Director of Property Assets

Eildon Group

Director of Property Assets

Candidate Information Pack

June 2020

Information Pack Contents

A letter from the Chief Executive

Eildon Group: Background Information

The Recruitment and Selection Process

Job Description: Director Property Assets

Person Specification: Director Property Assets

Summary of: Terms and Conditions of Service

Job Advertisement

Downloads available from the Dixon Walter website

https://www.dixonwalter.co.uk/housing-infrastructure-property/opportunities/eildon/

Information also available on the Eildon Group website www.eildon.org.uk

including:

• 5 Year Strategic Plan

• Equalities Monitoring Form

• Staff Structure

2

Director of Property Assets

Eildon Group

A Letter to Applicants

From the Chief Executive of the Eildon Group

Dear Candidate,

Thank you for your interest in the position of Director of Property Assets for the Eildon Group,

based in Selkirk in the Scottish Borders.

Eildon Housing Association and the Eildon Group have achieved and sustained an impressive

record of growth and high-quality service provision over many years. The Director of Property

Assets is a key position for the Association and is part of a 4 strong Executive Team reporting

to our Board of Management. The post-holder will be responsible for leading our Property

Management and Development departments, as well developing and overseeing other

projects, such as the delivery of the well-respected Borders Care & Repair Service.

We remain committed to meeting housing need through the provision new supply affordable

housing and are also keenly focused on maintaining and improving our existing property

assets.

As well as delivering services for customers of the Eildon Group, we are committed to working

in partnership with fellow RSLs and other strategic partners. We are delighted to be the leading

developer in the Scottish Borders for future housing development funding.

In order to inform and encourage your application, we have prepared this candidate

information pack which includes important information about the Eildon Group and the

recruitment and selection process.

For a confidential discussion please contact our recruiting partner Ray Williamson, Executive

Search Consultant Dixon Walter, on ray@dixonwalter.co.uk to arrange an appointment or call

07741 640 280

Your completed application should be submitted to the Dixon Walter by 12 noon on Friday

3rd July 2020

We look forward to considering your application.

Yours sincerely,

Nile Istephan

3

Director of Property Assets

Eildon Group

Eildon Group: Background Information

"The Eildon Group is committed to excellence in the provision of Housing,

Care and Support services for the individuals and communities we serve."

This information pack contains important information for applicants to consider before

submitting an application for the post. It also includes key information about the recruitment

and selection process.

Eildon Housing Association (EHA) began in 1973, and has grown to the point where the organisation now serve nearly 50 communities in Borders towns, villages and rural areas. Today, EHA is recognised as one of Scotland’s leading housing and care providers.

The Eildon Group supports individuals and communities, through the provision of affordable

housing, community projects and services for those in need. The Eildon Group is one of

Scotland's most innovative not-for-profit group of organisations. The Group is able to provide

a wide range of housing and community based projects and services within the Scottish

Borders and beyond.

This section provides basic information about the Eildon Group Structure, as a whole, and

those functions carried out on behalf of the Group Members by the Parent Organisation, Eildon

Housing Association Ltd.

We are recruiting a new Director of Property Assets to contribute to the Executive Team and

lead the Development and Property Team and the Eildon Group to further success in

delivering high quality services to the communities of the Scottish Borders. The Director of

Property Assets will represent the Group and be able to develop excellent relationships with

our customers and partners at local and national level to gain support for the delivery of

essential services to our communities.

The Group is looking for a proven leader with a record of success who is keen and able to

build on our achievements as an exemplar of innovation in rural housing. Eildon is the leading

developer in the Scottish Borders and we also deliver agency services to other Housing

Associations.

We own and manage over 2,500 homes and other property assets including shops, offices

and a leased property portfolio in 50 different locations in the Scottish Borders.The Eildon

Group has an annual turnover of c£14m. with an annual property investment programme of

£2.5m.

In the last 3 years we have delivered a £51m development programme including 209 new

homes, modernised around 200 properties and carried out over 178 adaptations. In the

coming 3 years we have a projected spend and homes completed of £82m and 577

respectively.

Our Care and Repair service is highly valued and delivered over 4,000 jobs last year. The

Eildon Group employ 144 staff and the Director of Property Assets has a team of 26.

4

Director of Property Assets

Eildon Group

The Group's Vision for the Next 5 Years

Our 5 Year strategy outlines how we will build on our strengths, promote continuous

improvement, and reflect the challenges and opportunities that we see ahead.

Eildon Housing Association will continue to deliver effective, efficient and responsive services

to tenants. We will ensure that both new and existing tenants are supported in a way

appropriate to their needs and that we follow through on service developments that have been

highlighted to us through our recent Customer Satisfaction Survey. We will continue to develop

our reactive repairs processes and will, as a result of the age profile of our properties,

increasingly invest in a major repairs / component replacement programme. We will continue

to meet housing need by developing innovative, high quality new properties across the

Borders.

Eildon Care and Support will build on our excellent reputation in the delivery of services to

people with learning disabilities, older people (including those with dementia), vulnerable

single people and people with a physical disability.

Eildon Enterprise will continue to deliver the Care and Repair service for the Scottish Borders

and will adapt this service in the coming year to respond to funding changes. Eildon Enterprise

will also seek to develop other activities, principally focused on emerging opportunities for mid

market rent properties in the Borders.

In addition to our planned activities, we remain committed to responding to challenges and

opportunities as they emerge. We work closely with a wide range of strategic partners,

including as a key partner to the Borders Community Planning Partnership, to ensure we are

at the leading edge of new activities.

The Group's Values

In order to guide how we conduct our business, the Eildon Group has adopted the following

corporate values

Caring

We care about what we do, the people we work with and the customers we serve

Committed

We work together to provide affordable, high quality homes, care and support services

Connected

We are part of the communities we serve and believe we can make a real difference

Creative

We are ready to meet the challenges of the future with enthusiasm and new ideas

5

Director of Property Assets

Eildon Group

The Recruitment and Selection Process

Further information may be downloaded via the Applicant Information Pack located

on the right hand side of this page, or by visiting https://www.dixonwalter.co.uk/housing-

infrastructure-property/opportunities/eildon

This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of Eildon Group.

For an informal discussion please contact Ray Williamson, Executive Search Consultant on 07741 640280 or ray@dixonwlalter.co.uk

Applications should be made via email to ray@dixonwalter.co.uk by 12 noon on Friday 3rd

July 2020 and must include on separate documents

• a letter of application setting out your interest in the role and details of how you match the person specification;

• a comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV);

• details of three referees and your current remuneration (Referees will not be contacted without your permission);

• a completed Equal Opportunities form (located above under the Organisation Logo on the Right hand side of the page)

Following receipt of your application you will receive an acknowledgement

from Dixon Walter. Within this response you will be required to provide

consent under the new general data protection regulations. If you fail to

provide this consent your application will not be processed further.

Key Dates

To assist applicants to plan their availability for the selection process the following key dates

should be noted:

Applications should be received by 12 noon on Friday 3rd July 2020.

Selection Interviews:

The initial long listing interviews with Dixon Walter are planned to be held by video link

throughout the advertised process between 22nd June and the 10th July 2020.

Short Listing Decision:

The short-listed candidates will be selected for a final interview week commencing 13th or 20th

July 2020

Applicants invited for short list interview will be notified by telephone before 10th July and a

confirmation letter/e-mail will then be sent with further details pertaining to the interview.

Candidates will be required to deliver a 10 minute presentation to the interviewing panel.

6

Director of Property Assets

Eildon Group

Job Description: Director of Property Assets

The Director is responsible, and accountable to the Board of Management, for the

development and delivery of Eildon’s strategy with respect to property assets. This includes

all aspects of Eildon’s activities relating to development, property management and

maintenance of the housing stock. As a member of the Executive Team, the Director is a key

contributor to Eildon’s overall management and policy formulation and the achievement of

corporate aims and objectives.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. To advise the Chief Executive and the Board of Management on all aspects related to the

development and delivery of Eildon’s Property Asset Management Strategy, including

responsibility for Eildon’s development, property management and maintenance activities.

2. To develop and manage the necessary policies and systems required for the effective

delivery of the development programme and property management and maintenance

services to the satisfaction of the Board of Management, relevant funding agencies,

tenants and other customers, and for monitoring sound professional practices and

procedures.

3. To direct and manage the development and property management departments of the

Association, with overall responsibility for all people in the Directorate.

4. To provide professional advice on development and property management services

required for any agency contract or external commissions proposed or undertaken by

Eildon.

5. To act as a member of the Executive Team, contributing to the overall policy formulation,

direction and management required for our activities.

As part of the Executive Team

6. Prepare and present reports to the Board of Management on aspects of development,

property management and maintenance. Give advice and make recommendations to the

Board and ensure decisions are satisfactorily implemented.

7. Ensure strategies, policies and procedures are devised, implemented, and developed in

accordance with required performance standards and in order that Eildon’s aims and

objectives are met.

8. Participate in the development of the 5-Year Strategy; develop, implement, monitor, and

evaluate Directorate objectives, and ensure Eildon’s Performance Management System

is used effectively.

9. Represent Eildon locally and nationally by attendance at and involvement in relevant

meetings, forums and conferences, and in responding to relevant consultation papers.

Liaise as necessary with relevant technical, development and maintenance related

organisations.

10. Participate in the preparation of bid and contract documents for consultancy commissions

and agency contracts on behalf of Eildon and provide professional advice in relation to

development, property management and maintenance for existing contracts.

7

Director of Property Assets

Eildon Group

11. Afford equality of opportunity for access to all users of services and those involved in its

delivery in accordance with Eildon’s Equality & Diversity policy.

12. Ensure confidentiality at all times in respect of all matters pertaining to all aspects of

Eildon’s work and its people.

As Directorate Head

13. Advise on workforce planning, establishment and structure required to run the Property

Asset Directorate effectively to ensure we meet our responsibilities.

14. Hold overall responsibility for the recruitment, supervision, development, motivation,

appraisal and training of property asset teams. Implement policies and procedures in

relation to these responsibilities in an effective and sensitive manner with particular

reference to meeting corporate objectives and to the Equality & Diversity Policy.

15. Apply Eildon’s Performance Management System, with particular responsibility for the

Development and Property Managers.

16. Ensure that everyone in the directorate is informed and consulted on Eildon’s policies,

procedures and developments as appropriate.

Development and Property Management

17. Develop, monitor, review and implement development, property management and

maintenance policies, systems, procedures, and documents to ensure good practice.

18. Be responsible for policy development and implementation, performance standards,

quality assurance and delivery in the following areas:

• procurement of consultants’ and contractors’ services

• procurement of building contracts and contractual issues

• land and property acquisition

• design guide, performance criteria and briefing documents

• development schemework and development programme

• project management

• new development initiatives including technical issues and innovative solutions

• day to day maintenance

• cyclical maintenance schemework and programme

• planned maintenance schemework and programme including stock condition

surveys

19. Liaise with Housing Management and Care teams regarding housing need and market

assessment, housing and care management aspects of new developments including

design, housing mix and handover procedures, marketing of shared ownership properties,

project feedback and customer satisfaction surveys.

20. Liaise with Finance and Human Resource departments regarding development, property

management and maintenance, finance, budgets, administration, systems and

procedures, tax and other statutory liabilities and people issues.

21. Work in partnership with external organisations and funding agencies in the development

of housing and care initiatives, including obtaining adequate funding to provide viable

capital projects.

8

Director of Property Assets

Eildon Group

22. Maintain and develop systems of communication within the department and between

Eildon and relevant external agencies.

23. Be responsible for liaison with external and internal Auditors and for preparation of the

response to the annual audit management reports in relation to development, property

management and maintenance activities.

Undertake other duties that may reasonably be required by the Chief Executive or the Board

of Management to ensure the proper administration of the Eildon Group.

9

Director of Property Assets

Eildon Group

Person Specification: Director of Property Assets

Essential Desirable

1. Education and Qualifications

• Graduate, or equivalent, in property/construction related field *

• Member of relevant Professional Body *

2. Experience

• Senior property management experience *

• Senior construction development experience *

• Experience of working as part of a senior management team *

• Staff management *

• Experience of multi-agency working *

• Experience in social housing *

• Experience of establishing new services *

3. Knowledge

• Social housing policy, legislation and strategy *

• Funding Models for procurement of affordable housing *

• Detailed knowledge of planning system and building regulations *

• Awareness of sustainability developments in construction *

• Knowledge of Procurement processes and legislation *

4. Skills / Abilities

• Able to lead and motivate staff *

• Able to work under pressure *

• Excellent communication skills *

• Well-honed analytical and problem-solving skills *

• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team *

• Excellent IT Skills *

5. Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated *

• Diplomatic *

• Able to relate to people at all levels *

6. Other Requirements

• Able to attend other locations/evening meetings *

• Car Driver with access to a vehicle *

10

Director of Property Assets

Eildon Group

Summary of: Terms and Conditions of Service

Salary

The salary for this post is between £76,014 - £84,460 per annum

Starting salary will depend on qualifications and experience. Progression through the grade

range is dependent upon performance in post and the remuneration package is subject to an

annual review carried out by the Remuneration Committee.

Probationary Period

Confirmation in post will depend upon the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary

period. Satisfactory references and an Enhanced Level Disclosure Scotland Check are also

required.

Allowances

A personal transport payment of £5k per annum will be paid for this post.

Business Mileage Rate, currently 45p per mile, is payable for using your own vehicle on Eildon

business. This post is classed as an essential car user therefore your vehicle must be insured

for business purposes.

Pension

You will be eligible to join the Scottish Housing Association’s Defined Contribution Pension

Scheme. Employee contributions are variable with employer contributions a maximum of 10%

of salary.

Leave

The leave entitlement for this post is 41 days (this includes public holidays).

Sickness Allowance

You will be entitled to sickness allowances as follows:

Service Entitlement

Full Pay Half Pay

Up to 6 months 1 week Nil

6 months to 1 year up to 5 weeks up to 5 weeks

1 – 2 years up to 9 weeks up to 9 weeks

> 2 years up to 13 weeks up to 13 weeks

11

Director of Property Assets

Eildon Group

Notice Period

By Eildon: 3 calendar months, subject to statutory minimum

By you: 3 calendar months

Outside Work

Outside work on any matter connected with official duties is not permitted. Prior permission

must be obtained before any other paid or unpaid outside work is undertaken.

Interview Expenses

Where you are required to travel to attend interview, we will reimburse reasonable travel and

subsistence expenses incurred within the United Kingdom. All expense claims other than car

mileage must be supported by receipts. No expenses will be paid if you withdraw or refuse

an offer of employment.

Relocation Policy

Eildon has a Relocation Policy and may make a financial contribution to relocation costs to

the successful candidate.

Employment Policies

Eildon is ‘Disability Confident’ and fully complies with the criteria set by Job Centre Plus. You

are therefore asked to advise us if you consider yourself to have a disability. Please regard

this as a positive opportunity to let us give you any help you believe you may require by

outlining any aspects of the post which may present some difficulty, and any suggestions you

may have for overcoming them. Eildon’s office accommodation is accessible to all.

As part of the selection process for the vacancy you will be asked to provide, in confidence,

evidence of entitlement to work in the UK. The successful candidate will be required to

undertake an Enhanced Level, Disclosure Scotland Check.

Director of Property Assets

Eildon Group

Become one of our greatest assets

Director of Property Assets £76,014 - £84,460 pa (Depending on qualifications and experience)

Selkirk, Scottish Borders

The Eildon Group has built a strong reputation and risen to a position as one of Scotland’s leading Housing Associations. At the heart of our service is a deep commitment to excellence and the provision of high quality, affordable homes, care and support services for the individuals and communities we serve. We’ve achieved and sustained an impressive level of growth and quality service provision because we have an equally impressive collection of talented individuals working with us. Now, we need to add to that list. And that’s where you come in.

• Lead our Property Management and Development Teams

• Take up a key position on our Executive Team

• Oversee the delivery of our portfolio of major projects We’re looking for a highly experienced, senior individual to take on the role of Director of Property Assets. Your key responsibilities will include the development and delivery of the Association’s property assets and the management and maintenance of housing stock of over 2,500 homes and our commercial property portfolio. You’ll develop the policies and systems needed to deliver our strategy and lead the Property Asset Directorate effectively and maximize our significant stock investment. This is a high profile, high responsibility role, and a substantial career step forward with a respected RSL. To be successful, you’ll need:

• Graduate or equivalent qualifications in a property/construction related field

• Senior property management experience

• Senior construction development experience including multi-agency working

• Detailed knowledge of planning systems and building regulations

• Good awareness of sustainability developments in construction It would be an advantage if you also had knowledge of social housing, however, we can support your personal development in policy, legislation, strategy, funding models for affordable housing and procurement processes. In return for your expertise and leadership, we offer an excellent benefits package, including a contributory pension scheme. A Candidate Information Pack is available to download from Dixon Walters website at

https://www.dixonwalter.co.uk/housing-infrastructure-property/opportunities/eildon/

For an informal discussion please contact Ray Williamson, Executive Search Consultant on 07741 640280 or ray@dixonwlalter.co.uk Closing date: 12 noon on Friday 3rd July 2020