Non-Executive Director in Sevenoaks

Non-Executive Director in Sevenoaks

Sevenoaks Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
West Kent Housing Association

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Guide strategic direction and shape the culture of a purpose-driven organisation.
  • Company: West Kent Housing Association, a values-led social housing provider.
  • Benefits: Opportunity to influence change and make a real impact in communities.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive Board welcoming fresh perspectives.
  • Why this job: Join a mission-driven team focused on people and community well-being.
  • Qualifications: Experience in HR, people strategy, and organisational development.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

West Kent Housing Association is a well-established, values-led social housing provider serving communities across Kent. Rooted in a strong social purpose, we provide safe, affordable homes and high-quality services to thousands of residents, playing an essential role in enabling people and places to flourish.

With a secure financial footing and a clear strategic direction, West Kent has made significant investment in its systems, infrastructure and operational capability in recent years. We have strengthened our foundations. The next stage of our journey is about ensuring our culture, leadership and ways of working fully unlock the potential of that investment.

We recognise that moving from good to great is not simply about systems or strategy. It is about people. It is about creating an environment where colleagues feel trusted, supported and confident to operate in a modern, technology-enabled organisation. It is about nurturing a culture that is inclusive, accountable and focused on delivering meaningful outcomes for residents.

This is an important moment to join the Board and help shape the future of a purpose-driven organisation that places people at the heart of its ambitions.

As a Non-Executive Director, you will work in partnership with fellow Board members and the Executive Team to guide the strategic direction, culture and long-term sustainability of the organisation. You will bring independent judgement, thoughtful insight and constructive challenge. You will help ensure West Kent continues to demonstrate strong governance, financial resilience and a deep commitment to residents and colleagues alike.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Shaping the strategic vision and ensuring our values are lived and felt across the organisation
  • Supporting and overseeing delivery of our corporate and people strategies
  • Championing customer experience, colleague engagement and sustainable performance
  • Ensuring strong financial stewardship, effective risk oversight and long-term organisational health
  • Keeping resident voice and lived experience central to Board dialogue and acting as an authentic ambassador for West Kent and its social purpose

The Opportunity

Having invested heavily in digital and operational infrastructure, our focus now is on embedding the cultural and behavioural shifts that will allow us to fully realise that potential. This appointment offers the opportunity to help guide a thoughtful evolution in how we lead, collaborate and perform. We are looking for someone who will bring insight, empathy and confidence to Board discussions. Someone who can ask the right questions, support the Executive to think differently and help us create an environment where people feel engaged, valued and equipped to succeed.

About You

We are seeking a senior HR or People leader with deep expertise in people strategy, culture and organisational development. You will bring:

  • Hands-on, up to date experience of shaping and delivering modern people strategies
  • A strong track record of leading cultural and workforce transformation
  • Experience of supporting organisations operating in hybrid, dispersed or technology-enabled environments
  • Confidence working within regulated, performance-focused settings
  • The ability to interpret workforce data and translate insight into strategic direction
  • The confidence to offer constructive, respectful challenge while building trusted relationships
  • A genuine commitment to inclusive leadership, organisational learning and continuous improvement
  • Sound judgement, independence of thought and personal credibility at Board level

Previous Non-Executive experience is welcome but not essential. What matters most is your perspective, your values and your ability to contribute meaningfully at a strategic level. We are particularly interested in individuals who can bring fresh thinking from beyond traditional housing settings, and who are motivated by learning about our sector and strengthening our social impact.

Diversity & Inclusion

West Kent Housing Association is committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board that reflects the communities we serve. We warmly welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

If you are motivated by the opportunity to shape culture, champion people and help define the next chapter of West Kent's journey, we would welcome a confidential conversation.

Non-Executive Director in Sevenoaks employer: West Kent Housing Association

West Kent Housing Association is an exceptional employer that prioritises a values-led approach, fostering a culture of inclusivity and support for its employees. With a strong commitment to professional development and a focus on meaningful outcomes for residents, the organisation offers a unique opportunity for individuals to contribute to a purpose-driven mission while enjoying a collaborative and empowering work environment in the heart of Kent.

West Kent Housing Association

Contact Details:

West Kent Housing Association Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Non-Executive Director in Sevenoaks

Join HR Networks

Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!

Make Your Presence Known

Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at West Kent Housing Association!

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We think you need these skills to ace Non-Executive Director in Sevenoaks

Strategic Visioning
People Strategy Development
Cultural Transformation
Organisational Development
Financial Stewardship
Risk Oversight
Customer Experience Advocacy

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at West Kent Housing Association. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to West Kent Housing Association and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at West Kent Housing Association. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to West Kent Housing Association's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.

How to prepare for a job interview at West Kent Housing Association

Brush Up on HR Best Practices

As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with West Kent Housing Association.

Know Your Recruitment Tools

Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!

Highlight Your People Skills

A full-time HR role at West Kent Housing Association will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.

Stay Current with HR Trends

Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact West Kent Housing Association and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.