RCM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & GENERAL SECRETARY Job Description and Person Specification PURPOSE AND CONTEXT OF THE ROLE The key purpose of the Chief Executive will be to enhance the RCM s unique position as the United Kingdom s principle professional body and trade union for midwives through sound leadership and good governance. In addition, the post holder will: Ensure the RCM identifies and is responsive to the changing needs of its members. Meet the individual needs of members whilst ensuring the organisation does the greatest good for the greatest number of members. Lead the development of the RCM s strategic and commercial direction to ensure its sustainable future. Lead and enhance the RCM s reputation through international bodies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and other Non Government Organisations (NGOs). Promote a culture within the RCM that encourages continuous improvement so that all staff members are committed to the common purpose of providing the membership with the highest possible standard of service. The post holder will also ensure cross functional working underpins all working relationships and will be expected to lead and/or participate in projects initiated throughout the RCM and provide support to working parties as well as to other staff in the RCM. They will be an active member of the strategic leadership and executive management teams and be expected to demonstrate the agreed RCM behaviours. The post holder will have knowledge and expertise in relation to RCM functions and will draw on and take into account appropriate expertise and support as necessary. The post holder will be required to provide strong and decisive leadership of the RCM and ensure compliance with appropriate RCM governance and legal requirements. The post holder will participate in the media on call rota for the organisation. The post holder is accountable to the Chair of the RCM Board.
RESPONSIBILITIES The Chief Executive and General Secretary is the most senior appointment within the RCM and heads the RCM s Executive Management Team (EMT) and Strategic Leadership Team (SLT). The Chief Executive is responsible for: Leadership of the RCM. Leadership to the UK s midwifery profession as a whole, representing it on the national and international stage. Managing the RCM s day-to-day operations. ACCOUNTABILITIES Competency Vision and Strategy Relationships and Communication Business Operations Ensuring Success Accountability Provide strong leadership and direction ensuring that RCM s position as the UK s principal professional body and trade union for midwives is sustained. Ensure the delivery of the mission and strategic direction, governance and compliance as a Trade Union, Company and Charity. Ensure a close working relationship exists with the President and Board; promote excellence in governance thereby generating a feeling of ownership amongst members. Also ensure that the President and Board are kept appraised of RCM activities. Be the outward face of the RCM with the Profession, the media and Governments in order to influence and shape relevant policy and debate. Have oversight and ensure that all RCM systems and processes are in place and that the RCM s reputation and standing is protected. Be involved in implementing the right mechanisms and achieving the level of power required to fulfil the objectives of the Board on behalf of its members. Ensure that the RCM is positioned to influence key professional and Employment Relations issues within the UK. Promote leadership and direction within EMT and SLT to ensure that the organisation promotes excellent employee relations, and fulfils its legal and moral obligations as an employer. Undertake project work and managerial responsibilities as directed by the RCM Board. Provide direction and leadership, in conjunction with Directorate Heads, to the staff of the RCM for all aspects of the organisations internal operations and external commitments. Ensure that all staff members are developed, in line with the agreed performance management systems and that training needs are identified and delivered as appropriate. Ensure RCM commercial activities comply with RCM objectives and support the strategic direction of the organisation.
EDUCATION A midwifery qualification. Education at Masters level or above, or equivalent. EXPERIENCE A midwife who has effective registration with the NMC. Proven success in a leadership role of a significant organisation/department. Demonstrable understanding of issues facing the midwifery profession and maternity services in education, practice, management and regulation. Experience of operating at a senior level in a relevant health or education service. Professional credibility gained at local, national and/or international level. Experience of successfully implementing significant change and improvement within an employment arena. Evidence of personally leading strategic thinking and business planning. Experience of managing diverse teams with evidence of effective performance management. Familiar with membership organisations and their needs. SKILLS AND ABILITIES Proactive and versatile approach to implementing change. A good networker with high level communication and influencing skills. Excellent articulacy and communication skills including public presentation, media handling, writing skills. The ability to analyse, collate and summarise complex information. Well developed Management skills, with the ability to motivate and support a diverse team of staff. Computer literate with strong IT skills. Excellent time and resources manager, including the ability to manage significant budgets.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES Competency Vision and Strategy Relationships and Communication Business Operations Accountability Highly developed leadership skills, providing direction whilst maintaining a corporate focus. Ability to handle positively a demanding and pressurised role. A proactive thinker with a dynamic and creative approach to problem solving. Confident, clear and persuasive communication skills. Socially skilled, with ability to establish rapport and professional relationships, while projecting the professional image of the RCM. Have political acumen and the ability to operate effectively in a political environment. Proven interest in furthering the cause of midwives and the midwifery profession and commitment to working in the best interests of the RCM and its members. Ability to think and work strategically as well as handle day-to-day operational tasks. Commercial awareness. RCM BEHAVIOURS All leaders of the Royal College of Midwives role model the following Behaviours: Contributes to an open and honest culture Supports, encourages, and motivates colleagues. Encourages challenge, creativity and innovation. Leads by example. Values transparency and consistency. Understands the role of individual and collective accountability. Actively contributes to RCM strategic objectives Has a clear understanding of other colleagues roles and responsibilities. Shares skills and knowledge. Promotes cross functional team working. Offers outstanding service to members. Takes pride in the RCM and promotes its values in all interactions with external stakeholders. Identifies and uses the most appropriate form of communication Communicates clearly and simply, seeking clarity when unclear and valuing the opinion of others. Treats colleagues with respect, honesty, fairness and courtesy. Is responsive to colleagues and members.
Takes pride in own development Is enthusiastic and committed to achieving high standards and meeting agreed objectives. Takes an active interest in recognising professional and personal development needs and priorities along side those of the team and those of the RCM. The post holder may be required to carry out other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job. Updated January 2017