At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic governance and support the Board in shaping the future of Viewpoint Housing Association.
- Company: Join a respected housing and care organisation with over 75 years of service.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and networking with influential leaders in the sector.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey, guiding an ambitious organisation towards sustainable growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership, governance, and strategic development is essential.
For more than 75 years, Viewpoint Housing Association has delivered high-quality housing, care and support services for older people across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife. Today, it owns and manages over 1,300 properties and operates two care homes in central Edinburgh, maintaining a strong commitment to helping people live independently, safely and with dignity.
As part of its planned Board succession, Viewpoint is seeking to appoint an exceptional Vice Chair (Chair Designate). Working alongside the current Chair during a planned transition period, the successful candidate will gain a detailed understanding of the organisation, its governance, culture and strategic priorities before assuming the role of Chair in 2027.
This is a rare opportunity to play a leading role in the governance of one of Scotland's most respected housing and care organisations. Working closely with fellow Board members and the Executive Team, the Vice Chair will support the continued delivery of Viewpoint's strategic ambitions while helping to shape the organisation's long-term future. The Board is committed to ensuring Viewpoint adapts to changing customer needs and the wider operating environment.
The successful candidate will support the Board in assessing future strategic opportunities across housing, care and support services, enabling sustainable growth while keeping Viewpoint financially resilient, values-led and focused on excellent service delivery. This is an opportunity to provide experienced, strategic leadership to a capable and ambitious Executive Leadership Team. The successful candidate will bring sound judgement, perspective, and the ability to support, mentor and constructively challenge senior leaders, helping the organisation build on its strong foundations while preparing for the opportunities ahead.
About You
We are looking for an experienced, collaborative leader with the credibility, judgement and strategic perspective to guide an ambitious organisation through its next stage of development. You will bring a broad organisational perspective, combining strong governance with strategic thinking and commercial awareness. Confident at Board level, you will be able to support and constructively challenge an ambitious Executive Leadership Team, helping Viewpoint achieve its long-term goals.
You may already have experience as a Chair or Non-Executive Director, or you may be a senior executive seeking your first Chair appointment. You will be able to demonstrate:
- Significant executive and/or non-executive leadership experience.
- A track record of leading strategic growth, business transformation or organisational change.
- Experience contributing to organisational growth, transformation or strategic development.
- Strong governance, commercial and financial awareness.
- The ability to think strategically while maintaining a holistic view of organisational performance.
- Outstanding communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills.
- A collaborative, inclusive and values-led leadership style.
- A genuine commitment to the values and purpose of Viewpoint.
Whilst experience within housing, care or the wider public or third sectors would be advantageous, we also welcome applications from leaders who have successfully guided organisations through periods of strategic change, growth or diversification in other sectors.
Time Commitment
The Board meets approximately eight times per year, with additional time required for preparation, Board development activities and occasional stakeholder engagement. This is a voluntary appointment, although reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
Further Information
For a confidential discussion, please contact Nigel Fortnum or Paul Rooney at Aspen People on 0141 212 7555 or email enquiries@aspenpeople.co.uk.
Closing date: Monday 24th August
First interview date: Thursday 3rd September
Final interview date: Monday 21st September
Board meeting: Wednesday 23rd September
Future Chair: Strategic Governance Leader employer: Aspen People
Aspen People is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment in Cumnock, Scotland, where you can make a meaningful impact on housing and community well-being. With a commitment to employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for professional advancement while fostering a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that prioritises both organizational success and tenant satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Future Chair: Strategic Governance Leader
✨Connect with Local Community Projects
Get involved with local community service projects or government initiatives that align with your interests. This will not only give you hands-on experience but also help you build connections within the public sector that might lead to volunteer opportunities at places like Aspen People.
✨Check Online Portals and Local Councils
Many government organisations post their volunteer roles on specific online portals or their official sites. Keep an eye on the careers section of Aspen People's website and your local council’s page to find roles that resonate with you.
✨Get Involved in Public Sector Events
Look for local events, town hall meetings, or public forums where you can meet professionals from the public sector. Engaging in conversations at these events can spot volunteer opportunities and even lead to future roles within Aspen People.
✨Network with Fellow Volunteers
Join groups or forums focused on volunteering in your area. Not only will you be able to share experiences, but you might also come across insider info about upcoming roles at Aspen People or other related organisations. It's all about who you know!
We think you need these skills to ace Future Chair: Strategic Governance Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Community Involvement:Volunteering in the government and public sector is all about making a difference in your community. Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or community projects you’ve been involved in on your CV. We want to see how passionate you are about serving the public and what initiatives you've taken to create positive change.
Emphasise Transferable Skills:In the public sector, skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving are golden. Highlight any experiences where you've demonstrated these skills, even if they were in a non-public sector role. We appreciate real-world examples that show your ability to connect with people and work collaboratively towards common goals.
Craft a Purposeful Cover Letter:Since you're applying for a volunteer role, your cover letter should reflect your motivation and commitment to helping others. Use this opportunity to express your passion for public service and any specific issues or groups you’re excited to support. Let's see your reason for wanting to join our cause at Aspen People!
Show Your Availability:When you're volunteering, we need to know how much time you can commit. Be clear about your availability and any other commitments you might have. This will help us understand how you can best fit into our team at Aspen People. Let’s make sure you can be the mighty force we need on the ground!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspen People
✨Know Your Community
For a volunteer role in the public sector, it’s super important to understand the community or area you’ll be serving. Reflect on local issues and initiatives that affect residents. This shows your interest and awareness, which can set you apart during the interview with Aspen People.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment
Volunteering is about service – be ready to discuss why you want to contribute to the public sector. Share any past experiences of community involvement or projects that demonstrate your dedication. Be honest about your motivations; passion goes a long way in volunteer roles.
✨Familiarity with Policies
Brush up on basic policies or regulations relevant to the public sector. Familiarity with how these impact community services can be a big plus. You might be asked situational questions where your understanding of these matters might help, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Bring Your Soft Skills
In a volunteer role, soft skills are key. Think of examples that showcase your teamwork, empathy, and communication skills. Since we’re dealing with people from various backgrounds, your ability to connect and collaborate is crucial, so be ready with stories that highlight these abilities.
