Board Member opportunity

London | Voluntary role | Reasonable expenses paid

Help shape the next chapter of a housing charity that has supported young people in London for 100 years

HYELM provides safe, high-quality and affordable homes for young people working in London, including many key workers and people at the beginning of their careers. Our purpose is simple but important: to help young people build their lives and careers in London by giving them an affordable and secure place to call home.

As we celebrate our centenary, we are appointing two new Board Members through separate recruitment processes. This opportunity focuses specifically on technology, cyber security and marketing/communications. We are delivering a significant programme of investment in our existing homes, considering opportunities for future growth and development, and continuing to strengthen our organisation for the future.

The opportunity

As a Board Member, you will share collective responsibility for the governance and strategic leadership of HYELM. Working with fellow Board Members and our small executive team, you will:

• help shape our strategy and long-term direction;
• ensure HYELM remains financially sustainable and delivers its charitable purpose;
• provide constructive challenge, support and oversight to the executive team;
• oversee organisational performance, risk, regulatory compliance and the safety and quality of our homes;
• ensure the needs and experiences of our residents inform Board decision-making; and
• act as an ambassador for HYELM and the work we do.

Who are we looking for?

We want to hear from people who share our commitment to providing good-quality, affordable homes for young people in London and who bring independent thinking, sound judgement and constructive challenge to our Board.

For this appointment, we are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Technology and digital strategy: digital transformation, data and information governance, technology procurement, and the effective use of systems to improve organisational and resident services.
• Cyber security and resilience: information security, cyber risk, business continuity, data protection and the oversight of appropriate digital controls.
• Marketing and communications: brand and reputation, digital communications, stakeholder engagement, audience insight and strategies to increase organisational profile and impact.

These are complementary areas rather than a requirement for every candidate. We welcome applicants with depth in one discipline and an interest in the wider challenges facing a small housing charity.

Previous Board or Trustee experience is not essential. We welcome candidates considering their first Board role and will provide induction, training and support. We value different perspectives and lived experience, including insight into housing affordability and young people’s experiences in London.

What will you gain?

• The opportunity to make a tangible contribution to HYELM’s social purpose;
• experience of strategic decisions about the future of an established London housing charity;
• opportunities to develop your governance, strategic leadership and decision-making experience;
• broader professional networks; and
• access to relevant training, development and sector events.

If this is your first Board role, we will agree a tailored induction and development programme with you.

Commitment and term

The expected commitment is approximately one day per month. This includes around five Board meetings each year, the AGM, Board strategy/away days, preparation and reading, training and occasional events. Meetings are generally held in person in London. The role is voluntary and reasonable expenses are paid. Appointments are normally for a three-year term and may be renewed once, subject to HYELM’s governance arrangements.

How to apply

Please submit a current CV and a supporting statement of no more than two A4 pages explaining why you would like to join HYELM’s Board and how your expertise and perspective would enable you to contribute.

Please send your application to: [email protected]

Closing date: Monday 16^th November 5pm | Shortlisting: 17^th – 19^th November | Interviews: late November / early December, in person at HYELM Old Street.