Join the Association [...cont]

Come on Board Application Pack

Housing Organisations provide essential services to their customers, not just with a home, but also support and advice to ensure tenancies are maintained and homelessness is prevented. In order to ensure that their services respond to the needs of their customers, Housing Organisations in Wales recognise that their Boards must reflect the diversity of the world in which they exist.

That is where you come in. As members of the community in which Housing Organisations provide services, your input as a Board Member can be invaluable.

Furthermore, Housing Organisations are very keen to encourage people from traditionally under represented groups, e.g. younger persons between 18 and 25 years of age, persons with disabilities and those from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds. If you are from one of these groups, Housing Organisations are particularly keen on getting in touch with you.

So if you would like to make a positive difference to the world in which you live, ‘Come on Board’ may be for you. If you are interested, here are some answers to some questions that you might have:

What If I have little or no experience of being on a Board?

Don’t panic! There is always a first time for every Board Member. Most Housing Organisations have an induction and training process. You could also request a ‘mentor’ when you first start. This is access to a more experienced Board Member that you can talk to, if you have questions that you feel you might have.

It is important to remember that you will work as part of a team, which comprises of people with knowledge in different areas. Therefore, do not feel that you have to be an ‘expert’ in every area before you apply. Different staff of the organisation are technically qualified in key areas, e.g. finance, strategy, policy. Your key role as a Board Member will be to consider staff members’ proposals and offer your opinion and guidance as part of a collective Board.

What if I incur travel expenses?

Normally, as a Board Member, you will be entitled to out of pocket expenses such as travel costs. Most organisations also pay child care costs or respite care costs if you care for someone with specific needs.

What are the key benefits for me?

Becoming a Board Member will give you the satisfaction of knowing you are contributing something positive to society. It will also provide you with an alternative perspective in terms of the running of organisations, which is brilliant for your personal and professional development.

So What Are You Waiting for - Come on Board!

An application pack can be downloaded from the resource below.

Once completed, please send to: Ceri Ward, Come on Board, Community Housing Cymru, Fulmar House, Beignon Close, Ocean Park, Cardiff, CF24 5HF.

• Come on Board Application Pack (pdf - 353k)

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