Chief Executive vacancy – Sutton Coldfield Trust

We are currently recruiting a new Chief Executive for Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust

Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust is one of the largest independent grant-giving charities in the West Midlands, dedicated to improving the lives of people across the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield. Through a combination of charitable grants, community investment and stewardship of historic assets, the Trust plays a unique role in supporting local people and strengthening the communities it serves.

The Trust’s origins date back more than 500 years to a series of charitable endowments established to support the people of Sutton Coldfield. Today, those foundations continue to shape its work, with a focus on addressing need, creating opportunity and enhancing quality of life across the town.

While proud of its heritage, Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust is a forward-looking organisation, committed to ensuring its resources deliver meaningful and lasting impact for current and future generations.

£90k (3 days a week pro rata)

For almost 500 years, Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust has supported local people and communities through housing, grant-making and community investment. Today the Trust manages more than £79 million of assets, provides 46 almshouse properties for older residents and distributes over £1 million annually in grants to individuals, schools, charities and community organisations.

As the Trust approaches its 500th anniversary in 2028, they are seeking an outstanding Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through an exciting period of opportunity, investment and community impact.

You can locate further details here Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust


Chair Person – The Charity of Sarah Bernard – Essex

Job Description

The Charity is seeking to appoint a Chair Person to manage the existing board of six Trustees and are looking for individuals who are committed and enthusiastic and who want to give back to the community.

Estimated time commitment: annually 54.5 hours, monthly 4.5 hours.

The board meets up to a minimum twice a year and duties are shared out amongst the Trustees. For detail of commitments and structure please contact Judith Simpson using the email below.

The Charity is responsible for providing affordable one bedroom terraced Almshouses (5) in Little Bardfield, Essex CM7 4TR, to those who meet the Charity’s criteria and to maintain the buildings to ensure a proper state of repair, using contributions from residents, donations and loans.

The Charity was set up in 1774 specifically to help widows and spinsters in the Parish of Little Bardfield who had fallen on hard times. Over the years the objectives have been changed and the Charity now offers affordable housing to a wide range of individuals in difficulties in the surrounding area of Little Bardfield. Since 2019 the Charity has operated as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

How to apply

Please contact Judith Simpson, current Chair, by email at:

judithhsimpson@gmail.com


Chair and trustee vacancies, The Sheppard Trust, East Molesey

For more than 170 years, The Sheppard Trust has provided secure and affordable homes for older women in housing need. Today, our purpose remains rooted in ensuring that residents can live independently, with dignity and privacy, while feeling safe, supported and part of a welcoming community.

We are entering an important new chapter. Our new purpose-built home in East Molesey has increased our community from 29 to 60 residents, creating an opportunity to think afresh about how we deliver our purpose for the years ahead.

We are seeking a new Chair and three Trustees to help us do that. We want thoughtful, collaborative people who will bring strategic insight and constructive challenge while keeping our residents and their changing needs at the heart of decision-making.

Alongside our new Chair, we are particularly interested in Trustees bringing complementary experience across housing,  one or a combination of these areas: property, legal and governance, community engagement, and health and social care.

To find out more and to apply please see:  Chair & 3x Trustees | The Sheppard Trust


Trustees Vacancy, Eames Almshouses, Steep near Petersfield

Eames Almshouses is a 9-property almshouse charity (CIO) in Steep near Petersfield which is now looking for two or three additional trustees.

Established in the 1880s, the charity has recently bought three new-build properties in Steep and is committed to providing quality affordable homes to local people in perpetuity. New trustees will be joining an active trustee board, supported by the Clerk who runs the organisation on a day to day basis

To complement the board we are looking for trustees who will bring qualifications or experience in property management, the building and construction trade, finance, law, health and care or for anyone who has an interest in charity governance and in making a contribution to a local grassroots organisation.

Applicants must live within easy travel distance of Steep. The board meets in person four times per year and in between conducts business via email. Board members may, on the rare occasion, need to step in to deal with property matters if the Clerk is away. 

This is an unpaid role. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. 

For more information about almshouses see https://www.almshouses.org/

To arrange an informal chat, email eames.clerk@gmail.com

To apply, please go to – https://www.volunteerfirst.co.uk/opportunities/trustee-at-eames-almshouses-5011535


Trustee Vacancy at Hillier House, Farnham Road, Guildford

The Hillier Almshouse Charity offers accommodation to ladies over the age of 60 years old. The Charity is run and managed by a small team of 3 staff and is governed and supported by a wonderful board of trustees.

Currently we have a vacancy on our board of trustees and looking to recruit an enthusiastic volunteer. If you feel you could voluntary spare some time and consider becoming a trustee we would love to hear from you. The role is very rewarding and we do have lots of fun! The position is not too demanding, typically the board meet around 3 or 4 times a year and as a trustee you would be playing an important role on the board ensuring the correct governance of the Charity is being observed. The support our trustees give is of great value to us. In addition to the official meetings, we are always very happy to welcome our trustees in for
coffee, cake and a chat.

I would love to hear from you, under no obligation, if you feel you would like more information or would like to be considered. Please contact Val Richards on 01483 533317 or email hillier.almshouse@gmail.com


Trustee Opportunity – St John’s Winchester                  

Are you passionate about helping older people live well, with dignity, independence, and a sense of belonging? 

St John’s Winchester is one of England’s oldest charities, with a history stretching back over 900 years. Today, we provide almshouse accommodation and community-based support for older people in Winchester, alongside a growing dementia support service for the wider community. 

We are now seeking new Trustees to join our Board at a pivotal moment in our development.

About the Role

As a Trustee, you will play a key role in shaping the future of St John’s Winchester. You will work alongside fellow trustees and the executive team to provide strategic leadership, ensure good governance, and support the long-term sustainability of the charity. 

This is a voluntary role, offering a meaningful opportunity to contribute your skills and experience to an organisation that makes a real difference in people’s lives. 

What We’re Looking For 

We are particularly interested in individuals with experience in: 

  • Social Housing
  • Adult health and social care 
  • Community engagement and development 
  • Services supporting older people, wellbeing, or independent living 

However, we are open to applications from a wide range of backgrounds. Previous trustee experience is not required. 

Above all, we are looking for people who: 

  • Care deeply about the dignity and wellbeing of older people 
  • Value community, connection, and inclusion
  • Bring curiosity, strategic judgement, and a collaborative approach
  • Are willing to both support and constructively challenge 

We especially welcome applications from those with experience of housing associations, supported housing and related fields alongside those with knowledge of adult health & social care.

How to Apply 

To apply, please send: 

  • A short CV 
  • A brief statement (1–2 pages) outlining your interest and what you would bring

Email: tim.bissett@stjohnswinchester.co.uk 
Deadline: 30th October 2026


Could you help lead the next chapter of Whiteley Village?

The Whiteley Homes Trust is looking for an experienced housing leader with recent senior executive experience within a Registered Provider and significant NED experience to become the next Chair of The Whiteley Homes Trust.

Founded through the vision and philanthropy of William Whiteley, Whiteley Village has a remarkable heritage stretching back more than a century. Set within 225 acres of beautiful grounds and conservation land in Surrey, the Village combines historic homes, a distinctive community setting and a strong sense of place. This unique heritage and environment remain central to the Trust’s identity and its commitment to providing a safe, supportive and thriving community for older people.

This is an important appointment at an exciting point in our development. Our new Five-Year Strategy combines significant investment in our existing homes and infrastructure with carefully managed growth to provide more affordable homes and secure Whiteley Village for future generations.

Whiteley is no ordinary housing organisation. We are both an almshouse charity and Registered Provider of Social Housing, providing affordable homes and a caring, supportive community where older people of limited means can live independently, age well and enjoy an exceptional quality of life. Whiteley Village is set within a unique 225-acre conservation setting in Surrey, with a predominantly historic housing portfolio and a remarkable heritage stretching back more than a century.

Our ambition for the next five years is clear: safe, sustainable homes; a thriving community; and strong foundations for the future. This means improving residents’ everyday experience while investing in our homes and infrastructure, strengthening our financial resilience and governance, and delivering sustainable growth.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking applications from experienced housing leaders with recent senior executive experience within a Registered Provider, alongside significant Non-Executive Director experience and the credibility, judgement and strategic perspective to lead an effective and collegiate Board.

Given the next stage of our journey, we are particularly interested in candidates with a strong background in strategic asset management who understand the challenges of long-term stock investment and can bring that experience to Board-level decision-making.

You will understand the governance and regulatory responsibilities of a Registered Provider and bring strong commercial and financial acumen. You will be able to navigate complex decisions, balancing investment in existing homes with financial sustainability, resident priorities and future growth.

Just as importantly, you will be an inclusive and collaborative Chair. You will build a strong relationship with our Chief Executive, providing the right balance of support and constructive challenge, encourage different perspectives around the Board table and ensure residents and our charitable purpose remain at the heart of decision-making.

An opportunity to make a lasting contribution

This is an opportunity to bring your housing and non-executive experience to an organisation with a distinctive social purpose and an ambitious future. You will help us protect what makes Whiteley Village special while ensuring it continues to evolve and thrive – providing more affordable homes, investing in the homes we already have and securing this remarkable community for generations to come.

The role is voluntary and unremunerated. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Unremunerated voluntary role | Surrey

Find out more and apply: Whiteley Village

To apply: Please send a covering letter of no more than two A4 pages and a CV of no more than three A4 sides to
HR@Whiteleyvillage.org.uk

Closing date: 5pm on Monday 16 November


Chair & Trustee Vacancies – Harrison Housing – London

Join us in shaping the next chapter at Harrison Housing. We have a proud history, a clear purpose and an ambitious future.

We are looking to recruit a Chair of Trustees and Three Trustee. These are all voluntary roles based in London.

Founded in 1869, Harrison Housing supports older people through almshouse and social housing. Today, we provide 75 sheltered homes and 19 general-needs homes, and manage a further 139 properties across London for other almshouse providers. Our purpose is safe, well-maintained homes for older people in housing and financial need and our vision is supporting residents to live independently. We are building on our strong foundations to support more people, strengthen almshouse partnerships and improve our homes and services.

Chair of Trustees

We are seeking an inspiring, collaborative and strategic leader to chair our Board and help shape Harrison Housing’s next chapter. You will lead an effective Board, provide strategic direction and constructive challenge, work closely with the Chief Executive, and ensure strong governance, financial oversight and risk management. You will keep residents and our charitable purpose at the heart of decision-making, lead Board development and succession planning, and represent Harrison Housing with key stakeholders. Previous Chair experience is desirable but not essential. You will have senior leadership, governance, committee or Board experience, sound judgement and an understanding of the challenges facing people in social housing.

Commitment: On average 4–6 hours per month, including quarterly Board meetings and an annual Strategy Away Day.

The current Chair’s term ends in February 2027. The successful candidate will join ahead of this, including the December 2026 Board meeting as part of the handover.

Three Trustees

We are seeking three new Trustee to bring skills, experience and fresh perspectives to our Board.

Previous Trustee experience is not required. We are looking for sound judgement, strategic insight, constructive challenge and commitment to our purpose.

We are looking for candidates who understand the challenges of a small organisation and will   particularly welcome expertise in:

  • Financial strategy and sustainability
  • Strategic growth and organisational development
  • Property and asset strategy
  • Fundraising and income generation
  • Resident engagement and the resident voice
  • Social housing or the almshouse sector
  • Governance, regulation or public bodies

Collectively, Trustees oversee strategy, performance, finances, risk and governance, ensuring residents and our charitable purpose remain central to decisions.

Commitment: Trustees are expected to attend 4 Board Meetings per annum plus a Strategy Day. They are also expected to take part in a Committee in accordance with their skills, interests & experience (an additional 4 Meetings per annum).

For both roles, you will bring:

  • Commitment to Harrison Housing’s purpose and values
  • Strategic thinking and sound judgement
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills
  • Collaborative working and constructive challenge
  • Integrity, openness and accountability
  • Commitment to good governance and equality, diversity and inclusion

Knowledge of social housing, almshouses, charity governance or regulation is an advantage. We particularly welcome people who can bring new perspectives, professional expertise or lived experience to our Board.

Why Harrison Housing?

These voluntary roles offer the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to older people’s lives and help shape the future of an organisation with a long and proud history.

You will help us provide safe, good-quality homes, support independent living, reach more people, strengthen almshouse partnerships across London and build a strong, sustainable and well-governed organisation.

For more information on the positions please download the attached recruitment packs.

Key dates

Chair Closing date: 9am, Monday 5th October 2026 Interview: week commencing 19 October 2026

Key dates

Trustees/NEDs  Closing date: Monday 19 October 2026 Interview: Monday 26 October 2026

How to apply Please submit to email address: Admin@thehousingexecutive.com

  • CV: Maximum 3 pages, covering your current/most recent roles and relevant experience from the last 10 years.
  • Personal statement: Maximum 3 pages, explaining your motivation, why Harrison Housing interests you, and the experience, skills and perspective you would bring.

All Trustees are subject to a DBS check, paid for by Harrison Housing. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with our policies.

Harrison Housing is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people from all backgrounds, including lived experience.


Trustee Vacancy – Winifred Bamford Hesketh Almshouses, Wales

The Winifred Bamford Hesketh Almshouses, Abergele needs your help

About Us

We are a small charity that provides independent accommodation for local residents in Abergele. Our Board of Trustees oversees the management, finances, and upkeep of our historic almshouses to ensure residents can live safely and independently.

The Role

We are looking for a Co-opted Trustee to join our board

You will work alongside fellow trustees to guide the charity, support our Clerk and Warden, and make decisions in the best interests of our residents, the charity and community, The Board is currently undertaking work to develop the organisation so this is a great time to join us.

• Time Commitment: Four meetings a year in Abergele.

• Pay: Voluntary (unpaid), with reasonable out-of-pocket expenses covered.

Who We Are Looking For

• Skills: We welcome people from all background but would particularly value skills in finance, property maintenance, housing, or administration.

• Attributes: Good judgment, reliability, adherence to confidentiality, and a desire to support the charity and local community.

How to Apply

For further information on the role and to apply please send an email explaining a bit about yourself and why you would like to join us. A CV or summary of experience would be helpful too. After reviewing applications the Board will arrange an informal chat and interview with interested applicants whose skills meet the current needs of the charity.

• Contact: Tracee Winstone, Clerk.
• Email: clerk@bamfordheskethalmshouses.co.uk.
• Closing Date: 26th October 2026 but ongoing for future vacancies.
• Role subject to standard Trustee eligibility checks.