Non-Executive Directors

South Essex Property Services Ltd

Thank you for your interest in South Essex Property Services (SEPS) and South Essex Facilities Management (SEFM) Board Member positions. We are part of the South Essex Homes’ Group, which has been providing services to the buildings, open spaces and communities of South Essex since 2005.

SEPS’ ways of working and approach to business, whilst firmly rooted in our public sector heritage, is more specifically sighted on working to add value to the Group and to deliver services to both Southend City Council (SCC) and South Essex Homes (SEH). The approach is commercial in the sense that our work is tightly focussed on the outcomes required by the client, and in this case, the people and visitors of Southend.

Alongside SEPS, our new commercial subsidiary within the Group is SEFM which strives to attract business opportunities more widely within Essex and the Southeast in a range of facilities management services including security, cleaning, catering and grounds maintenance; property maintenance including, fire door servicing and fire door installation and call centre operations including out of hours services.

The Group turnover has now reached £20mio and our business opportunities as a group are growing and we are looking to recruit to a position on the SEPS and SEFM Boards.

We regularly monitor performance of our services to ensure it meets the expectations of our clients’ standards. We employ:

• Consistent, responsive and regular feedback with our clients
• Regular training for our staff who are mainly local to our business areas.

We are looking to appoint two new board members to help SEPS and SEFM along our journey. We are looking for Senior Management individuals with non-executive experience in a board setting, whilst having a commercial acumen alongside an accountancy/financial qualification. The successful candidate will have a strong business background and be forward thinking.

We are two very dynamic organisations and give our staff the space to grow, develop and support them in their employment journey. We treat all of our staff equally and with respect and have a strong understanding of the behaviours needed to make a successful business.

We very much welcome out of sector experience in the above areas. What is equally important is that you are committed to our values, vision, and mission and have a passion for improving services and delivering positive change. You will serve on both Boards initially.

Equality, diversity and inclusion underpin the improvements we are making, and the boards are leading by example and embracing diversity. We offer flexibility in our meetings with most being held virtually, we provide an in-depth induction programme along with a board mentor and provide support and resources to enable accessibility and inclusion. We believe diversity of thought improves decision-making, creating robust, constructive challenge and new ways of thinking.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact Carol Cooper our Company Secretary/Governance Manager via e mail.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 14 February 2024.

We look forward to hearing from you.

About Us

South Essex Property Services (SEPS) and South Essex Facilities Management (SEFM) are the commercial subsidiaries of South Essex Homes (SEH), the Arm’s-Length Management Organisation (ALMO) of Southend-on -Sea City Council. SEH manages properties on behalf of the Council and provides quality services to residents of Southend.

SEPS has established itself locally within Southend providing contracts for the public sector in a range of services including Facilities Management, Fire Door inspection, maintenance and installation alongside operating a call centre incorporating out of hours services.

SEFM is the newer commercial subsidiary and operates alongside SEPS providing similar services to a wider client base in Southend and Essex.

As part of our continued drive to achieve excellence and create a sustainable future for our businesses we plan to expand our range of services along with our geographic footprint by providing services to an even wider range of customers, primarily but not exclusively within the public sector.

Our Boards, in wishing to accelerate their growth plans are now looking to appoint new members to join us. We are looking to recruit people with strong commercial experience, previous board experience, matched with an understanding of our primary client base, a passion for excellence and deeply held ethical values in supporting public sector activities.

Our Values

To be an Ethical Employer

Ensuring that staff receive a fair wage for a fair day’s work. Employing local people from the communities where we deliver services. Delivering on training needs to improve aspirations of staff to success and enhance the business offers.

We have a can-do attitude and approach.

Working together to make SEPS and SEFM a success. Influencing opportunities at any level in the Organisations Embracing new technology to improve service offers. Delivering clearly specified services without hidden extras

FM Provider of choice in Essex

Primary provider of FM services to local public sector and private businesses Cohesive business delivery ensuring valued and cost-effective services to our customers. Working collaboratively with South Essex Homes and Southend-on-Sea City Council to assist with the Corporate Aims

Our Governance

The SEPS Board currently consist of 6 members. Board members are elected for a three-year term, after which they must retire and seek re-election, up to a maximum of 9 years in total.

The Board is currently made up of three Independent members, one nominee from Southend-on-Sea City Council, one nominee from SEH and one Ex-Officio Member, Chief Executive of SEH.

Following the establishment of our new Commercial Subsidiary, SEFM, we have reviewed our governance structure and have made the decision that the Board of SEPS will also be the Board of SEFM for an 18-month period, whilst the SEFM business grows. Further, there is currently a vacancy for Chair, and we will be looking to appoint a new Chair mid-2024.