Chair of the Board of Trustees - St John's Winchester

The Organisation
St John’s Winchester is one of the oldest almshouse charities in England, with a history that stretches back over 900 years. It was founded in the 12th century by Bishop Henry of Blois, a key figure in Winchester's medieval history and the brother of King Stephen. The charity’s original mission was to provide care and shelter for the poor and elderly, embodying values of compassion and care.

The almshouses in the heart of Winchester have evolved over the centuries but have always remained dedicated to supporting our residents. Throughout its long history, St John's has expanded its services to include a range of housing and welfare support, responding to the changing needs of society.

Today, St John’s Winchester is dedicated to supporting older people. It offers sheltered housing through its almshouses and provides specialised care services, including dementia support. The charity sustains its work through a substantial property portfolio, continuing to serve the Winchester community while evolving to meet contemporary needs.

More information about St John's Winchester Charity can be found on their website.

The Role
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees at St John’s Winchester Charity provides strategic leadership and governance, ensuring that the charity fulfils its mission, complies with legal obligations, and operates efficiently. The Chairman collaborates closely with the Chief Executive and the Board to set and execute the charity’s strategy, uphold its values, and oversee its operations. This is a critical role for guiding one of the UK’s oldest charitable foundations in its mission to provide alms housing and care for older people within the City of Winchester.

Person Specification

Essential 
•    Leadership Experience: Proven experience in a senior leadership role within an organisation, with a strong track record of strategic oversight and governance.
•    Integrity and Judgement: High standards of integrity, with sound independent judgement and a commitment to the charity’s values.
•    •Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills, capable of articulating ideas clearly and effectively and listening to others with empathy and understanding.
•    Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with other trustees and staff, fostering a positive and productive working relationship.

Desirable
•    Local Knowledge: A broad network of connections in the Winchester area, with a deep understanding of local community needs and issues.
•    Sector Expertise: Knowledge and understanding of the almshouse, social care, and commercial property sectors is highly desirable.

Please download the Candidate Information Pack for further information.

How to Apply
If you are passionate about joining St John’s Winchester and believe you have the skills and experience we are looking for, please apply with the following:

•    An up-to-date CV
•    A supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4, detailing why you would like to be considered, your relevant experience and expertise and what you think you can bring to the role.

All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Trustees Unlimited (part of the Russam group). 

All applications should be emailed to Trustees Unlimited.

If you have any difficulty uploading your application or if you would like to have an informal and confidential discussion about the role, alternatively please contact Melissa Baxter.

Closing date for applications: Monday 18th November 2024  
Interview with St John’s Winchester: December 2024 (dates TBC)

We look forward to recieving your application.