Andrews Property Group — Chair

Andrews Property Group is seeking to appoint a Chair to lead the Board. The successful candidate will be key in setting the tone for future growth and continued high standards of service to APG's customers. They will bring previous non-executive experience, a strong commercial skillset, combined with sector expertise in the UK residential property space to ultimately guide the company as it embarks on the next stage of growth. (Deadline: 16 June)

Visit the website
office block

About

Andrews Property Group ("APG") is a leading provider of UK residential property services. As a business wholly owned by a charitable trust, APG seeks to operate profitably to the benefit of the activities of its associated charity. The company was originally founded by Cecil Jackson Cole, who also set up globally renowned charities such as Age UK and Oxfam; at APG, he transformed the way that business and charity are able to work together in harmony. APG continues to implement and expand upon his vision over 70 years later.

Andrews Property Group differentiates itself in a market where competitors are often purely commercially driven by maintaining its core values at the centre of its business practices. APG firmly believes that by operating ethically, the business will in turn be able to support greater levels of charitable initiatives in the communities in which it operates.

APG has recently undergone a management change and is now embarking on a five-year growth plan, with the aim of scaling to £50m revenue and £5m profit. This will be achieved through steady growth in residential sales and financial services, but rapid growth in residential lettings, with the goal of doubling the size of the business. APG is particularly interested in exploring how it can innovate using digital technology. There will also be a particular focus on its corporate business, continuing to help corporate landlords manage their portfolios as well as entering the Build to Rent market. APG has already supported West Bromwich Building Society and The Co-op as landlords, managing their sizeable lettings portfolios. In parallel, APG anticipates progressing towards B Corp accreditation over the course of the five-year period.

The APG Board works to support the delivery of the company's strategic objective to become the most trusted and admired brand in the UK property sector - maximising sustainable profits to support the activities of Andrews Charitable Trust (ACT). The Board is united by genuine passion for APG's mission, an empathy with the organisation’s values, and a desire to use their professional skills to further the interests of both APG and ACT.


Role specification

Andrews Property Group seeks to strengthen its Board with the appointment of a new Non-Executive Chair. As well as leading the Board, the Chair will play a central role in the development and implementation of the company's ambitious growth plans and meaningfully engage with the management team.

The Chair will:

  • Work with the Board and executive team to ensure alignment between the Board and management
  • Provide strategic leadership to the organisation in collaboration with the Chief Executive and the Board
  • Inspire the Board, Chief Executive, staff and stakeholders through the promotion of the organisation’s vision, mission and values
  • Manage the CEO on behalf of the Board
  • Ensure that the value of Board members' contributions are maximised by delivering clear, concise conclusions and plans of action
  • Bring a high degree of emotional intelligence, collaborative leadership style, and the ability to build consensus at a senior level, ensuring an effective board
  • Oversee the development and delivery of the strategic aims through the strategic plan, as agreed by the Board
  • Strengthen the relationship with Andrews Charitable Trust through transparency and accountability about Board decision-making
  • Act as an ambassador to represent Andrews in order to enhance the company's profile through engagement with major customers, suppliers and lenders, leveraging professional networks when necessary
  • Ensure appropriate standards of corporate governance
  • Understand and promote effective governance practices in the context of the regulatory framework governing UK Property and Financial Services

Person specification

For this appointment, the successful candidate will bring extensive experience of the UK residential real estate sector or related services. This could have been gained in either a commercial or social housing context. APG is open minded to the exact skillset and experience this individual will bring, but they should be able to demonstrate strategic-level leadership. They will also be able to demonstrate an extensive network within the sector.

A demonstrated track record of success and high level of commercial acumen is necessary for this role. Additionally, those who are familiar with driving transformational change through organic and inorganic growth, as well as experience of capital raising, would be of particular interest. Individuals will need to have previous non-executive experience for this appointment. This will ideally include Chair experience but APG is open to seasoned non- executives with relevant industry knowledge, who may perhaps have gained Chair experience at committee level.

Finally, a passion for APG's mission and ability to wholly engage with the business is essential to this appointment. The successful candidate will bring an understanding of the social, economic and political context in which it works and ultimately willingness to further develop this understanding. The incoming Chair will bring a strong commitment to APG’s vision, values, and ethos, and will actively contribute to combining property and purpose as it embarks on the next stage of its journey.


Terms of appointment

This role is remunerated and reasonable, pre-agreed, travel expenses will be reimbursed. The Chair will be appointed for a three-year term that is subject to review.

Time Commitment

There are monthly Board meetings and each meeting is preceded by a short Risk Committee meeting. The Chair is likely to need to spend an additional half day preparing for each meeting. Board meetings are attended by non-executive board members, the CEO, and the executive leadership team. The Chair will establish their own preferred rhythm of check-ins with the CEO. Non-Executive Directors and the CEO will each have an annual appraisal meeting with the Chair.

These are the primary commitments but there are, of course, additional meetings with key strategic partners and attendance at important events.


Location

The organisation is based in Bristol and most Board meetings are in person. Therefore, the successful candidate must be able to travel to Bristol when necessary.


The deadline for consideration is 16 June 2023.

If you would like to register your initial interest in this role, please fill in the form below.

Please note that registering your interest via this microsite does not constitute a formal application for the role. If it would be worth submitting an application, a member of the Nurole team will be directly in touch ahead of the deadline to let you know and invite you to apply through the Nurole platform.