At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support the Development Committee to enhance housing strategies and governance.
- Company: Southern Housing, a leading housing association with a rich history and community focus.
- Benefits: Competitive remuneration, flexible working options, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to creating safe and proud communities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in housing and community development while shaping strategic decisions.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in construction or regeneration; strong governance skills.
The predicted salary is between 20408 - 20408 £ per year.
About Southern Housing
With roots dating back to 1901, Southern Housing was formed in December 2022 through the merger of Southern Housing Group and Optivo. We are one of the largest housing associations in the UK, owning and managing over 80,000 homes and providing housing for more than 167,000 residents across London, the South East, the Isle of Wight and the Midlands. Our vision is to create communities where everyone has a safe home in a place they’re proud to live. We are currently delivering an ambitious strategy focused on three key goals:
- Becoming the best large landlord for repairs by 2027
- Achieving a C1 Consumer grading by 2028
- Restoring 100% EBITDA-MRI cash interest cover by 2029
We are now seeking to appoint both a Chair of the Development Committee (Board Member) and an Independent Member of the Development Committee to strengthen governance and bring specialist expertise in regeneration and construction.
About the Roles
Chair of the Development Committee (Board Member)This is a key Board-level appointment, providing strategic leadership of the Development Committee and contributing to the overall governance and direction of Southern Housing. You will:
- Chair the Development Committee, ensuring effective oversight of development strategy and delivery
- Provide strategic leadership across development, regeneration and capital investment programmes
- Support and challenge the Executive to drive performance and value for money
- Ensure robust governance, risk management and decision-making at Board level
- Act as an ambassador for the organisation with key stakeholders, including residents and regulators
Significant senior leadership experience in house-building construction or regeneration.
- Strong commercial and procurement expertise
- Board-level experience (highly desirable)
- The ability to chair effectively, providing both support and constructive challenge
- Strategic insight and credibility to operate at Board level
As an Independent Member, you will bring specialist technical and commercial expertise to support effective scrutiny and assurance of development activity. You will:
- Scrutinise development technical expertise is the priority.
- Strong alignment to Southern Housing’s purpose and values
- Collaborative and collegiate approach to leadership and decision-making
- Ability to analyse complex information and contribute to strategic discussions
- High standards of integrity, accountability and governance
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Time Commitment: Approx. 3–5 days per month
Location: London (primarily in-person at Farringdon)
Remuneration: £20,408 per annum
Independent Member of the Development CommitteeTime Commitment: Approx. 1–2 days per month
Location: London (hybrid – Farringdon and virtual meetings)
Remuneration: £5,515 per annum
Closing date: 4 May 2026
For more information, candidate packs and details on how to apply, please visit: http://www.southernhousing.org.uk/BoardRecruitment
For more information please reach out to Hannah Smith at Neemar Search hannahsmith@neemarsearch.com
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Southern Housing is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and values-led organisation. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Our recruitment process is fair and accessible, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates. As a Disability Confident employer, we’re happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please let us know if there’s anything we can do to support you.
Non-Executive Director - Development Committee employer: Southern Housing
Southern Housing is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees and the communities it serves. With a strong commitment to professional development and strategic leadership opportunities, particularly in the areas of regeneration and construction, Southern Housing offers a meaningful role in shaping the future of housing across London and the South East. The organisation's focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion ensures that all voices are heard, making it a rewarding place for individuals passionate about making a positive impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Non-Executive Director - Development Committee
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the housing and construction sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet key players. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Southern Housing thoroughly—know their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Be ready to discuss your past experiences in house-building and regeneration. Use specific examples that highlight your strategic insight and leadership skills to impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Southern Housing and contributing to their vision.
We think you need these skills to ace Non-Executive Director - Development Committee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and what Southern Housing is all about. Dive into their vision and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you tailor your application to show you're the perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise:When it comes to your written application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant, and make sure your skills and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation come through in your writing. Share why you want to be part of Southern Housing and how you can contribute to their mission. A bit of personality goes a long way in making your application stand out!
Check, Check, and Check Again:Before hitting send, give your application a thorough once-over. Look for typos, grammatical errors, and ensure everything flows nicely. You want to present yourself as professional and detail-oriented, so don’t skip this step!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Housing
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Southern Housing's mission and recent developments. Familiarise yourself with their strategic goals, especially around repairs and governance. This will help you demonstrate your alignment with their values and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your senior leadership experience in house-building or regeneration. Be ready to discuss how you've provided strategic oversight and driven performance in previous positions, as this will resonate well with the Board-level expectations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Think of thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the challenges Southern Housing faces in achieving their ambitious goals. This not only shows your interest but also your strategic thinking and ability to engage in meaningful discussions.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Southern Housing values a collaborative approach, so be sure to highlight your experiences working in teams and how you've fostered a collegiate environment in past roles. Discuss how you can support and challenge the Executive effectively while maintaining strong governance.
