Non Executive Directors

A Group Board Member role that also includes membership of our Commercial Board, £6,090 (includes £500 travel allowance pro rata). Independent Member of the Investment Committee £2,730 pa (includes £500 travel allowance pro rata).

Bernicia is a modern, forward-thinking and dynamic housing business with a set of values that reflect a sector created to help people. For over 60 years, Bernicia has been a highly respected organisation providing quality affordable homes and delivering a range of exceptional services to people across the North East region. We own and manage over 14,000 properties and provide homes and services to over 60,000 residents. We are an anchor institution in the North East with a strong commitment to community investment, particularly in raising aspirations and building skills, confidence, and employability opportunities.

We employ over 660 people and have an annual turnover of circa £100 million. Bernicia has a proud history of working with and listening to our tenants and customers. Through better understanding comes better decision-making, which helps us invest wisely to deliver the maximum social value we can for our communities. Over the next 5 years, our ‘Bernicia Effect, Supporting Opportunity’ corporate strategy will see us invest over £400 million in services, in new and existing homes, in neighbourhoods, in communities, and in the North East region.

Our commercial subsidiary, Kingston, delivers leasehold & estates management services on behalf of owner occupiers, estate agency, and private rented accommodation. Operating on a ‘profit for purpose’ basis, their surplus is donated to Bernicia to support people into training and employment and deliver financial and social inclusion initiatives.

The People we are looking for

• 1 x Group Board Member, with membership of the Commercial Board

We are seeking an individual to serve on our Group Board with an additional responsibility of being a member on our Commercial Board which oversees Kingston, our commercial subsidiary and profit for purpose company. We are looking for an individual who brings clarity of thought and sound judgement, with the ability to understand, analyse and interpret a wide range of business issues, enabling clear, robust and evidence-based decision-making at board level. You will be confident navigating and balancing competing priorities and contributing effectively within a complex organisational environment.

For this role, we are particularly interested in individuals who have experience of operating within complex or evolving organisations, and who are comfortable providing both support and constructive challenge. We are a forward-thinking and ambitious company, so experience of contributing to organisational change and improvement, and supporting organisations through periods of transition would be desirable. The successful candidate will also sit on our Commercial Board, supporting an ambitious commercial business with a significant growth agenda. You will therefore bring an appreciation of commercial drivers and risk, alongside a strong commitment to governance, strategy and long-term sustainability.

If you have the skill set to meet the requirements of the Group Board and to be a member on the Commercial Board, we can offer an exceptional opportunity to use your talents to make a positive difference to the lives of people in your community. You will share our values and can focus on strategy, while bringing the credibility and confidence to constructively challenge and work collaboratively with the Group Board, Commercial Board and executive team to help develop and deliver Bernicia’s strategic plans.

Independent Committee Member, Investment Committee

We are seeking an individual with experience in asset management and new build property development. You will bring a sound understanding of investment decision-making, supported by experience of new build construction and/or property maintenance, and a focus on value for money. Insight on regeneration, with an appreciation of environmental and sustainability considerations in investment decisions, and an understanding of health and safety compliance would be desirable. You will share our values and have the ability to focus on strategy. You will also have the credibility to constructively challenge and work collaboratively with the Investment Committee to help develop and deliver our strategic objectives, including the delivery of up to 1000 new homes in the next 5 years.

For practical purposes, we would prefer applicants to be resident in the North East.

Closing date for applications: 29th May 2026

There will be the opportunity for shortlisted candidates to meet the Chief Executive and Head of Governance prior to the formal interviews. Informal meetings will take place week commencing 8th June 2026. Formal interviews will take place week commencing 22nd June 2026.

Further details and information on how to apply can be found on the microsite or by emailing. The Group is fully committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and we particularly welcome applicants from groups who are currently underrepresented at Bernicia.