At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Board to shape the future of housing and support for older people.
- Company: Abbeyfield & Wesley, a charity dedicated to improving lives of older individuals.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and make a real difference in your community.
- Other info: Meet quarterly and join sub-committees to deepen your understanding and impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a compassionate team and champion the well-being of older people.
- Qualifications: No prior board experience needed; just a passion for helping others.
Join our Board and make a difference to the lives of older people. Abbeyfield & Wesley is a housing association providing a range of housing and support for older people across Northern Ireland. We’re a registered charity and member society of the Abbeyfield movement, which has its roots in voluntary action. With thirteen supported sheltered houses, three sheltered housing schemes and a residential dementia care home, the provision of good quality, affordable housing is at the heart of what we do. But we’re not just about bricks and mortar – the recognition that overcoming loneliness and insecurity can make all the difference to an older person’s well-being and quality of life; and that local people have an essential part to play in helping older people in the community has been fundamental to Abbeyfield’s guiding principles for 70 years.
We want to expand the range of skills, knowledge and expertise within our Board. We’re looking for new members who have commitment and an interest in older people, housing, care and support. The successful applicant(s) will:
- have the ability to exercise general independent judgement, debate constructively and challenge vigorously while working to achieve a shared consensus
- have the ability to review and comment on strategic, financial and operational matters.
We will particularly welcome expressions of interest from females and those with experience in estates management, health & social care, HR/employment, legal, marketing/PR or older people. You don’t need to have previous board experience to apply; we’ll provide a full induction and support.
The Board meets a minimum of four times a year. Meetings are currently held in person on the evening of the second Monday of March, June, September and December. All appointments are for an initial three-year term. In addition, Board Members are encouraged to join one of our three sub-committees to broaden their understanding of the organisation (Finance, Governance & Audit or Property & Development). Committee meetings are usually held quarterly, at a time arranged to suit committee members.
Becoming one of our Board Members means you will not only be using your skills to shape the work of Abbeyfield & Wesley, but you’ll also be supporting and championing the lives of older people in your community. And of course, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your knowledge, broaden your experience and be part of a supportive, compassionate and dynamic team. All Board Members are appointed on a voluntary basis. Reasonable out of pocket expenses, including mileage, will be reimbursed.
A Recruitment Pack and Expression of interest form are available below. Completed Expressions of Interest should be returned by 5pm on Friday 17th July 2026. Informal interviews will be held at a mutually convenient time.
Voluntary Board Members (multiple posts) Closing Date: Friday, 17 July 2026 in Carrickfergus employer: NIFHA - Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Association
Abbeyfield & Wesley is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the lives of older people in Northern Ireland through quality housing and support. As a voluntary Board Member, you will join a compassionate and dynamic team, gaining valuable experience while making a meaningful impact in your community. With a commitment to personal growth and a supportive work culture, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a cause that truly matters.
Contact Details:
NIFHA - Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Association Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Voluntary Board Members (multiple posts) Closing Date: Friday, 17 July 2026 in Carrickfergus
✨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 Voluntary Board Members (multiple posts) Closing Date: Friday, 17 July 2026 in Carrickfergus
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like NIFHA - Northern Ireland Federation of 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 NIFHA - Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Association.
How to prepare for a job interview at NIFHA - Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Association
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of NIFHA - Northern Ireland Federation of 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!
