Trustee

Housing with Heart

TRUSTEE – READING ALMSHOUSE CHARITY

Expiry Date: Friday 21st February 2025

Job Reference: RACTR

Reading Almshouse Charity (‘RAC’), a CIO, (registered no.1152759) is seeking to recruit primarily a trustee with building or property management experience but applicants with other skill sets are invited to send in an application.

The Charity has a current board of 11 Trustees who use their skills, knowledge and expertise to help the charity fulfil its mission and objectives alongside an operational staff of 4.

RAC has 104 flats (a few of which are bedsits) on three sites and planning permission to build 18 additional flats on land adjoining one of our sites.

RAC’s mission is to ‘provide and maintain affordable accommodation in a community environment on three sites in the Reading and Earley area. Our residents are adults in need who are of good character and are able to live independently.’

RAC is seeking to complement their existing Board with an additional 2 Trustees. Ideally one of whom will have property and building maintenance expertise or be from a housing related background. Other areas of appropriate expertise will also be welcomed.

The Charity outsources cyclical maintenance advice and inspections to an external Building Surveyor. Routine repairs are generally dealt with by the housing managers using one of the charity’s trusted suppliers.

Generally, potential candidates will:

• Assist with formulating and delivering the organisation’s strategic aims
• Be an active member of the Trustee body in exercising its responsibilities and functions. Our board is harmonious and collegial.
• Maintain a collaborative and supportive relationship with the managerial staff
• Fulfil such other duties as may from time to time be required by the Board
• Possess a strong interest in, and commitment to, the vision and values of the organisation, and its future development.

Our Values: 

• We are a friendly face for our residents;
• We listen to our staff and residents;
• We encourage a sense of community spirit and mutual co-operation;
• We take finances seriously to ensure a sustainable future;
• We preserve and build on our legacy;
• We promote courtesy and respect;
• We are committed to inclusion;
• We work with the Greater Reading community;
• We are an excellent employer;
• We maintain integrity in everything we do.

Trustees are encouraged to play a full part in the vibrant life of the organisation. Those already in this role find it extremely fulfilling and are a vital part of the team structure. Trustees should be able to commit to 4 Board meetings per annum and circa 4 Sub-committee meetings (timings to be decided). Meetings are usually held at Penton House, Kennet Island, Reading, and Liberty House, Lower Earley but some Committee meetings are held remotely. Meetings are usually during the working day. Accordingly, living in or knowledge of RAC’s area of benefit will be useful, but not essential.

RAC 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, or other category protected by law. 

To apply for this rewarding voluntary opportunity, please submit your CV and supporting Statement to: Annabel Nicol by email, quoting reference RACTR.

Closing date for applications: 21.02.2025

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.