Housing & Welfare Officer

£35,000 – £38,000 per annum | Full time, 37.5 hours per week | The Charterhouse, London

The Charterhouse is looking for a compassionate, organised and proactive Housing & Welfare Officer to join our Health and Wellbeing team.

This is a varied and rewarding role supporting Brothers and older people living within our unique community. You will provide practical support across housing, welfare, wellbeing, admissions and resident liaison, helping residents maintain their independence, dignity and quality of life.

You will also play an important role in strengthening the way our Health and Wellbeing Directorate operates, helping us to modernise administration, improve   digital systems and ensure our records, processes and resident information are well managed.

About the role

As Housing & Welfare Officer, you will:

• Provide housing, welfare and wellbeing advice and support to residents.
• Help residents access welfare benefits and other financial support.
• Manage resident casework and act as a key point of contact for housing and welfare matters.
• Support prospective residents through the admissions process, from initial enquiry through to move-in.
• Provide ongoing support with licences, housing matters, resident documentation and referrals.
• Liaise with families, GPs, hospitals, social workers, local authorities, care providers and other agencies.
• Support residents through changes in health, mobility, finances or personal circumstances.
• Act as a Safeguarding Officer, supporting the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Maintain accurate and confidential resident, housing, welfare and safeguarding records.
• Lead and improve administrative systems across the Health and Wellbeing Directorate.
• Help move outdated or paper-based processes to efficient digital systems.
• Maintain key documents including Licence Agreements, the Brothers Handbook, policies, procedures and forms.
• Provide administrative support to our regulated care services, including audits, CQC documentation and care records.
• Produce and distribute resident communications, including the weekly newsletter.
• Work closely with colleagues across Health and Wellbeing, Estates, Finance, Governance, Care and Brother Support.

About you

We are looking for someone who is people-focused, highly organised and confident working with sensitive situations.

You will ideally have experience in housing, welfare, social care, resident support, community services or a similar environment, together with experience supporting older people or vulnerable adults.

You will bring:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
• Good knowledge of housing, welfare benefits and/or resident support.
• Experience managing confidential information and maintaining accurate records.
• An understanding of safeguarding and the ability to recognise and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Strong IT skills and confidence using digital systems and Microsoft Office.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.
• Good judgement, problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• A commitment to dignity, independence, equality, inclusion and person-centred support.
• The ability to build positive relationships with residents, families, colleagues and external professionals.

Experience of welfare benefits, admissions, housing management, CQC-regulated services, safeguarding, digital transformation or document management would be advantageous.

Why join The Charterhouse?

The Charterhouse is a unique and historic community in the heart of London. This is an opportunity to join a dedicated Health and Wellbeing team and make a genuine difference to the lives of the people who live within our community.

You will have the opportunity to take ownership of your work, develop systems and processes, and contribute to the continued improvement of our resident services.

The Charterhouse operates 7 days a week and regularly hosts events outside core hours, so occasional weekend and out-of-hours working may be required.

Salary: £35,000 – £38,000 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, full time
Location: The Charterhouse, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6AN
Department: Health and Wellbeing
Reports to: Director of Health and Wellbeing
DBS: Enhanced DBS check required

Safeguarding

The Charterhouse is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare, dignity and independence of all residents. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and appropriate pre-employment checks. If you are passionate about supporting people, enjoy solving problems and improving the way services are delivered, we would love to hear from you.

Contact Details

People@thecharterhouse.org

Job Description

Job Title:  Clerk to the Trustees

Hours of Work:  Approximately two days per week, flexible by agreement

Rate:  £150 – £200 per day, negotiable depending on experience

Basis:  Contract for services.

Duration:  Initial engagement of twelve months, reviewed annually

Location:  Ladywell, London, with home working by agreement. Some evening work for trustee meetings.

General

Lewisham Parochial Charities is the umbrella body for four registered charities, formed in 1990 when a Charity Commission scheme amalgamated 27 older charities serving the ancient parish of Lewisham. We run one almshouse, Lloyd Court in Ladywell — 21 self-contained flats for residents aged 60 and over, supported by a House Manager and a Premises Manager on site. We also award small grants for relief in need and education.

Function of Post

The Clerk supports the Board in administration, governance and finance, and is the point at which the Charities’ records, compliance and board process are held together. The Clerk works closely with the House Manager so trustees stay sighted on the almshouse, while remaining independent of operational management.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Support to the Board of Trustees

• Clerk the Board and its sub-committees: agendas, notices, papers, minutes and follow-up of actions.
• Prepare and present written and verbal reports to trustees.
• Help induct new trustees.

Financial Management

• Maintain the three-year budget and provide regular budget reports to trustees.
• Produce the statement of accounts for annual audit and file with the Charity Commission and other regulators.
• Provide financial planning data, and ensure insurance and investments are reviewed annually.

Administration and Governance

• Maintain statutory and operational records, including data protection, safeguarding, health and safety and risk.
• Coordinate the review of policies and procedures, flagging governance issues with solutions.
• Advise trustees on legal and regulatory change, and when specialist advice is needed.
• Liaise with The Almshouse Association, the Charity Commission and the local authority.
• Administer the financial processes for residents joining and leaving the almshouse.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience of clerking, company secretarial work or equivalent governance support to a charity board.
• Sound knowledge of charity governance, trustee duties and Charity Commission requirements.
• Financial acumen: budgets, management accounts and annual accounts for audit.
• Excellent minute taking and clear written English.
• Ability to work independently and discreetly, to deadline, with minimal supervision.

Desirable

• Experience in the almshouse sector, social housing or sheltered accommodation.
• Familiarity with the Almshouse Association and its Standards of Almshouse Management.
• Some knowledge of property management — planned maintenance, quinquennial surveys, fire safety and compliance.
• Experience supporting a board through governance change.
• Working knowledge of Xero.
• A connection to, or knowledge of, the London Borough of Lewisham.

How to Apply

Please send a CV and a covering letter of no more than two sides, explaining how you meet the person specification to:

applications@lpcharities.co.uk

Subject line: Clerk to the Board. For questions, email the same address with your telephone number and a trustee will call you back.

Closing date: Friday 18 September 2026, 5.00pm

Interviews: week commencing 28 September 2026, in person at Lloyd Court

Clerk and Head of Operations

Introduction

The Sir William Powell Almshouses were founded in 1680, by Sir William Powell, Baronet of Pengethley, to house twelve widows. Originally sited in Back Lane, Fulham, the almshouses moved to their current location at Church Gate in 1868. The twelve almshouses are arranged in an L-shape, looking onto a communal garden and, beyond that, to All Saints’ church and churchyard. Each almshouse is a self-contained flat, and in addition to there are communal laundry facilities.

This vacancy has arisen due to our current Clerk relocating. Accordingly, we are looking for an organised and personable administrator to act as Clerk to the Trustees and Head of Operations. The appointed candidate will arrive at an exciting time when new opportunities are being explored as to how we realise the full potential of our investment properties, and what this could mean for the expansion of our provision and potential partnerships with other organisations.

Background to the Role

The almshouses continue to provide affordable accommodation for twelve women over the age of 55. Reporting to the Chairperson and Board of Trustees, the Clerk provides professional administrative support to the charity’s governance and finances, oversees the maintenance and day-to-day running of the grade II* listed almshouse building, and, importantly, acts as the main point of contact for residents in the absence of an on-site warden.

Main Responsibilities

1.  Governance and Administration

•  Organising and minuting Trustee, Finance and Property Committee meetings.

•  Issue reports for consideration by Trustees at their meetings. Deal with correspondence on matters arising from meetings of the Trustees and from day-to-day service delivery issues.

•  Submitting statutory returns to the Charity Commission and the National Register of Social Housing (NROSH).

•  Assisting the Chair with the recruitment, induction and training of trustees.

•  Drafting and reviewing charity policies to the highest standards of probity and due diligence.

•  Help the trustees develop a strategic plan and annual objectives for the charity and advise on the resources needed to deliver them.

•  Liaise as appropriate with The Almshouse Association, NROSH, Charity Commission, and other bodies, to promote the best interests of the charity and keep the Trustees aware of current policies, procedures and changes to legislation.

•  Maintaining an up to date risk register for timely actions and Trustee approval.

2.  Finance

•  Working with the Treasurer to propose and then implement the annual budget.

•  Ensuring the charities’ accounts are kept up to date through regular input and reconciliation of data into XERO software.

•  Maintaining financial records and liaising with the Treasurer and external accountants for Independent Examination and payroll processing.

•  Ensuring accounts are examined/audited, approved and submitted on time.

•  Communicating changes in Weekly Maintenance Charges (WMCs) and Service Charge to residents, arranging their collection with applicable Housing Benefit and maintaining accurate records.

•  Arranging and monitoring all utility bill and other supplier contracts and payments.

3.  Property Management

•  Responding to emergency issues, repairs and overseeing the general maintenance of the property and upkeep of the garden.

•  Managing the schedule of cyclical refurbishments and ensuring appropriate surveys are undertaken.

•  Liaising with contractors, obtaining estimates or tenders as required and supervise all building works undertaken.

•  Ensuring that all health and safety standards and other compliance is met, ensuring necessary inspections and certificates are kept up to date.

4.  Supporting Residents

•  Acting as the main point of contact for residents’ welfare, liaising with next of kin, GPs, health professionals, the local authority and social services where needed.

•  Managing the recruitment and induction of new residents.

•  Responding to and, with the relevant Trustees, managing complaints.

5.  General

•  Undertake any other duties appropriate to the smooth delivery of services to the charity’s residents and to the welfare of staff.

Person Specification

The characteristics, skills and experience we are looking for in our new Clerk and Head of Operations:

Essential:

•  A personable individual who will have a calm, discreet and caring approach in relating to residents, their welfare and personal issues.

•  Strong administrative and organisational skills, with the ability to manage a varied workload independently.

•  An ability to work flexibly, meeting the varied needs of the role.

•  Someone who is confident using standard office and accounting software, with experience in bookkeeping.

•  Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to liaise professionally with trustees, contractors and residents alike.

•  Knowledge of and a commitment to good safeguarding.

•  Willingness to be available for occasional out-of-hours contact in relation to resident or building emergencies.

Desirable:

•  Experience of working in the housing and/or charitable sector.

•  Experience of working with a Board of Trustees, arranging and minuting meetings.

•  Experience working in administration and development of digital office efficiency.

•  Experience of XERO accounting software (training will be available for those who do not have such experience).

•  Experience working with or managing staff or volunteers.

Safeguarding and Pre-employment Checks

SWPA has an unwavering commitment to the safeguarding of our residents. This role involves regular contact with older and potentially vulnerable residents. The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, provide references, and demonstrate their right to work in the UK before starting employment.

Equal Opportunities

SWPA is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Applications are welcomed and will be considered on the basis of suitability for the role, regardless of any protected characteristic. We have a commitment to the safe recruitment of ex-offenders.

How to apply

To arrange an informal conversation about the role,
please e-mail Peter Dobson, the Chair of Trustees, at vicar@allsaints-fulham.org.uk

An application pack can be obtained by e-mailing swpa1680@outlook.com.

Completed applications, including the details of two referees, should be emailed to vicar@allsaints-fulham.org.uk by 12noon on the closing date, Tuesday 25th August.

All applicants will be contacted by e-mail informing them of the outcome of the shortlisting process by Thursday 27th August.

We are an Almshouse charity with 14 properties in West Birmingham.

Would you like to volunteer in helping the residents of this charity? You will enjoy the benefits of contributing to the wellbeing of the community.

Do you have financial and/or property skills to join our board?

We have one formal meeting a year followed by a subsequent visit to meet the residents.

If you are interested, please contact Roger Williams on 07702 374899 or roger.williams.jar1@outlook.com

Member of the Almshouse Association.

Reports to: Almshouse Manager/Trustees

Place of work: Stoop Court, Leisure Lane, West Byfleet KT14 6HF

Hours: 16.5 a week, plus participation in the out-of-hours on-call rota, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays, in accordance with the charity’s policy.

Purpose of the Role

The Deputy Almshouse Manager supports the Almshouse Manager in delivering high-quality independent living services, ensuring the Almshouse is safe, well-maintained and welcoming. The role involves supporting residents, overseeing day-to-day property management, maintaining compliance with relevant legislation and charity policies, and ensuring continuity of service by deputising for the Almshouse Manager when required.

Key Responsibilities

Resident Support

• Build positive, respectful relationships with residents and promote independent living.
• Respond to resident enquiries and signpost appropriate support services.
• Carry out welfare calls and report/record concerns.
• Ensure the wellbeing and safety of vulnerable adults in accordance with the Charity’s policies and procedures.
• Report and take immediate action in relation to any suspicions of safeguarding concerns.
• Assist with resident allocations, sign-ups and departures, including preparing void properties for reoccupation.
• Provide basic welfare support during short-term illness (excluding any nursing or personal care) and respond appropriately in emergencies.
• Encourage residents to access appropriate health and support services where required.

Estate and Property Management

• Inspect building, communal areas and grounds to maintain high standards.
• Report and monitor maintenance issues and liaise with contractors.
• Support planned maintenance programmes.
• Monitor emergency call systems and report defects.
• Carry out health and safety checks.
• Help ensure the security, cleanliness and presentation of the Almshouse estate.

Administration

• Maintain accurate resident, property and maintenance records.
• Support occupancy documentation, correspondence and record keeping.
• Assist in updating policies, procedures and health and safety documentation.
• Ensure compliance with data protection legislation and confidentiality requirements.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Promote a safe environment for residents, staff and visitors.
• Carry out routine health and safety checks, including fire alarm testing and fire safety inspections.
• Report accidents, incidents and safeguarding concerns promptly.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, regulatory requirements and charity policies.

On-Call Responsibilities

As part of the role, participate in the charity’s out-of-hours on-call rota to provide emergency support for residents and the Almshouse.

Responsibilities include:

• Respond to emergency alarm activations, urgent resident welfare concerns and out-of-hours incidents.
• Available to respond to queries/questions direct from our out of hours service.
• Attend the Almshouse when required to assess and manage emergencies affecting residents, buildings or the estate.
• Contact emergency services, healthcare professionals, residents’ next of kin or approved contractors where appropriate.
• Coordinate emergency repairs to ensure the safety and security of residents and the Almshouse.
• Provide reassurance and practical assistance to residents during emergencies while promoting independence. Personal care and nursing duties are not included within this role.
• Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and health and safety incidents in accordance with the charity’s policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of all out-of-hours call outs and ensure significant incidents are reported promptly to the Almshouse Manager.

General

• Deputise for the Almshouse Manager during periods of leave or absence.
• Represent the charity professionally.
• Undertake any other duties requested by Almshouse Manager or Trustees.

Person Specification

Essential

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with older and vulnerable people while maintaining professional boundaries.
• A team player.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to prioritise workload, work independently and make sound decisions.
• Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding and data protection.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle to fulfil on-call responsibilities.

Desirable

• Previous experience of working within a housing setting.
• Experience of multi-agency working.
• Knowledge of the Almshouse sector.
• Safeguarding training or experience.
• Experience managing contractors and maintenance services.
• First Aid qualification or willingness to undertake training.

Personal Qualities

• Compassionate, approachable and professional.
• Trustworthy, discreet and able to maintain confidentiality.
• Calm and resilient under pressure.
• Practical, proactive and solution focused.
• Flexible and adaptable.

Terms

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Complete mandatory training, including safeguarding, health and safety and emergency procedures.
• Participate in the charity’s out-of-hours on-call rota.
• Comply with all charity policies and procedures.
• Support the charity’s aims and values.
• Satisfactorily complete a DBS check.

This job description outlines the principal duties and responsibilities of the role and may be reviewed and amended by the Trustees to meet the changing needs of the charity.

Contact Almshouse Manager – BUC almshousemanager@byfleetunitedcharity.org.uk

• Job title: Scheme Manager
• Organisation: The Trust Partnership
• Location: Southwark
• Remuneration: £35,000, depending on experience
• Closing date: 2 September 2026

Are you looking for a varied, people-focused property role?
Do you want to make a real difference to a resident community?

The Trust Partnership provides management services to Almshouse charities, supporting residents and ensuring high-quality property and community management. They are now seeking a dedicated and proactive Scheme Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of a site in Southwark.

Link for full details to apply: https://www.charismarecruitment.co.uk/jobs/7780-Scheme-Manager/