Non-Executive Director of Business Strategy and Development Association of Democratic Service Officers

ROLE PROFILE

Director of Business Strategy and Development (Non-Executive Role with portfolio)

ABOUT ADSO (www.adso.co.uk) ADSO is a membership organisation for people who support the democratic process and governance at local authority level. We have existed since 2009 and now have around 1400 members who pay a small annual fee to become members of the organisation. We are a company limited by guarantee and governed by a Board of Directors. We operate as a lean organisation with no directly employed staff but hold a number of contracts with individuals and organisations for key parts of our offer. Set up by senior officers from a democratic services background, our founding vision is:

• To be a nationally recognised professional association, regarded as such by central government, our members, and our partners; and
• To represent, promote and develop excellent democratic services, for the benefit of all those working within the sector and those we support.

We do this by:

1. Championing the essential role of the Democratic Services Officer (DSO) as front-line staff, explaining the often difficult and nuanced job that they do, and clearly articulating what skills a DSO brings to the table;

2. Championing democracy, protecting the fundamental principle whilst being flexible about doing it differently;

3. Upholding standards and codes of conduct. Training both DSOs and elected members to engage better and protecting the DSO and those within meetings from bullying and harassment; and

4. Being experts on constitutional and governance matters, and innovative in our views as to modern delivery of decision making, for example accessibility via remote access, use of technology to enhance meetings.

In 2019, we reviewed our purpose and operations and developed the following statements of intent:

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide an independent membership organisation for the Democratic Services sector in order to develop and strengthen governance in local public bodies. AIMS In addition to our core functions as a professional membership body, we will over the next three years:

• Focus on what we see as the critical skill set for the governance professional of the future. Expand our remit to support and develop improved governance in a range of public bodies.
• Ensure that we are “fit for purpose” to respond to the emerging devolution agenda. Directors are jointly responsible for the effective and efficient running of the organisation however they individually lead in different portfolio areas. We have a vacancy for a new Director to join us in leading the organisation. As a Director you will be elected annually by the members at the AGM which is held at our November Conference. The successful candidate will hold the portfolio for Business Strategy and Development which will include finance. We are looking for a Director who can:
• Lead with the Chair on the development of the Association’s strategic plans and ensure the alignment of budgets to both short-term and long-term objectives
• Lead on Business Planning, especially the identification of new opportunities and partnerships and the funding of these.
• Oversee planning and budgeting processes with the Board and constructively challenge where required
• Manage and liaise with the Association’s bookkeeper and accountant to ensure that all financial records are accurate and up to date and that the Board receives and considers financial reports.
• Ensure the Board carries out its responsibilities in line with governance, legal and regulatory responsibilities.
• Seek to increase the Association’s income through sponsorship and commercial activities etc.
• Provide advice and guidance in terms of the Association’s fees and charges
• Manage reserves and investments for the benefit of the Association and its members. All Directors are expected to take an active role in the running of the Association and in building relationships with members, including regional leads.

The role is part time, but minimally you will be expected to attend and participate in the 4 designated Board meetings a year, occasional regional meetings where you will represent the Board and your portfolio areas, fortnightly Directors catch-ups via zoom, the Association’s Annual Conference and other duties pertaining to your lead role.

You will receive an allowance of £6000 per annum in recognition of your role. Of this, 25% is performance related and is awarded based on the successful delivery of two agreed objectives per year for each Board Director.

What are we looking for?

You do not have to have served as a Democratic Services officer, although many of our Board Directors have. However a good understanding of governance, local democracy and local government is essential. You should have a background in Business Strategy and Development including aspects of financial management, business planning, strategic thinking, and service development. A creative thinker who works well as part of a team and is willing to be actively involved is sought. You need to be flexible and willing to take on challenges that may sit outside your portfolio remit as the role of Directors develops and the organisation changes in response to the needs of its members.

Application Process
For more information, take a look at our website www.adso.co.ukand LinkedIn.

Applications should be sent via email attachment to our Chair John Austin. Please send a CV and a personal statement of no more than 2 sides of A4 covering:

• What interests you about the role
• Your biography and background and how it has prepared you for the role
• Your skills and experience and what you have to offer.

Please also include the names and contact details of two referees, at least one of whom should be professionally focussed.

The closing date for applications has been extended to Thursday 2 March 2023.

If you wish to discuss this role informally, please contact John via our website https://www.adso.co.uk/job/adso-director-of-business-strategy-and-development/

We strive to make ADSO as open and diverse as possible both in the services we offer and the opportunities we give to our members to participate in our activities. We therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Job Type: Part-time
Part-time hours: 7 per week

Salary: Up to £6,000.00 per year