Job Description:

About Reading Almshouse Charity

Reading Almshouse Charity (RAC) provides affordable homes and a supportive community for adults able to live independently across Reading and Earley. The Charity operates across three sites and supports over 100 residents.

RAC is governed by a Board of Trustees who work collectively to ensure the Charity remains well‑governed, financially sustainable, and true to its mission.

The Role

Trustees are equal members of the Board and share collective responsibility for the Charity’s governance, strategic direction, and long term sustainability.

Trustees operate at a strategic and oversight level. The Board sets direction, monitors performance, and ensures good governance, while day to day operations are delegated to the Charity’s staff team.

Skills and Experience

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, skills, and lived experience.

The Board is particularly interested in candidates with experience in:

• Legal
• Property or buildings
• Governance

These skills are desirable, not essential, and should not discourage applications from candidates with other experience.

Time Commitment

The role involves approximately four Board meetings per year, attendance at a committee, and reasonable preparation time. The commitment is designed to be meaningful but manageable. All meetings take place during the daytime.

Committees and Engagement

Trustees are expected to sit on at least one committee. There may also be opportunities to attend occasional events or activities to stay connected with residents and the wider community.

Location

The charity is located in Reading therefore applicants must be able to travel to Reading for meetings. Local knowledge is welcomed, but non‑local candidates are equally encouraged to apply to support diversity and skills balance as long as the commitment to travel to Reading is understood.

Remuneration

This is a voluntary role. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Contact:

To apply, please send your CV along with a covering letter to Megan Watts (Operations Manager) – megan@readingalmshouses.org.uk

Salary: circa £75,000

Location: Main Office in Olton (B27 6PF) with some home working

MY Trust is entering an exciting new chapter. Formed through the recent merger of SJMT and YGT, we are building on over 675 years of charitable history to create a strong, forward‑looking organisation with a clear and ambitious strategy for the future.

With a turnover of around £8 million, MY Trust delivers a diverse range of housing, care, youth and community services. We are now seeking an exceptional Director of Finance and Corporate Resources to play a pivotal role in shaping our sustainability, governance and growth.

Reporting to the Chief Executive and working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership across finance and corporate services, including financial planning, treasury, risk management, ICT and key support functions. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will help steer the organisation through its post‑merger phase, ensuring robust governance, financial resilience and value for money, while enabling delivery of our long‑term vision.

You will be a senior finance leader with strong charity or housing sector experience, excellent strategic judgement and the credibility to advise at Board level.

Please click on the link supplied to download the full candidate pack and details of how to apply please click on the link:  https://www.mytrust.org.uk/director-of-finance

For an informal conversation about the opportunity, please contact the Chief Executive at enquiries@mytrust.org.uk

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:  MY Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We particularly encourage applications from under‑represented groups.

Safeguarding:  MY Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. Appointment will be subject to appropriate safeguarding checks.

We are seeking a volunteer to help develop contacts with the people of Guildford and the area, and organisations and bodies interested in charities such as ours; to publicise activities and news relating to the Hospital through a newsletter and social media; to keep social media up to date; and to facilitate events in the Hospital involving the public. This role is initially for a volunteer but could develop over time. The volunteer would work closely with the Master and Governors.

Hours: Part-time, flexible
Location: Abbot’s Hospital, central Guildford with flexible remote working, by agreement,
Reporting to: The Master, Abbot’s Hospital
Remuneration: This is a voluntary unpaid role. A paid post may become available in the future as our fundraising capacity grows.

About Abbot’s Hospital:

Founded in 1619 by George Abbot, Archbishop of Canterbury, Abbot’s Hospital has provided sheltered housing for older people of limited means in Guildford without interruption for over four centuries. It is a Grade I listed building: a Tudor masterpiece at the top of Guildford’s historic High Street often compared to a miniature Hampton Court Palace or an Oxford College quad, and arguably the most significant historic building in the borough.
Today, residents live in apartments surrounding two courtyards within buildings that also house a Chapel, a Common Hall, and a function hall. The Hospital also owns Old Cloth Hall on North Street. Income from residents funds day-to-day operations, but maintaining this extraordinary building requires additional resources — and that is where this role comes in.

The Opportunity

We are not yet running a major fundraising campaign. But we know that great fundraising is built on relationships, reputation, and reach and that is precisely what this role will help us create.
We are looking for someone to help us tell Abbot’s Hospital’s story, engage supporters old and new, and lay the groundwork so that when the moment comes, we are ready. This is a role for someone who wants to make a meaningful contribution to Guildford’s civic and heritage life and to help open doors for the Hospital.

The Role

Working with the Master, Governors, and staff, the role will lead on the following areas:
Events and engagement
• Organise small-scale events to engage existing supporters and attract new ones — for example, school chamber music concerts, historical talks, and guided tours
• Work with the Master and Governors to develop the events programme over time
Relationships & network
• Begin building relationships across Guildford, with local businesses, civic organisations, schools, trusts, and individuals with an interest in heritage or community
• Represent Abbot’s Hospital warmly and credibly in the community
• Supporter cultivation and stewardship
• Develop and maintain a database of contacts, logging visitors, event attendees, and supporters
• Ensure donations are acknowledged promptly and Gift Aid claims are made
• Send occasional newsletters to keep supporters informed and engaged

Profile
• Develop and maintain a social media presence for Abbot’s Hospital
• Ensure all activity reflects the Hospital’s values and operates within the fundraising code of practice, applicable guidelines, and data protection obligations

The Person
We are looking for a self-starting, warm, and energetic individual. Some background in engagement, marketing, or fundraising is helpful, but genuine enthusiasm and drive matter more than a particular CV.

The successful candidate will be:
• Someone who knows Guildford, or is keen to and can use their own network to open doors and build profile for the Hospital
• A natural communicator: enthusiastic, credible, and comfortable talking to a wide range of people
• Well-organised and self-starting, able to manage projects independently while working cooperatively with Governors, the Master, and staff
• Comfortable with social media and standard office software (Word, Excel), and willing to learn a contact database system and in keeping with data protection policies.
• Committed to promoting a four-hundred-year-old institution with a very modern purpose

Interested? We would love to hear from you.
We are very happy to have an informal conversation before any formal expression of interest. Please get in touch with the Master at Abbot’s Hospital to find out more or to discuss the role.

Contact: Ian Bowler, the Master,  at master@abbotshospital.org

Further details News – Abbot’s Hospital

We are seeking committed and enthusiastic Trustees to join our Board.

Our Trust is a long-established charity providing safe, affordable and supportive accommodation for older people in need of assistance across the Stockport area. Battersby Court consists of 20 semi-detached, one-bedroom bungalows for both single residents and couples, set within a peaceful location with attractive, well-maintained gardens.

As a Trustee, you will help shape the future of the charity, ensuring we continue to provide high-quality housing and a strong sense of community where residents can live independently and well for longer.

We are particularly interested in hearing from people who:

• care about supporting older people and strengthening local communities
• have sound judgement and are confident contributing to discussion and decision-making
• can work effectively as part of a collaborative Board
• are committed to good governance and the values of the charity sector

We would especially welcome applicants with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• finance, accountancy, or strong financial oversight
• legal knowledge or professional legal expertise
• property, housing, or asset management
• charity governance or strategic leadership

This is a voluntary role, although reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

The Board meets a minimum of three times each year, offering an excellent opportunity to use your skills, knowledge and experience to make a meaningful difference to the lives of older people in our community.

If you believe you could contribute and would like to find out more, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact the Clerk for further information.

How to apply

To Helen O’Sullivan: clerk.battersby@gmail.com

• Job title: Operations Manager
• Location: Windsor
• Remuneration: Circa £55,000 (depending on experience)
• Closing date: 26 May 2026

Are you an experienced Manager looking for a values driven leadership role with real social impact?

Link for full details to apply – https://www.charismarecruitment.co.uk/jobs/7741-Operations-Manager/

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:
• 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, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach
• Are willing to both support and constructively challenge
We especially welcome applications from those with lived experience of ageing, caring, or community-based support, and from backgrounds currently underrepresented on charity boards.

Why Join Us?

• Make a real local impact – support older people to live independently and well
• Be part of a 900-year legacy – help shape the future of a historic Winchester institution
• Contribute to meaningful change – we are evolving our model to respond to growing need
• Develop your skills – gain experience in governance, strategy, and leadership
St John’s manages around 100 almshouse homes, delivers over 1,200 dementia support interactions each year, and stewards nearly £50 million in assets for long-term community benefit.

Time Commitment:

Approximately 8–10 days per year, including:
• Five Board meetings annually
• Participation in at least one committee
• Preparation and occasional engagement with events and stakeholders
Most meetings take place in person in Winchester, with some flexibility for hybrid attendance.

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: Thursday 28 May 2026

Cutbush & Corrall Charity – Maidstone, Kent

Providing safe, affordable accommodation for older people who would otherwise find it difficult to meet their housing needs.

If you:

• have an interest in supporting an important and historic charity
• have good judgement and are willing to speak your mind
• are able to work effectively as a member of a team

… you could be just the person to help us realise our plans for a thriving, supportive community where residents live well for longer.

Ideal candidates will bring experience in one or more of the following areas:

• strong financial skills
• property / surveying / development
• legal expertise

This is a voluntary position though reasonable expenses can be paid. 

There are four Board meeting each year and the opportunity to use your skills, knowledge and experience to guide the work of the Charity by participating in one or more of the Charity’s specialist sub-committees.

If you think you can contribute and would like more information, please get in touch with the Clerk & Chief Officer:

Email:   admin@cutbushandcorrall.co.uk

Call: 01622 765612

Visit: College Farmhouse, 40 College Avenue, Maidstone ME15 6YJ (during office hours)

Sunderland, Tyne & Wear

Do you have a few spare hours a month and want to give something back to your local community supporting an important and historic charity in Sunderland.

The Woodcock & Bowes Almshouses is a local almshouse charity providing accommodation for deserving women in Sunderland who are in need of support.

Expressions of interest for potential new trustees are welcomed.

Contact details:

Please contact with a CV to:

Susan Brooks – Member Services

admin@almshouses.org

Role Title: Charity Support Officer, Member Services
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: £31,000 p.a. (depending on experience)
Hours: 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday
Location: Windsor

28 days holiday, plus bank holidays | Contributory Pension Plan | Life Assurance cover

Open to internal and external candidates. 

For over 1,000 years almshouse charities have been providing a unique form of safe, secure, warm homes for people in need. Far from being a relic of the past, however, the almshouse movement remains vibrant and The Almshouse Association, which was established in 1946, continues to be the sole support organisation for over 1,600 member almshouse charities throughout the UK, which, collectively, provide accommodation for approximately 36,000 residents.

At the heart of the Association, which is a charity in its own right, our member services team provides an advocacy service to the trustees and clerks of our members both by telephone and email. This is in addition to the guidance we offer through our guidance manuals and website.

An opportunity has now arisen for an additional member of staff to join the team to provide specific support to our members, including those who are facing specific challenges. The role requires an individual who is committed to providing an excellent standard of ‘customer’ service based on professionalism, accuracy and promptness in response.

The post involves the following:

• Responding to member enquiries by phone or email and recording all support given on our CRM.
• Working with specific member charities to complete a Charity Health Check form that covers all aspects of managing their almshouses, ranging from governance issues, health & safety, the properties, residents etc.
• Supporting charities in difficulty, especially those charities most in need, whilst maintaining communication at all times with our Head of Member Services and the wider team.
• Helping identify those charities where direct support is required.
• Helping establish a web- based service for responding to accommodation enquiries.
• Monitoring the Members Forum and alerting the team to issues where an Association response is required.
• Coordinating our Panel of Consultants, checking their credentials and maintaining relationships.
• Providing administration support and assisting with arrangements for events including our training course for trustees, seminars for trustees and clerks, and our Members Day.
  The nature of the role is such that the individual may be asked to undertake additional or alternative tasks and duties as the needs of the Association dictate.

Full training will be given but an understanding of almshouses and almshouse management, whilst not essential, would be an advantage.

NOTE: The role may involve extensive travel to the Association’s member charities across the UK. Therefore, the successful applicant will need to be a car owner and possess a clean driving licence. Expenses will be paid. On occasions overnight stays may be necessary.

Requirements

1. Knowledge of Outlook, Word and Excel is essential.
2. Knowledge of Subscriber CRM would be preferable.
3. Knowledge of PowerPoint preferable.
4. Experience in managing events/projects preferable.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter to angelawaters@almshouses.org. Closing date for applications is 31 March 2026.

posted 23 February 2026

Are you a passionate community minded individual , with time to spare and want to make use of your skills?

We are looking to add to our Board of Trustees at The Hospital of the Holy Trinity in Aylesford and would love to hear from you. 

We are a small Almshouse with 14 Flats housed in a wonderful building that originates from the 1600’s. We are in the heart of the old Aylesford village and known locally as Trinity Court.

No experience is necessary, just a commitment to the role and a willingness to learn.  

In being  a Trustee you will be contributing to our local community by providing secure affordable housing for older residents , supporting the aims of the charity and using your skills effectively. 

We would love to hear from you and welcome enquiries from all walks of life and offer in return a chance to undertake a rewarding and valuable role in the local community. The Trustees meet 3 times a year and are supported by their Clerk , Kathy who can be contacted for more information or an informal chat by emailing kathyfoster.trinitycourt@gmail.com