Our Mission: For almshouses to be recognised as the exemplar form of community housing.

There are very few institutions that have lasted a century even fewer that have lasted five hundred years. Almshouses have been part of our social heritage for over a thousand years. Today new almshouses are being built in towns and villages across the country. The almshouse model today is beginning to be recognised for its unique impact on the lives of residents offering a unique form of community living, free from isolation and with the spirit of caring and companionship at its heart.

77 years ago trustees of almshouse charities gathered to form The Almshouse Association in order to protect the almshouse charity model and raise the profile of almshouses. The Almshouse Association today offers its members a wealth of support from the strategic to the very practical. The extensive range of services, guidance, training and one-to-one support is only part of the story; behind the scenes the team works tirelessly with partners and Government to ensure almshouses are recognised in policy and the charity model is protected.

There is an opportunity to join the board of trustees of The Almshouse Association.

Role: Being a trustee of The Almshouse Association is to help lead the national strategy for the almshouse movement. The trustee board is seeking individuals who care about others who face poverty and poor housing, consider that they also deserve the best in housing and have an interest in improving the lives of others through helping run the membership organisation for our 1,600 members.

The trustee board is made up of dedicated and committed professionals who meet regularly either as full or sub committee members and have a very strong long term strategic goal. The role of the board is to envision and lead strategy and support the Chief Executive of an excellent and proactive executive team of staff to deliver the strategy.

We are seeking applicants who care about making a difference, with significant skills and experience in the following areas particularly:

  • IT/Web
  • Branding/Marketing/PR
  • Fundraising/Sponsorship
  • Heritage and Historic Buildings

We actively encourage qualified applicants from a diverse background to apply.

Time commitment: There are four half day board meetings per year of which two are held online and two in person. There are additional meetings throughout the year in sub committees or to address emerging or urgent topics but they are infrequent. Most trustees sit on an associated sub committee.

Remuneration: This is a voluntary position and therefore does not pay a salary. All reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Term of office: Three years initially.

How to apply: Please review the web site www.almshouses.org.uk and send your CV to Angela Waters PA to Nick Phillips Chief Executive at Angelawaters@almshouses.org or the chairman of the Nominations Subcommittee Paul Mullis at pmullis@damha.org.uk.

The closing date for applications is Friday 16 February 2024

posted 16 November 2023