The Vacancies

Non Executive Board Chair
Circa £20,000 pa
3–4 days per month

Non Executive Board Members
1–2 days per month


The Role of the Chair 

The Chair is appointed by the Board to provide corporate leadership and to be responsible for the performance of Business Link West Midlands Ltd, subject to the powers and responsibilities, which have been, or will in the future be, delegated by the Board to designated committees and executives.  It is good practice for a Deputy Chair to assist him in his/her role.

Qualification/Competence/Skill Requirements

  • Proven experience of:
    • Leading and chairing board meetings.
    • Undertaking a high profile ambassadorial role, promoting brand awareness
    • At least 10 years private sector board experience with responsibility for overseeing strong financial and operational performance.
    • Successfully engaging with public and private sector partners and building instant credibility across all sectors.
  • Good knowledge and understanding of
    • LSC and AWM (to include regional economic strategy)
    • The Business Support and Skills Agenda
    • The cultural and economic challenges for West Midlands Businesses and the need for inclusion
    • Partners, suppliers and stakeholders
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, persuasion and negotiation skills to influence key stakeholders, partners and potential customers linked to the ability to work collaboratively across boundaries.
  • Innovative, creative and a natural leader with outstanding organisational skills
  • Ability to gain commitment to a clear vision and way forward
  • Practical negotiation skills
  • The ability to build instant credibility.

Key External Responsibilities

The Chair:

  • Act as an ambassador for the service - promoting it to key audiences / influencers
  • Support the aims of the service and encourage entrepreneurship / business development and investment in skills
  • Maintain relationships with key stakeholders, particularly Advantage West Midlands and the Learning Skills Council
  • Act as a key point of reference for Business Representative groups – for example, Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses, The Institute of Directors, etc, to both promote the service through them and gain feedback from them on the quality of the service etc.

Key Internal Responsibilities

  • Presides over meetings of the Board of Directors and where applicable General Meetings of the company and is, ex officio, a member of other Board Sub-Committees.
  • During the period between Board meetings, provides the main line of communication between the Chief Executive and the rest of the Board.
  • In connection with the proceedings of the Board, is responsible for ensuring that:
    • Directors are properly informed of the current state of the business and given adequate opportunity to discuss important issues
    • Matters requiring Board authorisation are brought to the attention of Directors in a timely fashion for decision, and that appropriate information and analyses are presented
    • Strategy issues are developed through the Executive Team for consideration and approval by the Board.
    • All Directors are fully and effectively informed on all matters relating to their legal responsibilities with respect to Business Link West Midlands Ltd.
    • Together with the Chief Executive, should keep under review the composition of the Board and ensure that timely action is taken over resignations / retirements and new members so that the company has the benefit of a balanced Board membership.
    • Together with the Chief Executive should ensure that adequate development and training opportunities are available to maintain and enhance the competence of Directors.
    • The Sub-Committees of the Board are appropriately constituted and function effectively.
    • Objectives for the Chief Executive, are determined in consultation with him/ her, and that performance is regularly reviewed against these.

The Chair should be satisfied that:

  • The Chief Executive and the management team are providing effective management direction of the affairs of Business Link West Midlands Ltd
  • The management structure and executives within it are capable of ensuring effective implementation of Business Link West Midlands Ltd’s policies
  • The company has in place budgetary and other management control systems to ensure effective operation and performance of Business Link West Midlands Ltd
  • The day-to-day management of Business Link West Midlands Ltd is properly controlled and that any significant operational developments likely to impact upon Business Link West Midlands Ltd’s ability to meet its business objectives are promptly reported to him/her
  • Proper attention is being given by management to changes and opportunities in the business environment

Although the Chair may, of course, delegate some of these activities and actions to the Deputy Chair, the Chief Executive or a Board Sub-Committee, the responsibility remains with the Chair.

The Deputy Chair is appointed to ensure that there will always be someone available who can assume responsibility for the duties outlined above, in the event of the Chair being unavailable - as a result of business commitments, sickness or holiday, for example.        

Remuneration

Circa £20,000pa for 3 - 4 days per annum

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The Role of the Non-Executive Board Members 

Below are the skills and competencies needed to serve on the Board of Business Link in the West Midlands. These are split into three areas:

  • Essential skills and competencies
  • Specialist essential skills and competencies
  • Desirable skills and competencies

Essential skills and competencies

To serve on the Business Link Board, all candidates must demonstrate:

  • Strategic awareness including a sound understanding of the complex issues affecting the relevant regional economy, including the opportunities and barriers to economic growth in the region and for specific businesses.
  • Strong communication and influencing skills
  • Strong networking and ambassadorial skills
  • Team working skills- respecting the ideas, experiences and contributions of others
  • Credibility within own sector
  • A strategic perspective on the issues embraced in the Business Link Agenda, including an understanding of and commitment to, the principles of business support
  • Knowledge and awareness of the barriers faced by socially and/or economically excluded groups, including black and ethnic minorities, together with a commitment to equality of opportunities and diversity.

Specialist essential skills and competencies

  • Credible record of business achievements in the private sector
  • Ability to represent and engage with all aspects of the business community
  • Awareness of the relationship between the business sector and the relevant region’s economy

Desirable skills and competencies

  • Credibility across sectors
  • Leadership
  • Innovative thinking
  • Confidence and public presence
  • Creativity

Please note that these posts are not remunerated beyond reimbursement of expenses – the time commitment is 1 –2 days per month.

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