Foundation of Nursing Studies Inspire Enable Improve FoNS Chief Executive Officer Job Description and Person Specification About FoNS The Foundation of Nursing Studies (FoNS), a registered charity, has developed an excellent reputation at the forefront of nursing across the UK. We support and work with nurses and the teams they lead for the ultimate purpose of delivering health and social care that is person-centred, effective and safe. FoNS is a highly skilled and productive organisation. We have worked with nurse-led teams for over three decades, helping them to lead innovation, improvement and culture change. The organisation operates nationally in all four countries and has a reach across many countries internationally. The way FoNS works is underpinned by the following commitments: Being person-centred Working with people and values Using skilled facilitation that is enabling rather than directing Providing support and challenge Helping people develop and grow Enabling inclusivity, collaboration and positive relationships Promoting life-long learning in practice Working creatively and systematically to achieve outcomes for practice Sharing innovation and learning widely to promote the spread of best practice A summary of the organisation s current strategic plan can be downloaded via: https://www.fons.org/resources/documents/documents/strategic-plan-2014-2017-summary.pdf Overview of the Role As Chief Executive you will be a visible, inspiring and effective leader with overall responsibility for the professional, operational and financial management of FoNS. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will lead the organisation s strategic and business plan, along with ensuring good practice in terms of governance and compliance with regulation across all aspects of the charity. You will be an exemplary ambassador for FoNS, who builds positive relationships and has the respect of all stakeholders including prospective partners and supporters. As a leader, you will also have a key role in engaging, supporting and motivating staff to ultimately achieve the charity s objectives and demonstrate the benefit of these to the public. Applications are welcomed from any candidate who believes they can fulfil the requirements of the role and demonstrate a fit with the person specification. If you are not a Nurse, Midwife or Allied Health Professional, it is important that you demonstrate how you will exert credible external leadership to influence the profession with which we work, our partners and stakeholders and promote the image and values of FoNS. Overview of Terms of Employment Hours of Work: Full-time (35 hours per week). Whilst it is anticipated the appointee will work normal office hours, given the seniority of the position and the requirements of the job, the appointee will at times be expected
to work as required outside the core hours, including, on occasions, evenings and weekends. No overtime is paid, but in relation to any significant additional hours (and subject to prior agreement with the Chair of Trustees) time off in lieu may be allowed. Annual Leave: 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays. An additional 3 days leave are awarded between Christmas and the New Year when the FoNS office is closed. Accountable to: FoNS Chair and Board of Trustees. Salary: Circa 70,000 plus a cost of living supplement 3,331.54. Pension: As an employer FoNS offers a contribution (8%) to the charity pension scheme. Location: The position is based in the FoNS offices in London, situated in the King s Fund Health Campus. The charity operates across the UK and the Chief Executive will be expected to travel widely to represent the organisation and delivery activity. All reasonable expenses will be reimbursed with approval by the Board (FoNS is not able to support relocation). Key Roles and Responsibilities: Leadership Be the visible and inspirational face and voice of the charity both executive and professional lead. Be a role model for professional practice with an ability to contribute where appropriate with the delivery of FoNS programmes and activity. Work with, support and motivate all staff (including ad hoc associate facilitators) to maintain commitment to, and deliver, the charity s aims, objectives and ambitions. Enable a culture that values people and promotes the profession of nursing across all areas of health and social care. Seek out, develop and maintain effective working relationships with all relevant organisations and individuals to promote the work of the charity and facilitate the implementation of its strategic objectives. Strategy Work with the Board of Trustees in relation to the development of the charity s strategic vision and be responsible for leading its implementation and evaluation. Be responsible for the development and delivery of the charity s agreed business plan. Identify strategic risks, issues and opportunities and take responsibility for initiating and leading associated changes. Be proactive in seeking and implementing opportunities for innovation to ensure that FoNS remains at the forefront of nursing nationally. Business Development and Income Generation Lead the promotion and development of FoNS work, raising the charity s profile and maximising its reach across the UK and where appropriate internationally. Network widely and nurture beneficial business partnerships with current and potential supporters, donors, other charities and all relevant authorities/organisations (corporate, statutory and third sector). Adopt a creative and innovative approach to development, remaining open to new ideas and opportunities. Seek out new income streams that contribute to longer term sustainability. Communications and Influencing Be a passionate and effective ambassador of FoNS objectives and activities. Take every opportunity to spread and share the work of FoNS, expand networks and relationships with health and social care providers, like-minded charities, academic institutions, government and local authority departments. Ensure the use of a range of appropriate methods to maintain effective channels of marketing/communication with all stakeholders. 2
Maximise every opportunity to champion nursing, influence policy UK wide and promote the creation of cultures across health and social care that are person-centred, safe and effective. Nurse Advisor and Facilitator* Act as the lead nurse for the charity, be able to advise on contemporary professional practice and contribute to the delivery of FoNS activity and programmes as appropriate/required. *If you are not a nurse and/or would not feel able to fulfil this aspect of the role, you will need to consider both how you would designate this function and the impact it may have on the overall role. Operations Oversee all operational functions including administration, finance, income generation, marketing, communications and information technology (IT). Ensure that FoNS programmes, contracts and projects are delivered to the highest standard and meeting the needs of beneficiaries with due regard for time scales, targets and budgets. Be responsible for the maintenance and efficient use of the charity s assets. Staff Management and Human Resources (HR) Work with and manage the FoNS staff team to ensure they feel valued and able to work effectively. Inspire and support the team to achieve objectives and appreciate how their contribution is vital to the organisation and its strategic aims. Ensure there are clear lines of accountability and responsibility across the team which foster and maintain positive working relationships and benefits for the organisation and its beneficiaries. Take overall responsibility for the recruitment, management and effective deployment of staff, including selfemployed facilitators; apply robust HR processes covering recruitment, performance management, appraisal and remuneration. Financial Control Work closely with the Accountant to ensure that the all charity s financial resources are managed effectively and the financial health of FoNS is maintained. The Chief Executive has ultimate responsibility for effective financial management and control systems. Liaise with the Board to develop and lead on the implementation of the charity s financial plans, including setting budgets, formulating income generation strategies and overseeing all fundraising activities. Oversee the timely production of management accounts and statutory accounts for auditing and compliance and prepare the Trustees Annual Report. Governance and Compliance Liaise with the Board to ensure that the charity s overall governance structure, policies and procedures are appropriate and that they enable the charity to deliver its charitable objectives and demonstrate public benefit in line with the requirements of the Charity Commission. Act as Company Secretary and ensure the organisation meets its requirements as a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee. Attend all Board meetings (held quarterly) and prepare a written report (in collaboration with relevant team members) in advance of each meeting including matters of interest and concern regarding the charity s activities during the previous period. Be responsible for the development and implementation of the charity s Risk Register to ensure that Trustees can fulfil their duties and legal responsibilities. Promote best practice across the organisation and ensure that all major risks are identified and regularly reviewed. 3
Person Specification ATTRIBUTES ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE Education and Qualification Knowledge and Experience Skills and Abilities Personal Attributes and Values Personal Circumstances Nurse or allied health professional or education and qualification commensurate with the position. Relevant Masters level qualification or above. Evidence of ongoing professional development. Track record as an inspirational leader with considerable experience at a very senior level. Experiences of business and strategic development and organisational change. Experience and evidence of success in income generation and grant applications. Recent and credible experience of work in health/social care. Excellent knowledge and experience of nursing and the role of nurses in ensuring people using services experience the best possible care. Understanding of UK policy relating to health and social care and related research, practice development and quality both locally and nationally. Experience of facilitating development and change including mentoring/supervising others. Knowledge of not-for-profit/charity sector regulation. Knowledge and experience of governance and working with Trustees/non-executive directors. Evidence of published work. Inspirational leadership and a passion for excellence. Strong management and motivational skills offering a balance of support and challenge that inspires others. Highly organised and personally effective. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills and expertise in developing relationships. Ability to persuade, influence and negotiate, both face-to-face and in writing. Good financial skills, including the ability to scrutinise accounts and manage an annual budget circa 500,000. Critical thinker with rigorous analytical skills. Committed to partnership working with all stakeholders. IT literate, able to use Microsoft Word, Outlook, Chrome etc. Willingness to engage in social media for professional purposes including Twitter, Facebook etc. Enthusiastic and self-motivated. Committed to person-centred ways of working. Able to develop authentic and positive working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders. Able and willing to travel extensively across the UK. Able to work flexibly outside normal working hours and be away from home overnight. 4 Registered Nurse and/or Midwife with current registration with NMC or Registered Allied Health Professional. Doctoral level qualification. Executive, board level experience. Knowledge/experience in practice development and practice based research. Experience of nursing in a wide range of settings across health and social care nationally and internationally. Experience of working/record of achievement in the not-forprofit/charity sector including leadership and fundraising positions. Experience as a charity Trustee. Experience of marketing and public relations. Experience of journal editing/ production/publishing. Proven ability as a facilitator, coach and mentor. Skills in developing practice development programmes and learning opportunities in response to requests for commissioned activity and consultancy. Skills in promoting and marketing services. Own car and full UK driving licence.
Recruitment Process All applicants are required to complete the short general application form and submit this with a full curriculum vitae and a supporting letter of application addressing the role and person specification. Informal meetings/discussions: Both the Chair of Trustees, Professor David Foster OBE and the Chief Executive, Dr Theresa Shaw are very pleased to offer the opportunity for informal discussions/meetings. Please email: theresa.shaw@fons.org to book appointments. Applications (including the completed form, your CV and supporting letter) must be submitted by email to: Dr Theresa Shaw Chief Executive Email: theresa.shaw@fons.org Closing Date Midday 4 th February 2019. Late applications will not be accepted. Interviews Interviews will take place over one day and two options are available: Wednesday 27 th February and/or Thursday 28 th February, 1000-1600 hours at FoNS Offices in London. The day will include both an informal meeting with staff and Trustees and a formal interview. Please ensure you indicate your availability for one or both days on the application form. *************** 5