NESIC seeking three non-executive directors to join board

We are currently seeking up to three non-executive directors to join our Board. The people we appoint will help shape and steer the continuing work of the first regional social investment company in England.

About NESIC

NESIC was set up in 2014 to promote the development and expansion of voluntary and community organisations and social enterprises in the North East of England.  An investment fund was established for the purpose of investing in social enterprises. 

The total fund value at inception was £9m and the initial investors were Northern Rock Foundation, Big Society Capital and the Esmee Fairburn Foundation.  In 2016, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Northstar Foundation also invested in the fund and the current fund value is £10.2m. 

There is an agreed 10-year fund strategy and fund management is out-sourced to a professional fund manager.  NESIC continues to ensure that investments are made into “asset locked” entities which develop the capacity and sustainability of regional voluntary, community and social sector organisations. 

All investments are required to demonstrate progress against pre-agreed social impact measures such as the relief of poverty or homelessness.

Overview of the role

We will be recruiting up to three non-executive directors, who will also be members, to fill vacancies arising from the departure of two of the founding member-directors as well as increasing the number of members to up to seven. 

The directors are individually and collectively responsible for ensuring we promote social investment in the region, deliver our strategy and that we are solvent, well run and meet our legal and regulatory requirements.

The board currently comprises six elected/nominated members and normally meets four times a year.  In addition, there is an Annual General Meeting and dinner hosted by the fund manager, an annual presentation to the public and the potential for a small amount of further time to be spent on strategy, reflection and planning. Directors are not remunerated but reasonable expenses are covered.

The people we are looking for

We are looking for people who can demonstrate a passion for social investment together with a strong desire to develop the social investment capacity of the North East region. 

It is essential that they can show a commitment to the aims and values of NESIC.  We welcome applications from (adult) candidates who believe that they can contribute to our work regardless of age, background and previous experience of this kind of role and/or organisation. 

However, some other areas of experience which may be considered desirable, but not essential, include:

·         Sitting on committees or groups

·         Contributing to the development of shared project strategy

·         Ability to participate in debate in an informed manner

·         Good, independent judgement and the ability to constructively challenge advisors

·         Ability to work in a non-executive capacity supporting senior executive staff

·         Previous trustee or non-executive experience

·         Understanding of the workings of a community interest company

·         Engagement in social investment or philanthropy in a personal or professional capacity

·         Strong networks in Tyne & Wear and Northumberland

·         Project management experience

 Expressions of interest

In the first instance, we are inviting expressions of interest by email to our administrator Catherine Young at catherine.young@wettonyoung.co.uk or by letter to her at our registered office: NESIC, Sandgate House, 102 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DX.

You should briefly explain why you are interested in the role, and how your skills, knowledge and experience may meet our requirements. It would be helpful to include an outline of your current paid and voluntary interests, and any significant previous roles.

Please send your expression of interest by 12 noon on 15 October 2018. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to meet with the Board later in October 2018, after which an appointment(s) will be made.