St John's Winchester, which runs 99 almshouse homes, wants new trustees by 30 October. It asks about 8 to 10 days a year; housing and care experience sought.
St John’s Winchester, the almshouse charity that houses more than 100 older people in the city, is recruiting new trustees, and applications close on Friday 30 October.
The charity says it has been part of Winchester life for more than 900 years. Today it runs 99 almshouse homes for more than 100 residents, along with a dementia support service, community activities and volunteering. The new trustees will join its Board as it works out its strategy for the next five years.
“The recruitment comes at an important time for St John’s as it develops its strategy for the next five years, exploring how it can improve its almshouse accommodation, strengthen community support, and make the best use of its historic buildings and charitable assets,” the charity said.
Who it wants
The charity is particularly keen to hear from people with experience in social housing, adult health and social care, older people’s services and community-based support. Its Trustee Recruitment Pack spells that out: housing associations, council housing, supported or older persons’ housing, housing regulation, tenancy services, property compliance and asset management on one side; frailty and later-life services, dementia, public health, integrated care, social prescribing and commissioning on the other.
You do not need to have been a trustee before. “St John’s welcomes applications from people with different backgrounds and perspectives who can bring sound judgement, fresh thinking, and a commitment to improving the lives of older people,” the charity said.
In her letter in the pack, Marianne Wanstall, Chair of Trustees, explains why housing experience matters to an almshouse charity:
“Although almshouses have their own legal and charitable framework, many of the issues we face are shared with the wider housing sector: resident voice, complaints, building safety, asset management, affordability, safeguarding, changing resident needs and maintaining good-quality homes.”
What has changed at St John’s
The pack says the charity has recently stopped directly providing regulated personal care. In its place is an Almshouse Community Team, which gives residents practical support, wellbeing contact and help reaching outside health and care services; personal and clinical care normally comes from other organisations. There is also a resident Warden and emergency response cover.
Its strategy to 2031 is called Reflect and Renew, and it will cover the future of the almshouse estate, the sustainability of its services and the use of its money and property. Alongside the almshouses, St John’s owns what the pack calls “a significant portfolio of commercial property and financial investments”, which trustees oversee. The pack says the charity has recently welcomed new trustees and now wants to add further experience to the Board.
The commitment
The Board meets four times a year. Trustees normally also sit on at least one committee, most of which meet quarterly, and there is an annual away day. The charity puts the time at about eight to ten days a year, plus reading between meetings.
Other points from the pack:
- Term: three years, renewable for a further three
- Where: most meetings are in person at St John’s, with hybrid attendance possible where appropriate
- Induction: meetings with the Chair and Chief Executive, a tour of the almshouse estate, time with residents and volunteers, and Almshouse Association training
- Eligibility: 18 or over and able to act as a charity trustee and company director; a DBS check may be needed depending on contact with residents
What it means for you
If you live in or near Winchester and have worked in housing, care or services for older people, this is a seat on the board of one of the city’s oldest charities, for roughly a working fortnight a year.
To apply, send a short CV and a statement of no more than two pages on why you are interested, what experience you would bring and what interests you about St John’s work. Applications go to Tim Bissett, Chief Executive, at office@stjohnswinchester.co.uk, according to the charity’s trustee recruitment page, where the pack can be downloaded. The charity says informal conversations before applying are welcome; call 01962 854 226.
Shortlisting is due in the week of 2 November, informal interviews on 9, 10 and 11 November, and final interviews in person in the week of 23 November, with a preferred candidate identified by 27 November.
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