Vacancy -- Chair - Regulatory Board for Wales
Vacancy Details
The Welsh Government is seeking to appoint a new Chair to the Regulatory Board for Wales. This is an exciting opportunity to appoint and lead a new Board charged with advising the Welsh Government on housing policy and regulation. The Chair will lead a strong Board which will contain a diverse range of skills related to the Housing sector. As the leader of the Board, the Chair will both challenge the work of the Welsh Government’s Regulation team and provide strategic advice to the Minister on the current performance and future options of the housing association sector.
The main purpose of the Board is to hold the Welsh Government’s ‘Housing Regulation Team’ to account for its work by overseeing the implementation of the regulatory framework. It also advises the Minister on the performance the housing association sector. The Board is supported by a Tenant Advisory Panel. The Panel ensures that tenants’ views, concerns and interests are reflected in the Board’s work. The following Terms of Reference have been set for the RBW:
(1) to examine the regulatory performance and activity of the Welsh Government, and the sector, by way of considering an annual report, and other reports and guidance from the Regulator, and other publications on the performance of the sector;
(2) to seek additional advice/perspective on the performance of the sector from a broad range of organisations, as considered necessary; and
(3) to use that information to:
• advise the Minister on the performance of the regulator and the sector
• advise the Minister on related policy implications
• advise the Minister on changes to the regulatory framework; and
• advise the Minister on the need for additional research, as considered necessary.
The RBW does not form part of the Welsh Government. The RBW does not have any executive powers or functions. The Deputy Minister for Housing (the Minister) may request such advice from the RBW as the Minister feels is needed to achieve the purpose of the Board; it is at the discretion of the Minister to accept or reject any recommendations made by the RBW.
The RBW exercises its role on behalf of the Welsh Government. This does not detract from the fact that the RBW is acting in an advisory capacity, within the remit agreed for it by the Minister and that its advice and recommendations will therefore be independent.
Subject to the normal requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, it is at the Minister’s discretion to publish any reports/papers of the RBW. Ownership of any data, reports and other material produced by the RBW will rest with the Welsh Government.
The Chair has a vital role to play in establishing the credibility and standing of RBW and its operational effectiveness.
The Chair will;
• provide leadership and strategic direction to the board
• contribute to setting up and inducting the new Board and helping to ensure the Board quickly becomes effective
• take responsibility for the overall conduct of RBW Board and its functions
• ensure it meets high standards of probity and governance.
• establish effective working relationships with the Secretariat and other relevant Welsh Government civil servants
• manage meetings effectively, encouraging participation and constructive challenge, seeking consensus, balancing the need for debates on issues with the requirement to carry forward the agenda.
• ensure that the regulatory oversight provided by the Board is comprehensive, up to date and of a high quality
• provide clear and cogent advice to the Minister on the effectiveness of the Welsh Government’s regulatory role with respect to housing associations in Wales
• provide regular advice to the Minister on the health and performance of the housing association sector.
• attend other relevant meetings as requested. This might include the Tenant Advisory panel
• act as a spokesperson for the RBW
The Chair and the other independent Board members will be entitled to remuneration based on agreed levels approved by the Welsh Government In addition appropriate expenses will be paid.
The Chair will have;
Strong communication, interpersonal and engagement skills – the ability to gain respect and keep the confidence of fellow Board members and very senior key stakeholders, including Ministers and senior Government officials, through effective communication and influencing skills.
Intellectual flexibility
– a sharp and clear thinker who can quickly grasp the key policy areas, issues and concerns within the Welsh housing association sector whilst maintaining a focus on national policy interests; - sound understanding of the political framework in Wales and the ability to offer policy advice and guidance to Ministers and civil servants;
Analysis and interpretation
– the ability to analyse and make judgements from complex data and research in order improve the quality of the regulation of housing associations, their performance and the benefits this brings to tenants, service users and the wider community.
High standards of corporate and personal conduct
– demonstrate a sound understanding of and strong commitment to equal opportunities, public service values and the seven principles of Public Life.
The ability to act impartially and remain independent of the different interests represented on the RBW Board.
Desirable –
An understanding of the social housing sector would be an advantage, although not essential.
• Highly established chairing skills; the ability to lead on the set up and induction of the new Regulatory Board for Wales and comfort in effectively working with a Board with diverse interests.
• the ability to be independent of the different interests represented on the RBW and to be able to secure common ground, thus ensuring the RBW is able to improve the quality of the regulation of housing associations, their performance and the benefits this brings to tenants, service users and the wider community;
• the ability to quickly grasp the key policy areas, issues and concerns within the Welsh housing association sector
• a sound understanding of the political framework in Wales and the ability to offer policy advice and guidance to Ministers and civil servants;
• undisputed personal integrity and credibility
• a clear understanding and commitment to equality issues and challenging discriminatory practices;
• a clear understanding of and commitment to Nolan’s ‘Seven Principles of Public Life’ and;
• Whilst not essential, an understanding of the social housing sector would be an advantage
The ability to work through the medium of Welsh is desirable, but not essential.
Welsh Language
Interview Dates
Closing Date
This vacancy is closed to applications.