Vision
All viable small businesses supported.
Mission
To support small businesses to thrive through relationship-based lending, enabling them to have a positive social and economic impact in their communities.
Our loan funds have been especially designed to meet the needs of West Midlands and Wales based businesses that are unable to access finance from traditional sources, such as banks.
Lack of track record, unreasonable security arrangements, past financial problems or simply not meeting conventional credit scoring methods may be hindering the process.
We don’t use impersonal computerised credit scoring and every customer will be assigned a dedicated Business Development & Lending Manager who will meet the customer face‑to‑face and be on hand to help them through the loan application process.
We offer loans to businesses making a positive contribution to the social and economic well‑being of the West Midlands and Wales.
Our Values
Our values underpin everything we do.
Our commitment to our values starts with putting the particular needs of our customers at the centre of what we do: belief, access to the right amount of money, contact with the BCRS team as and when it’s wanted and last but not least, flexibility.
To assist in the delivery of our mission, BCRS subscribes to five core values which were agreed by the BCRS team and guide everything we do:
- Doing the right thing
- Working together
- Listening and caring
- Being adaptive and progressive
- Making bold decisions
Role
The Appointee will contribute to the BCRS direction by providing constructive challenge to the executive team to help ensure the Society delivers its strategic objectives and engaging with specific stakeholders to increase the BCRS visibility.
As a Non‑Executive Director of BCRS, you will work closely with fellow Board members, the Chief Executive and the Executive Team to:
- Refine and support the development of the BCRS strategic direction
- Oversee risk, governance and financial stewardship
- Ensure that resources are aligned with the BCRS mission and strategy
- Contribute to the effectiveness of the Board and its committees
- Champion the interests of UK SMEs and act as an ambassador for the CDFI sector.
Remuneration & Time Commitment
The appointment will require 12‑14 days per year, including Board and Committee meetings and preparation time, as well as occasional evening events. Meetings are held at Technology Centre, Wolverhampton Science Park, Glaisher Drive, Wolverhampton WV10 9RU. Travelling expenses are covered when attending in person.
Remuneration: The role is modestly remunerated; The Remuneration and Appointments Committee of the Board of BCRS agrees NED remuneration on behalf of the members of the Society.
Responsibilities
- Act impartially and in the best interests of BCRS
- Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory and governance requirements
- Provide input into strategy, risk and financial planning
- Scrutinise governance and financial decisions
- Challenge and support the Executive Team
- Ensure performance metrics are appropriate and monitored
- Bring external expertise and an independent perspective
- Participate in mandatory training and performance review
- Uphold the BCRS culture and values
- Understand and adhere to the responsibilities of being a Director of an FCA approved organisation
Person Specification
Our NED appointments should reflect the SMEs we lend to – who come from all walks of life and have different experiences. We very much welcome fresh talent, expertise, and perspectives, to help us better understand the needs of the communities we serve and support. This includes people who may have never applied for a NED appointment before – yet can bring new ideas, insights and energy. We are looking to fill one Non‑Executive Director role.
We are seeking a values driven individual ideally with:
- An understanding of (not necessarily experienced in) the role of NED and deliver the required level of commitment and energy
- Evidence of providing effective leadership in an advisory or senior management role
- Ability to think and act strategically, developing practical, innovative and creative solutions to strategic issues
- An understanding of the stakeholder landscape for a membership organisation
- A developed network in the West Midlands business community
- Strong communication skills and diplomacy
- Integrity, sound judgement, independence and an objective perspective
- An understanding of the challenges facing UK SMEs, ideally from running their own business
- Commitment to the BCRS mission and values
- Ability to challenge constructively and influence decision making within a Board setting
- Ability to analyse complex issues, particularly around people, financial and commercial management, and express a clear view
- Capability to drive change, improve performance and manage risk
- An awareness of the impact that AI and other technologies are having on businesses
Diversity & Inclusion
BCRS welcomes applications from all backgrounds, especially under‑represented groups. We very much welcome fresh talent, expertise, and perspectives, to help us better understand the needs of the communities we serve and support.
Regulatory Requirements
BCRS Business Loans Limited (“BCRS”) is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”).
As a director (including Non‑Executive) of the Board, BCRS is required to carry out a Fit and Proper Assessment as part of its regulatory requirements, and you will be required to complete a Regulatory Declaration as part of this process.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit a maximum 2‑page CV and a 2‑page covering letter outlining your interest in the role and the skills you would bring to the Board to enquiries@bcrs.org.uk
Please include two referees in your application – they will not be contacted without your consent and only if you are shortlisted.
Interviews
Initial online interview w/c 1 June 2026
Second interview for shortlisted candidates from first interview w/c 15 June 2026 in Wolverhampton.
In accordance with the Society’s rules, the successful candidate will be required to be a member of the Society for 6 months before they can be co‑opted to the Board, prior to this they will attend Board meetings as an observer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…