Industrial Dwelling Society was established as the Four Per Cent Dwellings Company in 1885 by a group of Jewish philanthropists who hoped to relieve the overcrowding in homes in the East End of London. Today, IDS manages around 1,500 properties in Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Camden, Haringey, Redbridge, Barnet and Hertsmere.

The housing stock includes flats, houses, sheltered housing, accommodation for people with special needs, as well as a number of shared ownership properties. The tenants are reflective of the general ethnic mix, but IDS maintains strong links with Jewish communities and, in this respect, is regarded as a specialist housing provider.

As a specialist housing provider, the new Chair needs to ensure that IDS maintains strong links with Jewish communities and ensure Jewish heritage remains one of IDS’s strategic objectives.

IDS seeks a new Non-Executive Chair to strengthen its board as it navigates the next stage of its evolution. As well as leading the Board, the new Chair will play a key role in the development of its strategy, supporting the executive team in its effective execution. The purpose of the Chair is to:

• Uphold the NHF Code of Governance 2020
• Ensure that a focus on the needs and safety of current and future residents and other customers are at the heart of the Board’s decision-making and that residents are engaged in line with IDS’s heritage and strategy, which remains to prioritise current residents, to look at future developments in areas of Jewish housing need and work towards carbon zero
• Be a positive and effective ambassador with key partners and an effective figurehead for the organisation within the Jewish community
• Ensure that IDS is a good employer

Main Chair responsibilities include:

• Lead the Board and set its agenda, which should be primarily focused on strategy, performance and values
• Work together with the Non-Executive Directors, provide challenge and support to the CEO and management team and help the Board evolve to reflect the growth requirements of the business
• Quickly become familiar with IDS's background and history, have a strong understanding of it's business model, growth strategy, tenants and residents
• Provide constructive engagement and oversight to management in their refinement of the organisation's strategy, overseeing its implementation and monitoring its performance to ensure that targets are met
• Ensure that the value of the Board members' contributions is maximised by delivering clear, concise conclusions and plans of action
• Ensure that trust and transparency exist between Board members, executives, the regulator and other stakeholders
• Establish effective communication with stakeholders
• Ensure that the Board and stakeholders are kept fully up-to-date on the key issues facing the organisation to allow each stakeholder to provide maximum proactive support
• Take responsibility for the Board’s composition, development and succession planning
• Carry out Board evaluations annually and act on recommendations
• Oversee, together with Board Members, the organisation's governance model, holding IDS to the highest ethical standards and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and requirements
• Demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and probity, and set clear expectations concerning IDS's culture, values and behaviours, and the style and tone of Board discussions
• Promote a culture of openness and debate, managing the Board’s relationship with the CEO and leadership team, and ensure the Board is an effective working group
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Jewish culture and the Jewish community

The ideal candidate will have a background in a housing association, care business or other regulated organisation. This could have been gained in an executive or non-executive capacity. Knowledge of the UK housing sector, including the operations of Registered Social Housing Providers and the economic context of the sector, would be a valuable asset but is not an essential requirement.

First-time Chairs are welcome to apply, but candidates must have prior experience at board level, either in an executive or non-executive capacity. They will have the maturity to join and lead an experienced board, but also the flexibility and dynamism to work with a business through a period of significant development and evolution. They will be comfortable with complexity.

Candidates must illustrate an awareness of, and empathy with, the needs and aspirations of IDS's residents, as well as the local communities where they live. This understanding is crucial to effectively contribute to the organisation's mission and vision, and make a positive impact on the communities it serves.

Finally, the successful candidate will bring a high degree of emotional intelligence and the ability to build consensus at a senior level, ensuring an effective board and implementation of company strategy. They will offer expertise and guidance when working with a number of stakeholders, including the executive team and the Board. They will act as a sounding board and mentor to the CEO, and will ask probing, challenging and effective questions.

Ray Peacock (outgoing Chair)
Alan Fell
Susan French
Paul Huberman
Alan Jacobs
Nicola Kravitz
Craig Simons
David Levenson
Lorraine Mill
Lee Bloomfield
Dean Epton

This role is remunerated, and reasonable, pre-agreed expenses will be reimbursed. It is expected that time commitment will be c. three days per month, including six Board meetings, committee meetings, meetings with the CEO, preparation time and ad hoc communication. 

This organisation is based in London and meetings will take place in person. Candidates will therefore be UK-based.