Chair of the Board of Trustees - ExtraCare Charitable Trust

Your Russam contact

Melissa

Melissa Baxter

Managing Partner – Charities

melissa.baxter@russam.co.uk

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Hybrid/Midlands
Voluntary
Ref 10164

The Organisation:
The ExtraCare Charitable Trust is a charity that has supported older people for over 35 years. Our vision – better lives for older people – is as relevant today as when the Charity was founded, and our integrated retirement communities provide an alternative approach to later living which counters the societal perception of growing older. 
Our holistic approach has led to significant proven benefits to our residents and wider society as evidenced by our research with Aston and Lancaster Universities. 
We were the pioneers of supported independent living and take pride in providing best-in-class retirement living opportunities and advocating on behalf of older people. Our unique model is much admired and really does change people’s lives for the better. 
Since 1988, ExtraCare has opened retirement villages and smaller housing developments. Our priority has always been to support our residents enjoy happy, healthy and fulfilled lifestyles in our vibrant communities.
We are the UK’s leading not-for-profit developer of housing for over 55s. We operate 14 retirement villages and four smaller retirement schemes supporting over 4,329 residents in 3,778 homes.

To find out more information about the work we do, visit our website: https://www.extracare.org.uk/

The Role:
We are seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees to provide strategic leadership, ensure effective governance, and work closely with the Chief Executive and Trustees to guide the ExtraCare Charitable Trust in delivering its vision, mission, and values. 
Our Charity welcomes applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds to bring the greatest diversity to our Board. 

Person Specification: 

  • Previous Non-Executive Board level experience in a customer-focused organisation (not necessarily within the charity or housing sector).
  • A well-developed understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Board and Chief Executive.
  • A track record in providing effective leadership in an organisation of a similar size with a diverse range of stakeholders.
  • Sound knowledge of governance, accustomed to a high level of accountability within regulated sectors (public or private).
  • Evidence of strong business acumen including strategic planning, financial awareness, risk management, performance management and service development.
  • Demonstrable understanding of operating in a regulated sector.
  • Evidence of understanding and support for the concept of a social business and the operating environment that the Charity operates in.
  • Experience of being an ambassador for an organisation and evidence of effective public speaking.

To find out more about us, the role description and person specification please download the Candidate Briefing Pack. 

How to Apply:
If you are interested in applying for this role, please ensure you provide:

  • A comprehensive CV, including your recent achievements, and the details of two referees
  • A supporting statement, addressing your motivations for applying. This should be no longer than one side of A4.

All applications should be sent to applications@trustees-unlimited.co.uk with your full name and ExtraCare Chair in the subject heading.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter (melissa.baxter@trustees-unlimited.co.uk / 07789 985229).

Closing date for applications: Monday 29th September 2025 
Interviews with ExtraCare Charitable Trust: Tuesday 21st October and Wednesday 22nd October [in person in Coventry].

We look forward to receiving your application.