Trustee - Reading Almshouse Charity

Trustee - Reading Almshouse Charity

Trustee/Governor
J101334
At a glance

Skills

  • Marketing strategy
  • Financial management
  • Governance
  • Strategic development and planning
  • Property management

Where

Reading, RG2 0GP
Mainly at home

Time

Mostly during office hours Estimate of time needed:
0-5 hours / month
Trustees should be able to commit to 4 meetings per annum, including Sub-committee meetings.

Deadline

31 Jan 2025

Visitors from Fifth Day

Welcome to Reach Volunteering. We are a community and registered charity that connects people, skills and good causes.

To apply for this role, and any other on our platform, you need to be based in the UK, have at least three years of experience using the skills you wish to volunteer in a professional capacity or have lived experience (for trustee roles). Read more about our criteria.

Reading Almshouse Charity 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.

What will you be doing?

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 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. 

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. 

What are we looking for?

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. 

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 and be part of a harmonious and collegial Board
  • 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.

What difference will you make?

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.’

Before you apply

Please contact us via Reach with any questions.

Causes
  • Housing and homelessness
  • Organisation type: 
    Charity

    Reading Almshouse Charity’s mission is to  ‘… provide and maintain affordable accommodation in a community environment on three sites in the Reading...