Board Trainee

Housing Diversity Network; Bedford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading housing organization in the UK is offering a Board Trainee role aimed at fostering diverse leadership within housing associations. This two-year learning and mentoring program includes regular participation in board meetings, development activities, and opportunities to gain insights into board member responsibilities. Ideal for individuals seeking to enhance their skills and contribute to community-focused initiatives while ensuring equality and inclusivity. The program aims to prepare candidates for future full Board Member roles.

Responsibilities

• Attend board and committee meetings regularly ensuring meeting papers have been read ahead of time.
• Engage fully in the Housing Diversity Network (HDN) Board Trainee Programme.
• Participate in Board Trainee learning and development activity organised by bpha.
• Work with the Governance Team to provide regular feedback to the Board on the HDN Programme.
• Represent the organisation in an appropriate manner.
• Uphold and promote the core policies, purpose, values and objectives of bpha, including its commitment to equal opportunities.
• Contribute to the creation of a positive culture within the Board and Committees.

Job description

Are you inspired by the opportunity to make a positive difference to people and communities? If so, our Board Trainee role may be an exciting and rewarding opportunity.

We have joined up with the Housing Diversity Network (HDN) to deliver a two‑year learning, development, and mentoring programme, to support and nurture a more diverse cohort of future Board Members to join bpha in the near future as part of our successful planning, but also an opportunity to build diverse board member capacity in the social housing sector.

This two‑year programme is designed to support your development through learning, mentoring and hands‑on experience. It is about developing diverse leaders at Board level – we recognise the current paucity of board diversity within the sector and this is our collective response to close that gap.

Throughout the programme, you’ll gain valuable insights into what it means to be a Board member for a housing association by attending a range of board and committee meetings across our group, contributing to discussions that shape our services. You will have the chance to ask questions and get involved and will be supported by an experienced board member as a buddy, to help guide your learning journey.

You will also be enrolled on the HDN Board Trainee Programme. HDN developed the programme in recognition of the lack of diversity across housing association boards.

Our long‑term goal is to develop individuals who, in time, will be able to gain the skills, experience and confidence needed to be successful in applying for a full Board Member role with bpha or elsewhere.

Role Responsibilities

• Attend board and committee meetings regularly ensuring meeting papers have been read ahead of time.
• Engage fully in the Housing Diversity Network (HDN) Board Trainee Programme.
• Participate in Board Trainee learning and development activity organised by bpha.
• Work with the Governance Team to provide regular feedback to the Board on the HDN Programme.
• Represent the organisation in an appropriate matter.
• Uphold and promote the core policies, purpose, values and objectives of bpha, including its commitment to equal opportunities.
• Contribute to the creation of a positive culture within the Board and Committees.

About Us

bpha is a Housing Association located in the Oxford to Cambridge arc, which is to providing its customers with high‑quality, value‑for‑money services whilst continuing to develop energy efficient, sustainable and affordable housing. We are a leading provider and developer of affordable homes – for rent, sheltered, residential care and shared ownership. We work together with communities to improve opportunities, independence and quality of life for our residents, and to benefit the wider community. We bring people together, and run and support a wide range of community activities. All the money we make is used to invest in existing homes, to enable us to build new homes, and to deliver new and improved services. We own or manage over 19,500 homes and over 500 staff.

Our Vision & Values

To build communities where people can live happily in a home they can afford. Our values underpin the work that we do and are ingrained in our culture at bpha. We are looking for people who can share these values and translate them into day‑to‑day practices for the benefit of our communities, customers and fellow colleagues. So that we can realise our vision, together.

How to Apply

To find out more and to apply, please click here.

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