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.

This Non-Executive Director will provide recommendations to the Board on matters concerning risk, finance and investments. They will also have the ability to guide and advise on broader company strategy, beyond that which relates to their subject matter expertise.  

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 a significant financial management background to this role, ideally with recent experience on audit committees, most probably achieved as an FD / CFO of a commercial business, as a banker or as a Partner in an accountancy firm. With that in mind, it is expected that applicants will be financially-qualified and have experience of managing senior stakeholders. The successful candidate will possess a clear understanding of the internal and external audit process, have excellent analytical skills, and be able to scrutinise financial statements and audit reports and comment on their content using their knowledge of the wider strategic context.

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.

Please note: Be First intends that its Board reflects the cultural and experiential background of the community in which it operates. As such, improving the Board's diversity will be a crucial consideration in this appointment. Please see the Diversity section below for more information.

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(Barking and Dagenham)

Be First welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. As they are currently under-represented on the Board, individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds would be particularly encouraged. 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.