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