Platform Housing Group - Independent Committee Member – People & Governance Committee
The Opportunity
Platform Housing Group is seeking an Independent Committee Member to join its People & Governance Committee at a significant point of organisational change. The Committee plays an important role in overseeing people, culture, remuneration and governance matters, while supporting effective decision-making and providing assurance to the Board. This appointment will be the first Independent Committee Member to join the People & Governance Committee, creating an opportunity to bring additional objectivity, external perspective and constructive challenge.
About the Role
As an Independent Committee Member, you will contribute to the oversight and governance of Platform Housing Group and support the Committee in making well-informed recommendations to the Board. You will be expected to contribute strategically, challenge appropriately and bring your own experience and insight to discussions while maintaining a clear understanding of the distinction between governance and operational delivery.
The People & Governance Committee has a broad remit, but its principal focus is on people, culture and remuneration. This includes areas such as annual pay review, reward, benefits, employee engagement, organisational culture and workforce matters, alongside governance responsibilities including Board succession. The Committee is well established, but its membership and the wider Board have undergone significant change, meaning the successful candidate will join at a time when Platform is continuing to shape its future leadership, culture and organisational priorities.
The Strategic Challenge
This is not a role focused on technical HR delivery. Platform is looking for someone who can bring a broader organisational perspective and contribute to strategic discussions about how people, culture and organisational design support better outcomes for customers. Current and emerging priorities include workforce planning, organisational development, reward, culture, changing skills requirements and the implications of wider transformation across the organisation.
The Committee will also need to consider how Platform responds to pressures including the cost of living, competing demands on financial resources, workforce shortages, changes in working practices and the future impact of technology and AI. The successful candidate will be able to look beyond individual initiatives and ask the broader questions about what these issues mean for Platform, its colleagues, customers and long-term organisational effectiveness.
About You
We are looking for an experienced senior leader who understands how high-performing organisations operate and how people, culture, reward and governance contribute to organisational success. You do not need to be an HR specialist, although you should have a strong understanding of people-related matters gained through senior executive, operational or governance experience. Experience within a customer-facing organisation would be particularly relevant.
Housing sector experience is not essential. Indeed, Platform is interested in candidates who can bring perspectives from other sectors and challenge established thinking where appropriate. Experience of working within a regulated environment would be valuable, given the level of governance, compliance and assurance required within social housing. You should be able to understand complex organisational risks, recognise the implications of competing priorities and contextualise your experience effectively within Platform.
You will be a strategic thinker who is comfortable asking the “so what?” questions rather than becoming drawn into unnecessary operational detail. You will bring sound judgement, curiosity and the ability to challenge constructively, while also supporting the Executive and officers working with the Committee. Strong communication skills, high ethical standards and the ability to build effective relationships with a range of stakeholders will be essential.
Board and Committee Experience
Previous Board or Committee experience would be welcomed, particularly given the need for the successful candidate to contribute quickly. However, Platform is also open to individuals seeking their first Independent Committee appointment where they can demonstrate substantial senior-level experience, strong strategic judgement and a clear understanding of how effective governance operates.
How to Apply
For more information please reach out to Tom Neely at Neemar Search tomneely@neemarsearch.com or Jonathan Robinson on jonathanrobinson@neemarsearch.com or 07942 343757.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Platform Housing Group is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and values-led organisation. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Our recruitment process is fair and accessible, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates. As a Disability Confident employer, we’re happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please let us know if there’s anything we can do to support you.
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Independent Committee Member – People & Governance Committee in Birmingham employer: Platform Housing Group
Platform Housing Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a strong focus on community impact in Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, employees benefit from a collaborative environment, ongoing training opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in residents' lives through efficient property repairs and maintenance.
