Trustee Vacancy – St John’s Winchester Charity

We are looking for individuals who share our commitment to helping people live well in Winchester, and who are ready to contribute their insight, experience, and judgement to support our work.

As one of England’s oldest charities, we are proud of our 900-year legacy of service. Today, our work spans almshouse accommodation, dementia care, and community-based support. We are at an important moment of development, with a clear strategic vision and ambitious plans to strengthen our impact in the years ahead.

To support this, we are seeking new trustees who bring curiosity, collaboration, and courage. We are particularly keen to hear from people with experience in property, HR and people leadership and charity governance, though above all, we are looking for people who care deeply about the dignity and wellbeing of older people.

Whether or not you have been a trustee before, we hope you will consider bringing your voice to our Board. We value lived experience, fresh perspectives, and people who want to help shape a future where every older person in Winchester feels valued, supported, and connected.

As a Trustee of St John’s Winchester, you share collective responsibility for the governance and strategic direction and planning for the charity. Trustees ensure the charity remains true to its purpose, and delivers meaningful, lasting impact for the people we serve. Trustees are required to abide by both company and charity law, exercising their legal and financial obligations as company and charity directors, adhering to corporate regulation and the charity’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.

This voluntary role is both rewarding and demanding, requiring integrity, curiosity, collaboration, and a strong commitment to our values.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership

  • Set and safeguard the charity’s vision, mission, and long-term strategy.
  • Ensure activities align with our objects and deliver measurable impact.
  • Shape and approve strategic plans in partnership with the executive team.

2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with charity law, housing and care regulation, and our governing documents.
  • Uphold responsibilities under data protection, health and safety, safeguarding, and equality legislation.
  • Understand and manage legal and reputational risks.

3. Effective Governance

  • Attend and contribute to Board and sub-committee meetings.
  • Promote transparency, accountability, and high standards of conduct.
  • Participate in Board development, self-assessment, and succession planning.
  • Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of governance.

4. Financial Stewardship

  • Oversee financial strategy and ensure long-term sustainability.
  • Approve annual budgets and review financial performance.
  • Monitor investment, reserves, and property strategies in line with risk appetite.

5. Executive Oversight

  • Support and constructively challenge the Chief Executive.
  • Ensure clarity of roles, appropriate delegation, and robust performance appraisal.
  • Participate in the appointment and succession planning of senior leaders.

6. Safeguarding Reputation and Assets

  • Protect and enhance the charity’s reputation, values, and culture.
  • Ensure the prudent management of property, financial, digital, and human resources.
  • Make decisions in the charity’s best interests, avoiding personal conflicts of interest.

7. Stakeholder Engagement

  • Act as an ambassador for St John’s in Winchester and beyond.
  • Engage with residents, staff, volunteers, partners, and donors to understand needs and build trust.
  • Listen to and reflect lived experiences—especially of older people, carers, and those affected by dementia.
  • Attend charity events where possible.

8. Learning and Development

  • Commit to personal learning and Board development.
  • Stay informed about the charity sector and policy environment.
  • Participate in induction, training, and periodic governance reviews.

Who We’re Looking For:

We welcome interest from individuals from all walks of life. We recognise that great governance is shaped by diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. If you share our values and want to make a difference in the lives of older people in Winchester, we encourage you to get in touch, regardless of whether you have previous trustee experience.

To complement the existing strengths of our Board, we are particularly interested in candidates with one or more of the following strategic skill sets:

1 – Strategic Property and Asset Management

St John’s Winchester holds a significant and diverse property portfolio, including historic almshouses and a commercial investment estate generating essential income for our charitable work. We are seeking a trustee with expertise in the strategic management, maintenance, and development of property assets, particularly investment properties. Experience in asset planning, development viability, commercial leasing, capital works programmes, or property maintenance strategy will support our goal of ensuring financial sustainability while maintaining the quality, integrity, and purpose of our built environment.
Relevant professional backgrounds may include:

  • Chartered surveyors (RICS), property asset managers, or commercial estate agents
  • Facilities or estates directors (particularly in education, healthcare, housing, or local authority settings)
  • Development consultants, project managers, or investment analysts working in real estate
  • Property lawyers or professionals with experience of landlord/tenant relationships and long-term asset planning
  • Individuals with strategic oversight of building management or investment portfolios within large charities, housing associations, or diocesan estates

We also welcome expressions of interest from those with transferable experience in managing portfolios or infrastructure programmes in other sectors, such as higher education, retail, regeneration, or planning.

2 – Charity Law or Governance

We would benefit from additional expertise in charity law, regulatory compliance, or governance best practice, particularly in the context of housing, health and care, or the social sector. Trustees with experience in board leadership, risk oversight, or navigating the Charity Commission framework will help us to continue strengthening our policies, processes, and decision-making structures.
Relevant experience may include:

  • Charity lawyers or legal advisers working with regulated sectors
  • Company secretaries or governance professionals in charities, NHS bodies, or housing providers
  • Professionals with experience of board operations, compliance, or safeguarding frameworks
  • Former trustees, school governors, or non-executive directors with an understanding of regulated governance environments

3 – People, Culture, and HR

As we continue to evolve and strengthen our staff and volunteer teams, we are seeking trustees with experience in HR practice and strategy, organisational culture, and workforce development. We are particularly keen to hear from individuals who can help us embed equity, diversity and inclusion across our organisation. Your insights will help us support a values-led, inclusive, and engaged team that reflects our community and delivers high-quality services.

You may bring expertise from:

  • HR leadership roles, including HR Directors or People & Culture leads
  • Workforce planning, talent management, or leadership development
  • Change management and organisational development in values-led environments
  • Volunteer engagement, inclusion strategy, or staff wellbeing initiatives
  • Employment law or charity HR governance

As well as these specific areas, we welcome candidates with experience in a wide range of people-focused environments, including housing, health, education, local government, or the wider voluntary sector. We are also keen to hear from candidates with experience in fundraising, marketing and communications, and volunteer development.

Personal Qualities

  • High standards of integrity and good judgment
  • Collaborative, curious, and collegiate in approach
  • A commitment to inclusion, equality, and listening to lived experience
  • Passionate about supporting older people

How to Apply
If you are interested in becoming a trustee, please send the following by 15 September 2025

  • A brief statement (1–2 pages) outlining your interest in the role, relevant experience, and what you feel you would bring to the board
  • A short CV (or LinkedIn profile if preferred)

If you would like to have an informal conversation before applying, we would be very happy to arrange a chat with our CEO or current Chair to explore the role further.

Please send your application by 15 September 2025 to:
Tim Bissett, Chief Executive
Email: tim.bissett@stjohnswinchester.co.uk

Application opens Monday 28th July – Deadline for applications Monday 15th September


Housing Support Officer

Part-time 25 / 20 hours per week

The St Mary Magdalene & Holy Jesus Trust is an almshouse charity located in Spital Tongues, Newcastle upon Tyne. We provide accommodation and related support to around 250 residents from our site located just off Claremont Road Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4NN. We currently have 173 almshouses but have plans to build more.

We require a Housing Support Officer to support our residents to live independently in their properties by identifying needs, providing advice about aids and adaptations, signposting to organisations that may be able to provide additional support, assisting residents with queries about their properties and providing help to residents in navigating benefits and related services.

The salary is £26,000 (FTE).        

To receive further information about the post please contact:

Jon Mitford, Chief Executive, St Mary Magdalene and Holy Jesus Trust, Claremont Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4NN. Tel No. 0191 2697920. E-mail jon.mitford@mmhjtrust.com


The closing date for receiving applications, which will be a letter of application and CV is 03.09.2025. These should be posted to the Chief Executive at the above address or sent by e-mail.


TRUSTEE VACANCY – Care Ashore, Springbok Estate, Alford, Cranleigh

Care Ashore https://www.careashore.org/ is a charity with a proud history. Since the 1920s Care Ashore has offered living accommodation, respite breaks and support to seafarers in need. Uniquely situated on a 260-acre estate in Surrey, Care Ashore provides accommodation for merchant seafarers and former members of the Royal Navy, RFA, Fishing Fleets and others with a maritime link.

With around 60 current beneficiary residents, the charity offers accommodation in purpose-built properties. The support provided to beneficiaries is funded by both rent and the commercial activities of the estate which include fishing, camping, a social club and clay pigeon shooting, making it a unique and exciting place to be part of.

Following an ambitious commitment from the trustees to invest in the accommodation and services provided, Care Ashore is at the start of an exciting journey with the creation of a new Strategic Plan, to ensure fit for purposes accommodation and services are delivered to our beneficiaries.

The current Board has a mix of backgrounds and experience but wishes to strengthen the diversity further to ensure the needs of those they serve, along with the wider community are met. There are currently 3 board vacancies and ideal candidates will bring to the board experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Legal Expertise
  • Property/ Surveying/ Development.
  • Health and safety
  • Maritime Industry/ Seafaring background

We are looking for someone who is committed to the work of the Charity sector; understands good governance; and has strategic vision combined with independent judgement.

If this challenge appeals to you, and you share our enthusiasm for providing excellent housing to people in need, then we are keen to hear from you.

Further Information

The position is unremunerated (reasonable expenses paid) and there are 4 board meetings per year with the option to attend in person or remotely.

In addition to board meetings, the successful candidate will be expected to attend Care Ashore’s AGM; strategic away day; and committees.

If you believe you can contribute and would like further information, please get in touch with the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Vince Bick via email v.bick@careashore.org

The deadline for applications is Sunday 24th August 2025.


Residential Officer Vacancy – Walton Charity, Elmbridge, Surrey

Do you have a passion for helping others within a caring, supportive environment? This is a fantastic opportunity to make a big difference, while being part of a small, friendly team.

Walton Charity is a place-based charitable foundation working in Elmbridge, Surrey. Our vision is for an Elmbridge community where everyone has the opportunity and support to live a rewarding life, free from poverty and inequality. We use our assets (people, land, property and funds) to tackle issues of poverty, health, housing, and educational attainment in our local area.

We are looking for someone with experience of working with older people, who can take a proactive role in supporting our housing residents, and engage them in a variety of wellbeing activities and outings. A good understanding of and passion for working in the charity sector and supporting local communities is also desirable.

This is a part-time role, and is based in our almshouses in Walton-on-Thames.

Interested? For a full job description, please visit https://www.waltoncharity.org.uk/work-with-us-

To apply, please email admin@waltoncharity.org.uk with your CV and covering letter highlighting your skills and experience in relation to the role.

If you would like an informal chat to find out more about the role, please email admin@waltoncharity.org.uk.

Deadline: Friday 1 August 2025 Interviews: Week beginning Monday 4 August 2025


Community Engagement Coordinator – Walton Charity Elmbridge, Surrey

Do you have a passion for inspiring others, and making sure everyone has their say? This is a fantastic opportunity to make an impact in coordinating a groundbreaking commission, while being part of a small, friendly team.

Walton Charity is a place-based charitable foundation working in Elmbridge, Surrey. Our vision is for an Elmbridge community where everyone has the opportunity and support to live a rewarding life, free from poverty and inequality. We have a strong record of providing grants and housing, and have been a trusted member of our community for over 800 years.

We are now embarking on establishing the Elmbridge Poverty Truth Commission (EPTC), a project engaging people from all levels of our community to make a real difference.

We are looking for someone with experience of working with vulnerable clients, who can take a proactive role in supporting commissioners whilst raising the profile of the EPTC, and increasing awareness of local poverty and inequality. A good understanding of and passion for working in the charity sector and supporting local communities is also desirable.

This role has scope for being either a part-time or full-time role, and is based primarily in our offices in the centre of Walton-on-Thames.

To learn more about what we do, please watch this introductory video, or visit our website.

Interested:

For a full job description, please visit https://www.waltoncharity.org.uk/work-with-us-

To apply, please email admin@waltoncharity.org.uk with your CV and covering letter highlighting your skills and experience in relation to the role.

The covering letter should not exceed two sides of A4. CVs submitted without a covering letter will not be shortlisted for interview.

If you would like an informal chat to find out more about the role, please email admin@waltoncharity.org.uk.

Deadline: Monday 4 August 2025 – midday. Interviews: Monday 11 and/or Tuesday 12 August 2025


Trustee Vacancy – Edmund Sawyer Almshouse – Kettering, Northamptonshire

Salary: Unremunerated

Commitment:

Trustees are expected to attend a minimum of 5 meetings per year. This is four Trustee Review Meetings and one AGM. Given the size of the charity, it is likely that trustees would also be involved in the odd ad hoc meeting relating to property or resident issues.

We are working in partnership with Edmund Sawyer Almshouse, a charity first established in the 17th Century for six women in need in Kettering. The building is Grade 11 star listed. It is reputed to be the oldest building in Kettering. The charity had fallen into poor condition in 2018, and the board of the Leonard Hackett Memorial Trust stepped in and took over the charity and rescued the buildings carrying out immediate refurbishment. 

They are now looking to recruit Trustees to join itsBoard of Trustees, which sets and approves the charity’s strategy ensuring the charity’s continued success and sustainability, overseeing the ongoing care of the historic buildings, and ensuring the residents feel supported, valued, and at home.

You’ll be part of a small team responsible for protecting and enhancing a vital community asset, balancing tradition with modern needs.

Edmund Sawyer is particularly keen to hear from people who can bring the following skills and experience:

  • Finance with a charity background desirable not essential
  • Health and welfare of elderly people
  • Management of social housing/Local Authority background/Regulation of social housing
  • Law/Paralegal
  • Charity governance

And with the following personal qualities:

  • Commitment to Edmund Sawyer values.
  • Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort using your knowledge and skills for the benefit of the charity.
  • Good judgment and the ability to think creatively.
  • The willingness to speak your mind and to work effectively as a member of a team and to take collective responsibility.
  • The role of Trustee can be enormously interesting, rewarding, and enjoyable. 

As a trustee of Edmund Sawyer Almshouse, you will be safeguarding the legacy of this charitable institution, ensuring the buildings are properly maintained and cared for and supporting residents and making sure they feel secure and welcome in their homes.  You will also be part of the strategy to guide the future direction of the Almshouse to meet evolving community needs.

For more information, please contact Sandra Smith, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment, info@charismarecruitment.co.uk or 01962 813300. Applications should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

Charisma Recruitment Website

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law. Closing date for applications: 14th September 2025


COULD YOU BE OUR NEXT CHAIR OF TRUSTEES?

Our current Chair will be stepping down in 2025 and we are looking to recruit a new Chair to lead our board of highly motivated trustees. We’re seeking someone to lead the charity into an exciting new chapter of growth and innovation.

Our 33 historic Almshouses are centrally located in the City of Wells and the Charity traces its origins back to the fifteenth century. In recent years we have undertaken the modernisation of our historic properties and the refurbishment of our Grade 2* listed medieval Chapel.

Looking ahead, we’re eager to expand – whether by creating new almshouses or acquiring properties – to offer even more high quality affordable homes to those in need.

We’re looking for someone who is:

  • A proven leader with the confidence to guide a skilled Board
  • A strategic thinker capable of steering the charity’s long term direction
  • Collaborative in approach valuing collective decision making and dialogue
  • Aligned with the values and charitable aims of CWA.

To find  out more and obtain an information pack, please contact our CEO, Michelle Thomas on 07764 791087 or Email: ceo@wellsalmshouses.org.uk. or visit the news page of our website: www.wellsalmshouses.org.uk

The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 22nd August 2025.


Clerk to the Trustees – Eltham United Charities

Location: Eltham, London

Contract: The equivalent of 25 hours per week

Salary: £35K

United Charities provides almshouse accommodation for nineteen elderly, retired residents of Eltham and Mottingham on restricted incomes. The Charity was formed in 1907 through the amalgamation of ten older charities some of which were established in the 1500s. The Charity is funded in part from income from our extensive property portfolio. We are seeking an innovative, flexible appointee with a track record of successful change management to support the Trustees and drive the organisation forward. The successful candidate will support the Trustee body in the fulfilment of the Charity’s aims and objectives and oversee the operational aspects of the Charity to ensure an efficient and effective operation. The Clerk is also responsible for overseeing the Charity’s financial records and asset register.

If this role appeals to you, full details of the role and details of how to apply can be found at www.thewlisgraham.com/opportunities and following the instructions in the candidate brief quoting reference AC0402.

The closing date is 6 August at 4pm. Should you require a confidential conversation with
Sarah Thewlis or for any other information please email applications@thewlisgraham.com


Trustee vacancy – Maldon Housing Association

Job Description

Make a Difference in Maldon – Become a Trustee with Maldon Housing Association

Are you passionate about your community? Do you want to make a meaningful impact on the lives of older residents in Maldon?

Maldon Housing Association Ltd is seeking dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As an established almshouse charity, we provide 57 supported housing flats for people aged 60+ with ties to Maldon, helping them maintain independence and wellbeing.

We are looking for professionals from all backgrounds—finance, property management, legal, business, and more—to contribute their expertise and help shape the future of supported housing in our town. With an aging population and growing demand, your involvement could help us expand and support even more residents in need.

What’s involved?

✔ Attend just four evening meetings per year

✔ Contribute to strategic planning and governance

✔ Join a Finance or Property Committee (meeting quarterly)

✔ Play a vital role in ensuring the future of supported housing in Maldon

Your time and experience can make a real difference. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact us at our Head Office to learn more or email admin@maldonha.co.uk

Maldon Housing Association Ltd – Supporting Our Community Together.

How to apply

Please contact us at our Head Office to learn more or email admin@maldonha.co.uk