At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Board to shape affordable housing for rural communities.
- Company: Join English Rural, a specialist in affordable rural homes.
- Benefits: Earn £7,000 per year with flexible meeting arrangements.
- Other info: Diverse backgrounds encouraged; applications close on 14 September 2026.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in rural communities and influence future growth.
- Qualifications: Experience chairing boards and strong leadership skills required.
Help shape the future of affordable rural housing. We are looking for an experienced and committed leader to become our next Chair. English Rural is a specialist provider of affordable rural homes. We own and manage around 1,600 homes in nearly 200 villages, principally across the South of England. By working closely with local communities, we help ensure that homes remain affordable for local people, not just now but for generations to come. This is an exciting time to join us. Our recent regulatory inspection reaffirmed our strong governance (G1) and financial viability (V1), alongside our first consumer grading of C2. The Board is also refreshing our Business Strategy for the next phase of growth, giving the new Chair an early opportunity to help shape our direction. We are looking for someone with proven experience of chairing a board, committee or organisation. You will be able to provide clear strategic leadership, build an effective and supportive relationship with our Chief Executive and executive team, and encourage constructive discussion around the Board table. Sound judgement, strong communication and a commitment to good governance will be essential. Experience of social housing or the not-for-profit sector would be valuable, as would an understanding of rural communities, regulated organisations or customer-focused services. However, these are desirable rather than essential. Above all, we are looking for someone who shares our commitment to helping rural communities thrive. The role involves around five Board meetings each year, committee attendance and regular contact with the Chief Executive. The overall commitment is typically around 25 days a year. Meetings are a mixture of in-person and online, with at least three Board meetings each year generally held in London. The role is remunerated at £7,000 per year, and the successful candidate will receive a full induction and planned handover. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage interest from groups currently under-represented on our Board. We know that different experiences and perspectives make for stronger decisions and better outcomes for the communities we serve. Applications close at 12 noon on 14 September 2026. If our purpose speaks to you, I hope you will consider joining us and leading English Rural into its next chapter. Interested? If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position. No agencies please
Chair in London employer: English Rural Housing Association
English Rural is an exceptional employer dedicated to shaping the future of affordable housing in rural communities. With a strong governance rating and a commitment to inclusivity, we offer a collaborative work culture where your leadership can directly impact local lives. Join us in this rewarding role as Chair, where you will have the opportunity to guide our strategic direction while working alongside passionate individuals who share your commitment to community welfare.
Contact Details:
English Rural Housing Association Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair in London
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Chair in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like English Rural Housing Association, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at English Rural Housing Association.
How to prepare for a job interview at English Rural Housing Association
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of English Rural Housing Association and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
