Background

Croydon Almshouses is the oldest charity in Croydon, with a 550-year legacy of supporting people in need. It provides high-quality accommodation and holistic support to over 60 older residents, enabling independent living within a secure and connected community. The charity also plays a vital role as a grant maker, funding Croydon’s voluntary and community sector through its Relief in Need programme.

Over the past decade, Croydon Almshouses has undergone a significant transformation, evolving into a modern, businesslike organisation with robust systems, strong governance, and a clear strategic direction. Its newly launched 2024–2028 strategy – “Do More, Do Better” sets out ambitious plans to expand its impact across the borough.

Financial and Strategic Context

Croydon Almshouses is a financially self-sustaining organisation:

• It owns eight commercial and sixteen residential properties, generating rental income.
• It holds investment assets of just under £23 million, managed by Newton Investment Management and M&G Investments UK.
• In 2023, total income was £1.7 million, with investment income forming a significant portion.
• A ringfenced Strategy Delivery Fund has been established to support future initiatives.

This financial strength allows the charity to operate without reliance on external funding, positioning it as a low-risk but high-impact opportunity for incoming leadership.

Chair Role and Recruitment Brief

The Chair is responsible for leading the Board and supporting the CEO, Hayley James, in delivering the charity’s strategic objectives. The role requires:

• Senior strategic leadership experience (executive or non-executive).
• Strong governance acumen and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A collaborative approach to supporting and constructively challenging the senior leadership team.
• The ability to manage board transition and incorporate new voices into governance.

The recruitment campaign, led by Charity People, was highly targeted:

• 198 individuals were identified through extensive search and mapping.
• 14 applications were received.
• 5 candidates were shortlisted for interview.