successful child sponsorship programme to advance our rights-based approach to poverty.

Our annual reports contain compelling stories and statistics about the impact of our work.

Our history and our unique contribution…In the 1970’s our initial focus was on working with communities to ensure delivery of essential services such as education, water and health. In the late 1990s we developed a new strategy with a focus on a ‘human rights based approach’, which we believe and which has proved to be the most effective way of reducing poverty and discrimination. This approach supports people living in poverty to become conscious of their rights and to organise themselves to claim those rights. It helps people to find sustainable solutions to their immediate problems and it ensures that the structural causes of poverty are tackled.

Today our community based development work in over 5000 thousand communities around the world remains the foundation of our approach but we have recognized that we need a greater focus on the causes as well as the symptoms of poverty. We continue to provide support service delivery, but now we do this in ways that reinforce rights and help secure sustainable change. Our work is grounded in local communities but also builds connections to national and international work and proposes credible alternatives that can transform the lives of people living in poverty on a significant scale. We tackle the structural causes of poverty, by thinking and acting globally as well as locally through our policy, advocacy and campaigning.

Our distinctive organisation…In 2003 ActionAid decided that, in line with its strategy and the rapidly shifting global political and economic environment, if it was to remain relevant, legitimate and maximise our effectiveness it needed to change from being a UK governed organisation to being a globally led and governed Federation.

About Us


We were the first UK international development organisation to move our base from London to the global South. A new federation was formed, with an International Secretariat in Johannesburg and greater power was given to each country office. This enables us to practice what we preach – creating greater understanding of the realities of poverty and enabling poor countries to have more control over their own decision-making. This forward thinking visionary move also released a new energy – enabling tremendous growth and new thinking across ActionAid, which ensures we are equipped to respond to the world around us.

We are proud that almost all our staff are nationals and we have a strong track record in building the capacity of national staff members, especially women leaders. This way of working ensures relevance, rootedness in communities and legitimacy. It also enables members to raise funds locally. Given the reality of today’s economic and political environment it is clear that it was a far-sighted move which has opened up enormous potential to respond to the current challenges of global poverty.

Our values…• Mutualrespect,requiringustorecognisetheinnate

worth of all people and the value of diversity.

• Equityandjustice,requiringustoworktoensureequal opportunity to everyone, irrespective of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, HIV status, class, ethnicity, disability, location and religion.

• Honestyandtransparency,beingaccountableatall levels for the effectiveness of our actions and open in our judgements and communications with others.

• Solidaritywiththepoor,powerlessandexcludedwill be the only basis in our commitment to the fight against poverty.

• Courageofconviction,requiringustobecreativeand radical, bold and innovative – without fear of failure – in pursuit of making the greatest possible impact on the causes of poverty.

• Independencefromanyreligiousorparty-politicalaffiliation.

• Humilityinourpresentationandbehaviour,recognising that we are part of a wider alliance against poverty.

About Us


ActionAid International’s Strategy: People’s Action to End Poverty (2012-2017)

How can we bring about real and sustained positive change in the lives of women, men, young people and children in poverty?

That’s the question we asked ourselves and the communities we work closely with as we collectively put together our current strategy which will result in millions of people having quality education, enough food to eat, access to land, improved public services, more accountable governments, freedom from violence and a greater resilience if disaster strikes.

In the international strategy we set five objectives (which were agreed by all the country offices around the world):

• Promote sustainable agriculture and control natural resources for people living in poverty;

• Advance the political influence of people living in poverty to hold governments and corporates accountable;

• Improve the quality of public education for all children and support young people to become drivers of change towards a poverty-free planet;

• Build the resilience of people living in poverty to conflicts and disasters and respond to disasters with people-centred, rights-based alternatives;

• Ensurethatwomenandgirlscanbreakthe cycle of poverty and violence, build economic alternatives and claim control over their bodies.

We have also made ten key change promises with specific targets against which we hold ourselves to account:

• Securing women’s land rights

• Harnessing youth leadership to end poverty and injustice

• Promoting sustainable agriculture

• Building people’s resilience to conflict and disaster

• Holding governments to account on public services

• Responding to disasters through rights

• Achieving redistributive resourcing of development

• Increasing women’s and girls’ control over their bodies

• Transforming education for girls and boys

• Generating women-centred economic alternatives

To view our international strategy please visit: www.actionaid.org/publications/peoples- action-end-poverty


ActionAid UK’s Strategy: Action for Change (2012-2017)

Our UK strategy, Action for Change, exists to deliver on the promises made in ActionAid’s international strategy, providing a clear sense of the role of ActionAid UK and UK citizens in improving the lives of the world’s poorest people.

Formulated at a time of unprecedented change – against the backdrop of the world financial crisis and the Arab Spring, our prime objectives are to:

1. Deliver increased, sustainable, flexible and diverse income to fund our vital work overseas;

2. Take action for long-term change, advocating for improvements in sustainable agriculture and food security, supporting women to claim control over their bodies and resources and campaigning to strengthen government and corporate responsibility;

3. MakeActionAidUKandtheActionAid Federation stronger globally.

To view our UK strategy please visit: www.actionaid.org.uk/about-us/our-strategy


Our Board has to keep a constant eye on the balance between a good understanding of impact, serious accountability to our supporters for the use of their money, and listening to people living in poverty. Our primary accountability is to people living in poverty – we listen carefully and work with them closely to understand what their requirements are and how they can best take control of their own lives.

Trustees are charged with ensuring a focus on ActionAid UK’s mission, setting strategic direction, checking our progress against strategy, ensuring that the organisation is financially sound and compliant with all relevant laws and regulations. The Board delegates the day-to-day operations to the senior leadership team. The Board meets formally four times a year and has an overnight board retreat. There may be occasions where an exceptional meeting is required. There is regular contact between the Chair and other Trustees between meetings.

There are three formal committees of the Board:

• Performance, Finance & Audit Committee

• Governance & Board Development Committee

• Remuneration Committee

We have also established a Chairs Group to provide distributed and diverse leadership and to ensure effective communication. The Board Chair and Chairs of the Committees are members of this Group.

Regular governance reviews are undertaken, as are annual reviews with each Trustee to ensure that they have the right information and development opportunities to ensure that they can make an effective contribution to ActionAid UK’s governance.

There is ongoing contact between the executive team and Trustees outside formal meetings and there are regular meetings between the Chief ExecutiveandtheChair.

ActionAid International also appoints a representative to the ActionAid UK Board with our agreement, and that person plays an invaluable two-way role in ensuring effective communication and alignment between ActionAid International and ActionAid UK. We also play an active role in the ActionAid International General Assembly, the top-level decision-making in the federation. We also continue to focus on improving the quality of the dialogue recognising that there is a mutual need and dependency in ensuring that the federation is well governed and managed. There is an informal working group comprising a small number of Trustees and executive staff that focuses on the relationship between ActionAid UK and the international governance structures.

To find out more about our existing Board please visit: www.actionaid.org.uk/about-us/uk-trustees

Governance


ActionAid is well placed to meet current and future challenges. Our global and UK strategies remain relevant and we continue to have a loyal supporter base and a highly committed staff inspired by our global mission. As a strong and active member of the federation, ActionAid UK is well placed to continue to break new ground across all three strategic objectives.

This year is projected to mark the beginning of the end of the global economic and financial crisis – a crisis which few foresaw would go on for as long and whose impact is still unfolding. The world emerges from this crisis with greater awareness of new structural trends in the global map of poverty and in social and economic development. This provides opportunities but requires great thinking and new ways of working. As a global federation with strong roots in the global South, we are well placed to respond to these challenges and to bring the voices, hopes and fears of poor and excluded people in these debates.

However we have to continue to innovate and change and we will work with colleagues in ActionAid International to co-create a vision of how the future organisation will look and implement it.

The new Chair has a key role to play in leading ActionAid through these challenging and exciting times.

“I have found being Chair of ActionAid UK really fascinating. You work with highly motivated, very able and endlessly diverse colleagues in the UK and overseas. You have the opportunity to communicate at firsthandwithsocialmovementsandlocalcommunities in developing countries and learn from them.

You are part of a bold, visionary project of devolving and sharing power, ahead of virtually all other International NGOs. And you are part of a campaigning and policy powerhouse, rooted in the struggles of people in poverty in developing countries yet addressing expertly the international structures of power that impede progress to a better world. There are plenty of challenges, but it doesn’t get much more fulfillingthanthis.” - Andrew Purkis, January 2014

To view the latest copy of our Annual Report and Accounts please visit: www.actionaid.org.uk/sites/default/files/publications/trustees_ report_and_accounts_2012.pdf

For further information on ActionAid UK please visit: www.actionaid.org.uk/

Moving Forward


RoleProfile

Purpose• ProvideleadershiptotheBoardandensurethat

Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the values, proper governance, sound strategy and financial sustainability of ActionAid UK (AAUK) in line with our mission, legislation and codes of conduct

• HoldtheChiefExecutivetoaccountfordeliveringthe strategy and plan in line with agreed objectives

• Support,guideand,whereappropriate,challengetheChiefExecutiveinaconstructivemanner

• EnsurethatperspectivesfromtheAAUKBoardare brought to the ActionAid International (AAI) Assembly and to the Boards of AAI and of other AA members, so that AAUK is playing a creative, thoughtful and supportive role in the collective life of the global AA Federation

The Chair may choose to undertake the role of UK representation to the International Assembly or may choose to delegate the role to another Trustee.

Principal responsibilitiesStrategic leadership• Provideleadershiptotheorganisationandits

Board, ensuring that ActionAid UK delivers on its mission, vision and values

• EnsurethattheBoardoperateswithinits charitable objectives, and provides a clear strategic direction for the organisation, and is effective at monitoring progress against the strategy

• WorkinpartnershipwithotherTrustees, theChiefExecutiveandexecutiveteam

Governance• Ensurethatthegovernancearrangementsare

working in the most effective way

• EnsureTrusteesfulfiltheirdutiesandresponsibilitiesfor effective governance of ActionAid UK

• DeveloptheknowledgeandcapabilityoftheBoard through engagement with staff, key stakeholders and visits to witness our work in the field

Role: Chair

Time commitment: Between 21 and 25 core days a year (plus additional opportunities for further involvement at the international level). There is an opportunity to visit some of our work in the field.

In addition to chairing Board meetings, the Chair has the right to attend the three sub-committees which all meet quarterly.

Remuneration: The role of Chair is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although reasonable expenses will be covered.

Location: London

Term: Initially offered on a three-year term with the possibility of one further term.

Reporting to: The Board


RoleProfile • Encouragepositivechangeand,whereappropriate,

resolve any conflicts within the Board

• AppraisetheperformanceoftheTrusteesand the Board on an annual basis

• EnsurethattheBoardisdiverse,regularly refreshed and incorporates the right balance of skills, knowledge, and experience needed to govern the organisation effectively

Representing ActionAid UK

• EnsurethattheBoardandtheChiefExecutivesafeguard ActionAid UK’s reputation

• Actasanambassadorfortheorganisation and raise ActionAid UK’s profile

• RepresenttheActionAidatexternalfunctions,meetings and events

• Networking,openingdoorsandfacilitating contacts with key stakeholders that can advance ActionAid’s strategy

• Supportfundraisingbyactivelyengaginginourmajor donor and principal giving programmes

• EnsurethatActionAidUK’sinterestsand perspectives are represented in the ActionAid International governance structures and decision making

Accountability• EnsurethatActionAidUK’sprimaryaccountability

is to people living in poverty and injustice in the communities in which we work

• EnsurethatActionAidUKisalsoaccountabletodonors and other stakeholders by demonstrating the impact of the work we do with the funds raised in the UK

Oversight• EnsureActionAidUKusesitsresources

exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects, and complies with UK legislation and the codes of good governance

• EnsurethatActionAidUKconformstoagreedUKpolicies, and complies with ActionAid International policies where relevant

• Maintainoversightandensureeffective management of ActionAid UK’s financial and non-financial resources

• Maintainoversightofthemanagementof organisational performance and risk

• AppointtheChiefExecutive

• SetobjectivesfortheChiefExecutive,managetheir performance and provide support

• EnsureActionAidUKdevelopsarobustannualplan and manages performance against it

• EnsurethattheBoardreviewsmajorrisksandassociated opportunities regularly, and ensures that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities, manage and mitigate risks

• EnsurethattheBoardfulfilsitsdutiestoensuresound financial health of the organisation, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability

Board Effectiveness• ChairBoardmeetingseffectivelyandefficiently,

bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision making process

• EnsurethatTrusteesarefullyengagedand that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the organisation and that the Board takes collective ownership


RoleProfile • Foster,maintainandensurethatconstructive

relationships exist with and between the Trustees

• EnsurethatTrusteesareappointedthroughanopen and transparent recruitment process which fosters diversity

• AppointcommitteeChairsandaViceChairasappropriate

• LiaisewiththeCommitteeChairstoensure that Board business is undertaken smoothly and synergies are identified

• PromoteandensuretheeffectivedeliveryoftheBoard Development Plan

• ReviewtheeffectivenessofActionAidUK’s governance at regular intervals and ensure that Trustee appraisal is undertaken annually

• WorkcloselywiththeChiefExecutivetoensurethat meetings are well planned, meaningful and reflect the responsibilities of Trustees

• Ensurethatdecisionstakenatmeetingsare implemented

Relationship with the CEO and the Senior Leadership Team• Establishandbuildastrong,effectiveanda

constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive,ensurings/heisheldtoaccountforachieving agreed strategic objectives

• SupporttheChiefExecutive,whilstrespectingthe boundaries which exist between the two roles

• EnsureregularcontactwiththeChiefExecutiveand develop and maintain an open and supportive relationship within which each can speak openly about concerns, worries and challenges

• ConductanannualappraisalwiththeChief Executive

• EnsurethattheRemunerationCommittee reviewstheChiefExecutive’ssalaryannually

• EnsurethattheCEOhastheopportunityforprofessional development and has appropriate external professional support

The above list is indicative only and not exhaustive. The Chair will be expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonably commensurate with the role. The Chair is also required to declare any interests while carrying out the duties of this post before any conflicts occur.


PersonSpecification ActionAidUKisanEqualOpportunitiesEmployerand particularly welcome applications from a diversity of backgrounds and experience.

Personal Qualities• Demonstrateastrongandvisiblepassionand

commitment to ActionAid UK, its mission, vision and values

• Personalgravitasandleadershipskillstoleadasignificant national organisation

• Exhibitstronginterpersonalandrelationshipbuilding abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role

• Demonstratetactanddiplomacy,withtheabilityto listen and engage effectively

• Excellentcommunicator,negotiatorand influencer

• Strongnetworkingcapabilitiesthatcanbe utilised for the benefit of the organisation

• Culturalsensitivity,andpracticedatputtingacommitment to equality and diversity into action

• Politicallyastute

• Abilitytofosterandpromoteacollaborative team environment

• Goodjudgement,particularlyinknowing how to balance an enabling and facilitative leadership style with a more directive approach when required.

• Abilitytocommittimetoperformtherolewell, including occasional travel in the UK and overseas and attending events out of office hours

Experience• Experienceofoperatingataseniorstrategic

leadership level within an organisation

• Successfultrackrecordofachievementthroughtheir career

• SubstantialexperienceofbeingaNon-ExecutiveDirector or a Trustee

• SuccessfultrackrecordasaBoardChairorequivalent role

• Experienceofexternalrepresentation,deliveringpresentations and managing stakeholders

• Awarenessofhowlobbyingandcampaigning in the UK can lead to change overseas

Knowledge and skills• Broadknowledgeandunderstandingofthe

development sector and current issues affecting it

• Strongleadershipskills,abilitytomotivatestaffand volunteers and bring people together

• Abilitytomanagedifferentgroupsofstakeholderswith very different perspectives

• Financialmanagementexpertiseandabroadunderstanding of charity finance issues

• Goodunderstandingofcharitygovernance issues

It would also be highly desirable if candidates had experience of:-

• Workingwithinanot-for-profitcontext

• Internationaldevelopment

• Workingeffectivelywithinafederalstructure

• Provenabilitytoraisefundsfrommajordonors


To apply for this position, please forward a comprehensive CV or extended biography together with a supporting statement and a list of any other directorships or trusteeships that you currently hold. Please ensure that your application fully addresses the criteria in the person specification.

You should give the names, positions, organisations and telephone contact numbers of two referees, relevant to this role. References will only be taken once your express permission has been granted.

You are also invited to complete and return the enclosed monitoring information form. The information on the form will be treated as confidential, and used for statistical purposes. The form will not be treated as part of your application. We would also be grateful if you could let us know if you will require any special provision as a result of any disability should you be called for interview.

Finally please ensure that you have included mobile, work and home telephone numbers, as well as any dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the indicative timetable.

Applications should be made via the Prospectus website at: www.prospect-us.co.uk/ executive/job/HQ00144537

Applications can also be posted to: Sarah Hill, Prospectus, 20-22 Stukeley Street, London, WC2B 5LR

TimetablePublished closing date: Monday 10 February at 5.00pm

Preliminary interviews: w/c 17 February

Final panel interviews, Stage 1: Thursday 27 or Friday 28 February

Final panel interviews, Stage 2: w/c 3 March

These dates may be subject to change and candidates will be advised in advance should this happen.

Recruitment Process Should you decide to make a formal application, you will receive feedback within five working days of the closing date.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undertake additional assessment prior to the final interview.

Queries If you have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, need additional information or wish to have an informal discussion, please contact Philip Nelson on 020 7691 1920 or via email at [email protected].

How to Apply


Prospectus 20–22 Stukeley Street London WC2B 5LR

telephone: 020 7691 1925 textphone: 020 7691 1935 www.prospect-us.co.uk

Chair ActionAid UK Action for Change · potential to grow. Despite the challenges, ActionAid ......

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