Appointment of a Non-Executive Director

Transcription

1 Appointment of a Non-Executive Director May

2 CONTENTS A note from the Chair Company Background The Appointment Role Specification Person Specification Recruitment Process

3 Dear Candidate, A NOTE FROM THE CHAIR This is a hugely exciting time for transport in Edinburgh and Lothian is playing a central role. The population is growing, the economy is getting stronger and the transport infrastructure is developing all the time. Edinburgh Airport is expanding, a new Borders rail link is in place, the city s railway stations have been redeveloped and our sister company, Edinburgh Trams, is operating successfully. The Lothian family network links and enhances all of these developments and we too are investing in our services, our facilities and our people. We operate a young fleet of modern vehicles and have prioritised investment in new technologies to ensure that our customers have the best possible experience. We can confidently say that we are operating at the highest levels of performance and quality as the UK s largest most successful publicly owned bus company. Our business moves hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors around the city every day and drives the economy. It s our people who make this happen - they are passionate about what they do. This dedication and commitment results in some of the highest levels of customer satisfaction in the UK. This is something we are very proud of but we know, that to achieve continued success, an on-going and determined commitment to excellence and innovation is needed. If you have the experience and qualities to make a valuable contribution as a board member we would welcome the opportunity of further discussion. Thank you for your interest in Lothian. Jim McFarlane Chair Lothian buses FWB Park Brown - Executive Search 3

4 COMPANY BACKGROUND Formed in 1919, Lothian is Edinburgh s principal bus operator and the UK s biggest municipal bus company. City of Edinburgh Council is our majority shareholder with our other minority shareholders being East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian Councils. The Lothian family network operates the majority of bus services in Edinburgh and is a significant operator in East and Midlothian. Our name may have changed over recent years, but our community focus and commitment to delivering an excellent service for our customers is stronger than ever. We are one of the region s largest employers with over 2,500 staff, 1,700 of whom are drivers. Many of our employees are from Edinburgh or have made the city their home and we remain a company that s very much in touch with the local community. Connecting the city with over 70 services, our vehicles operate day and night throughout the year. As part of the Lothian family, we also operate Edinburgh Bus Tours, East Coast Buses and Lothian Country in addition to three airport services and a growing network of night buses. As Scotland s second most popular paid-for visitor attraction, Edinburgh Bus Tours provides five-star rated, hop-on hop-off tours, showcasing the best sights of Edinburgh, with a choice of multi-lingual commentary or a specially trained live guide. Connecting Edinburgh with miles of untouched coastline and fantastic beaches along the coast, East Coast Buses let you travel, explore and discover East Lothian and the wealth of attractions within the region. Lothian Country and our airport services offer local connections west to South Queensferry and Edinburgh airport respectively. Our senior management team are proud to be leading significant change and making investment across our business in our people, technology and fleet. Our fleet is among the most modern and environmentally-friendly in the UK and now includes the city s first zero-emission electric buses. We have a long history of supporting local and national charities and run a range of projects through our Community Engagement strategy. These aim to inform, educate and provide new experiences to people from all walks of life. Our vision is to be an integral part of the success of Edinburgh and the Lothians by providing world class, environmentally-friendly and socially-inclusive transport. All part of the Lothian family FWB Park Brown - Executive Search 4

5 The appointee will join the board of Lothian and would also become a member of the audit committee. The term of office will be for 3 years with the potential for reappointment.

6 ROLE SPECIFICATION The role of Non-Executive Director is to Help to develop proposals on strategy Scrutinise performance in meeting agreed goals and objectives and the monitoring of performance reports Satisfy themselves on the integrity of information Satisfy themselves that controls and risk management systems are robust and defensible In addition the Non-Executive Director will Recognise that the Board acts at all times with full cognisance of the fact that the company is wholly owned by its local authority shareholders, thereby maintaining appropriate high levels of corporate and public sector governance. Ensure that the shareholders best interests and policy objectives are considered in the board s decision making process, whilst ensuring that the company meets its commercial and wider business objectives. Standards of Conduct As a limited company, Lothian buses is governed by the Companies Act, rather than by the Ethical Standards in Public Life (Scotland) Act Nevertheless, the company wishes to be seen to support and comply with the principals of the ethical standards regime. As a Board Member, it will be the successful candidate s responsibility to make sure that they are familiar with the provisions of the relevant Codes of Conduct. In this context, Board Members must at all times: Observe the highest standards of propriety involving impartiality, integrity and objectivity Maximise value for money Be accountable Act in accordance with Government policies on transparency and openness FWB Park Brown - Executive Search 6

7 PERSON SPECIFICATION We are looking for candidates with Understanding of the competitive nature of business and an appreciation of its commercial basis. The ability to think strategically and to analyse complex business planning issues. Strong interpersonal and management skills. Strong leadership and influencing skills. A strong professional and commercial background. The ability to promote the highest standards of propriety and efficient use of resources within the company. A proven track record in business at Board level as an Executive or Non-Executive Director. Understanding of shareholders / stakeholders interests with particular knowledge or experience of dealing with minority stakeholder issues and protection. FWB Park Brown - Executive Search 7

8 RECRUITMENT PROCESS Terms and Conditions of Appointment Period of appointment The period of appointment will be for a minimum of 3 years initially, with the possibility of renewal. Time Commitment For a Non-Executive Director the time commitment is to attend seven meetings per year. Some additional preparation time will be necessary in connection with each meeting. In addition, a higher level of time commitment may be required for an induction process to take place to allow familiarisation with the key issues and stakeholders. Remuneration and Allowances 1. The current remuneration to this appointment is 8,450 pa. 2. All monies paid are subject to annual review and are taxable 3. Reasonable travel and subsistence expenditure incurred in relation to company duties will be reimbursed 4. The appointment does not carry any entitlement to superannuation benefits Recruitment Process and Timetable The recruitment process will be overseen by the Lothian buses Nomination Committee and the final appointment will be subject to City of Edinburgh Council majority shareholder consent. The appointment is being publicly advertised with the intention of attracting a strong, relevant and diverse range of interest. All applications will be acknowledged. A shortlist will be selected by FWB Park Brown for interview by the Nominations committee. The intention is that the successful candidate will be invited to attend the board meeting which takes place in July Applicants must submit CV Brief covering letter / Two current referees Please note: Any potential conflicts of interest should be highlighted. Declaring a conflict of interest will not necessarily disqualify an application. Applicants should not canvass either employees or board members. How to apply The preferred method of application is via to enquiries@fwbparkbrown.com If you are unable to apply via please write to Scott Black FWB Park Brown 19 Alva Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4PH FWB Park Brown - Executive Search 8