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.

Be First is seeking a Non-Executive Director with relevant business and professional experience and skills to broaden and strengthen the Board. They will help to guide the Board on corporate governance best practices, as well as more broadly help to set the company's strategy, oversee its performance, and advise on overall growth. They will contribute effectively to strategy formulation and the maintenance and development of best practice corporate governance by the company, more generally.

They will offer 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 extensive knowledge of good corporate governance. They will be able to guide on best practices and help the Board avoid issues and risks. This experience could have been gained in a number of roles, such as General Counsel, Company Secretary or a Partner at a law firm. The experience could have also been gained through holding a number of Non-Executive positions. Remuneration Committee experience would also be beneficial but not essential.

Generally, they must be able to work collegiately, think strategically, assess objectively, prepare diligently and challenge constructively. 

The Board welcomes applications from first-time Board Members 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.