Together we lead the way

Together we lead the way

Board member payment is always a sensitive subject. Especially in the current climate, as we had to strike a balance between ensuring we had the highest possible calibre team alongside value for money for our customers.

To achieve the task, we joined forces with an independent consultant, Insight Human Resource & Management Consultancy. Together we aimed to develop a best practice blueprint to further our approach to introducing board member recognition payments and attracting more experienced people.

Alan Hawkesworth, Chair of the Human Resources and Remuneration Committee explains why we partnered with Insight, “We wanted to develop a policy that was open, fair and transparent, and had the support of all of our stakeholders. Insight had the right knowledge and industry experience.”

Together we developed a consultation process involving residents, staff, funders, partner organisations and board members to recommend how the Board’s contribution should be recognised in terms of payment.

Bill Martin OBE, Chair of Housing Plus Board was impressed with the results and enthuses, “We’ve now set up a robust process for reviewing board payments in the future. We want to be sure that we’re accountable to residents and stakeholders, this was really important”.

Bill continues “Using an external consultant was paramount, we got really honest feedback and learnt quite a few things which are changing the way we work. Staff and tenants want to see us more and genuinely want to hear more about the work we do. So we are creating ‘meet the board’ sessions and are including a report in the resident and staff newsletters. It’s been a very positive and insightful process all round”.

Tenant, Jeanette Edwards concludes, “It would be very hard to say people shouldn’t get paid. It’s gruelling work and a very big responsibility. If others are paying for people and we want to attract the best, we have to do the same. But we’ve got to be fair and open.”