Non-Executive Director (People & Culture) in Sevenoaks

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

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.