Position: Non-Executive Board Director
Location: Frome, Somerset
Commitment: Part-time, Volunteer
Applications have now closed.
Role Overview
As a Non-Executive Board Director of Mayday Saxonvale, you will play a vital role in setting the strategic vision for the Saxonvale development and ensuring that the development design and delivery align with this vision. Non-Executive Directors will oversee the work of Mayday Saxonvale and the Saxonvale Development Company. Directors will approve business plans, and planning applications, and provide financial and risk oversight.
As a Non-Executive Director, you will be part of engaging with a range of local stakeholders across our community, fostering a true sense of ownership over this new part of our town by involving all parts of our community from the start.
We seek community representatives, local stakeholders, and professionals bringing relevant expertise. You will have proven outstanding communication skills to engage with people at all levels and have a strong interest in supporting the future of Frome.
Above all, you must bring drive, commitment, and practicality to broker and deliver solutions to the challenges Frome faces now and in the years to come. As we deliver a new model of community-led development at scale, you will be ready to adapt as we learn what models of governance and operations deliver the optimal outcomes for the town.
This position offers a unique opportunity to shape a transformative development project, combining community engagement with professional governance.
It is expected there will be a monthly board meeting to attend in person in Frome. Alongside other meetings and activities, we expect that you will need to devote at least one day per month to the role. This time expectation may change as the scheme enters different phases of activity.
This is an unpaid voluntary position. Reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. We are committed to a diverse board and in the interest of securing a range of experience and perspectives, if your circumstances mean additional financial support would be required for you to take on the role, then please mention it in your application. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that any request for financial support will not have a bearing on the assessment of suitability for the role.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership:
- Set and approve the overarching vision and strategy for the Saxonvale development.
- Review and approve SDC’s planning applications and annual business plans.
- Governance and Oversight:
- Ensure that governance structures, including sub-committees, are effective and transparent.
- Monitor financial, operational, and reputational risks.
- Fulfil fiduciary duties as a director.
- Community Engagement:
- Act as an ambassador for Mayday Saxonvale, ensuring that the community remains central to the development.
- Oversee community engagement and ensure robust feedback mechanisms.
- Financial and Legal Oversight:
- Review budgets, grant applications, and long-term financial plans.
- Ensure compliance with legal and fiduciary responsibilities.
Person Specification
We are seeking candidates who bring a mix of community representation and professional expertise. Ideal candidates will demonstrate most or all of the following:
- Commitment:
- Dedication to the community-focused mission of Mayday Saxonvale.
- Ability to commit approximately one day per month to the role.
- Meetings will be mainly at lunchtime or in the evening.
- Experience and Expertise:
- Background in community engagement, education and training, town planning, economic development, governance, finance, property development, or related fields.
- Leading or contributing to community-led initiatives or projects and grant funding.
- An understanding of risk management frameworks and financial oversight is advantageous.
- Skills:
- Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities.
- Capability to engage with diverse stakeholders and represent community interests effectively.
- Ability to work collaboratively in decision-making processes.
- Community Representation:
- A connection to, or demonstrable interest in, Frome.
- Familiarity with the local community, its needs, and aspirations.
Application Process
Applications have now closed.
We expect to hold interviews in March with appointments to follow shortly thereafter.