At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a Board to drive social change and improve community services.
- Company: A successful housing charity making a positive impact in North Devon.
- Benefits: Earn £7,000 per annum with flexible remote and in-person meetings.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to influence real change.
- Why this job: Be part of a team focused on creating communities where people want to live.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing sector boards and skills in customer engagement or IT.
The predicted salary is between 7000 - 7000 £ per year.
Do you want to be part of a Board and team with a strong social purpose, delivering real change and improvements to the community? Our client is a successful housing charity based in North Devon, with a turnover of £23 million and 3,300 homes. Their team makes a positive difference to over 8,000 customers across North Devon.
They are looking to recruit a Board Member / Senior Independent Director who can bring real value and experience to their strategic leadership team. They are looking for someone with previous housing sector board experience, a good understanding of business change, innovation and leadership as they refine services in line with customer feedback and respond to the changing regulatory agenda.
A key focus for the organisation is improving the way in which they communicate with their customers and deliver their services. To enhance their current Board’s skills, they are ideally looking for someone with a background in one or more of the following areas:
- Customer Engagement and involvement
- Information Technology/Cyber Security
- Finance
- Landlord Safety Compliance
They are always keen to hear from candidates with some of the above experiences who could also bring “lived” experience of being a social housing tenant or as a leaseholder or shared owner. Their Board is team-focused with a strong sense of collaboration and a common purpose of meeting their communities’ needs and fulfilling their vision of ‘creating communities where people want to live’.
There are typically 7 Board meetings per year. Currently, three of these will be held in person in North Devon, with the remaining four being virtual meetings. In-person meetings tend to incorporate an additional element (e.g. training or strategy away day) to get the most out of the time together.
In addition to main Board meetings, the Senior Independent Director (SID) will support the Customer Board Partnership (CBP) by attending their meetings in person, approximately 4-6 meetings per year. As SID, you will support the Chair and Board Members providing independent guidance across the broad spectrum of Board work. As the SID is expected to attend CBP meetings in person, being located within one and a half hours of the organisation’s head office in Barnstaple is advantageous.
The Senior Independent Director is also a member of the Group People and Remuneration Committee (4 virtual meetings per year).
As a Disability Confident and Equal Opportunities Employer, they welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups and disabled candidates.
Location: Remote / Barnstaple, Devon
Salary: £7,000 per annum
Closing date for applications: 26th June 2026 @ 10:00 am
Interviews: 1st round - w/c 6th July (virtual), Final interview 13th July (in person)
Senior Independent Director / Board Member in Barnstaple employer: Iris Recruitment
Join a dedicated housing charity in North Devon that prioritises social impact and community improvement. With a collaborative work culture and a commitment to employee growth, this role offers the opportunity to influence strategic decisions while making a tangible difference in the lives of over 8,000 customers. Enjoy flexible meeting arrangements and the chance to contribute to a vision of creating vibrant communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Independent Director / Board Member in Barnstaple
✨Get Involved in Local Volunteering
Dive into some local volunteering opportunities! Nonprofits often look for temp workers who have a connection to the community they serve. By getting involved, you not only gain experience but also make valuable contacts in the sector.
✨Tap into Nonprofit Networks
Use platforms like Idealist or local nonprofit job boards to find temporary gigs. These spaces are buzzing with opportunities specifically tailored for social impact projects, making it easier for us to spot the ideal role at companies like Iris Recruitment!
✨Attend Sector-Specific Events
Join meetings, workshops, or talks hosted by organisations in the nonprofit realm. These events are perfect for making connections and learning about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised. Plus, you can showcase your passion for social impact right there!
✨Don’t Forget Online Applications!
When you spot a temporary role at Iris Recruitment that piques your interest, go ahead and apply through their website! Tailor your message to highlight how your skills align with their mission – it shows you care about the cause, which is key in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Independent Director / Board Member in Barnstaple
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:In the world of nonprofits, it's all about the passion and commitment to making a difference. Make sure your cover letter speaks genuinely about why you're excited about this role at Iris Recruitment. Share any experiences you've had with social impact projects or volunteering — it shows you live and breathe the cause!
Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills:For a temporary position in the nonprofit sector, focus on showcasing any specific skills or experience related to project management, community engagement, or fundraising. List any relevant work or volunteer roles on your CV, and consider including quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
References from the Sector:Including references from previous roles in the nonprofit world can really bolster your application. If you've worked on similar social-impact projects before, ask those colleagues or supervisors if they'd be willing to vouch for your skills. This adds credibility and shows you're trusted in the sector, which can be a big plus for Iris Recruitment.
Be Ready for a Quick Turnaround:Since this role is temporary, let your interest shine through in your application! Mention in your cover letter your availability to start immediately or at short notice. It shows you're keen and ready to dive right into the exciting work at Iris Recruitment!
How to prepare for a job interview at Iris Recruitment
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When interviewing for a role in the non-profit sector, especially for a temporary position, it's crucial to convey your genuine passion for social impact. Discuss why the mission of Iris Recruitment resonates with you and share personal experiences that reflect your commitment to similar causes.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Non-profit projects often require quick pivots and resourcefulness. Be ready to share examples from your past where you've adapted to changing circumstances or tackled unexpected challenges. This will show your potential as a valuable, nimble team member for the Senior Independent Director / Board Member position.
✨Know Your Community Tools
Familiarise yourself with any tools or platforms that are widely used in the non-profit sector like project management software or stakeholder engagement tools. Show your readiness to hit the ground running in your temporary role by discussing any experience you have with these or similar platforms.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to field scenario-based questions during your interview to assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges typical of the non-profit sector, such as engaging with diverse stakeholders or managing project timelines effectively.
