Be First is a pioneering urban regeneration company focused on transforming Barking and Dagenham by building 50,000 new homes and creating 20,000 jobs by 2037. A true social enterprise, Be First is committed to both the residential and commercial development of Barking and Dagenham. It is now increasing its focus on driving and delivering economic regeneration in the borough.

Though wholly owned by Barking & Dagenham Council, Be First is run as an independent entity with an independent Board and is tasked with delivering a financial return which can be reinvested in public services. As well as being a developer in its own right, Be First also offers development and project management services to the council and commercial partners.

In 2023 the Group is looking to start the next phase of its ambitious plan, with a target of developing 3,500 new high-quality and sustainable homes over the next four years. At this exciting time, and due to succession planning, Be First is looking to appoint new Non-Executive Directors to support the Board and executive team in delivering this.

Due to succession planning, Be First seeks to appoint a number of new Non-Executive Directors to work with the Board and executive team to achieve its strategy.

For this appointment, the Group seeks someone who can guide and advise on real estate development and construction matters surrounding its pre- existing and new pipeline of 3,500 new units, helping to set the strategy and oversee the performance. They will also have the ability to guide and advise on broader company strategy, beyond that which relates to their subject matter expertise.

Beyond drawing on their development expertise, the new Non-Executive will quickly become familiar with Be First's background, operations, objectives, and corporate structure and will be closely involved in the oversight of its strategy. They will offer strategic and commercial advice to the Board and management team, acting as a critical friend in challenging and supporting the executives while being available on a flexible basis to provide independent insight. In particular, they will advise on delivering the objectives of Be First and its stakeholders and partners, including its owner and the community in which it operates.

The Non-Executive Director will act as an ambassador for the organisation, representing Be First to third parties and making connections and introductions where appropriate. They will provide oversight and act on behalf of the company's owner, Barking & Dagenham Council, and - critically - its stakeholders in the community.

The successful candidate will bring specialist knowledge and extensive experience in large-scale residential, commercial or mixed-use property development and placemaking. Experience of brown-field regeneration projects would also be beneficial. They will ideally have some understanding of modern methods of construction and best practices for sustainability.

This experience could have been gained in a senior role within the private sector (such as a house builder, real estate developer or regeneration specialist), a housing association or the public sector (either local or central government). The candidate will likely have a professional qualification and will ideally bring general financial acumen and skills.

Be First welcomes applications from first-time non-executive directors and is willing to invest time in supporting the development of the successful candidate's non-executive skillset. It is important that candidates should have a clear understanding of the difference between contributing as an executive and as a non-executive. Any prior experience of engaging with a board or panel with both independent and executive directors, or of serving as a trustee or independent director, would therefore be valuable but is not essential.

Lord Bob Kerslake, Chair

Catherine Thomas
Peter Murray
Deborah Aplin

Tony Middleton

Ceri Richards

Synthia Griffin

Nabeel Khan

Davena Wilson

This role is remunerated at £15,000 per annum and reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. The appointment is for a three year term, which can be renewed at the discretion of the Board.

The expected time commitment initially is 12 - 15 days per annum. This includes board meetings, committee meetings, an annual strategy offsite, meeting preparation time and ad hoc involvement as required. There are monthly, in-person board meetings (with the exception of August), which take place at Be First's corporate office in Barking. Additionally, most non-executive directors sit on one or more committees, where meetings are being held virtually.

UK - London

Be First welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.