Who We Are & Our Journey

Hey there, great to see you looking into EPIC!

EPIC Housing is the proud custodian of approximately 1,400 homes across North Staffordshire with properties in Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands. Our homes come in two flavours; ‘social’ and ‘affordable’ rents and our tenants are the real VIPs in our world.

Our focus is always on our tenants and their homes, but we’ve got an awesome culture too; where we grow, develop, and maybe even have a little bit of fun along the way. Despite our small crew, we like to keep things interesting and are always looking for opportunities and ways to improve and develop each other, and the way we do things. ‘Smarter, simpler and slicker’ is our mantra!

What We’re Looking For

We know that experience and skills come from a variety of places, and at EPIC, we want to reflect the world that we live in. We know that having a diverse Board of Trustees leads to better debate and ultimately better decisions. Divergent backgrounds mean ideas are looked at in different ways and can create positive disruption from the status quo. We do have key attributes that we are looking for at the current time in EPIC’s continued evolution, but we absolutely welcome interest from a broad spectrum of applicants. A variety of backgrounds can make EPIC more adaptable to the ever-changing environment.

We are looking for specific experience in the following areas:

• Asset management.
• Information Technology.
• Cyber security.
• Artificial Intelligence.
• Lived experience as a social housing tenant (preferably as an EPIC tenant).

Main Purpose of The Role

• To lead and work with the senior leadership team in setting and steering the strategic vision of EPIC, in line with statutory and regulatory requirements, good governance, performance management and effective strategic planning.
• To act as an ambassador for EPIC.

Our Values

Fairness – We treat people equitably and make decisions based on facts, not personal opinions.

Teamwork – We work with our tenants to ensure we deliver good services. We believe that using our combined strengths makes us a better organisation.

Respect – We treat people with respect and act with courtesy.

Understanding – We are empathetic, approachable, and act professionally.

Excellence – We take pride in what we do and strive to improve services.

Integrity – We are honest, dependable and do what we say we will.

Application Process

We want our candidates to have complete transparency of the recruitment process. This is why we do not hide our salaries or keep you guessing!

Salary – £2,500

Advert Opening Date – Monday 1st September 2025

Advert Closure Date – Monday 22nd September 2025

Application Method – CV & Cover Letter

Early Closure – Please note that from time to time, we receive a large volume of applications and therefore we may close our vacancy early. To avoid disappointment, we recommend applying today!

About The Role

Job Description

• Work with the Board of Trustees (Board) and Senior Leadership Team in setting the strategic vision, values, and culture for EPIC.
• Ensure effective Board oversight of delivery against the corporate plan, monitoring of customer satisfaction with the services and overall value for money.
• Ensure the necessary financial and other resources are in place to deliver the strategic outcomes and promote the long-term, sustainable success of the organisation.
• Ensure good oversight of the governance arrangements.
• Ensuring effective risk management, stress testing of the financial plan and effective mitigation measures are in place.
• Ensure effective decision making, actively contributing experience, insight, and skills to provide constructive challenge, debate and inform decision-making.
• Ensure EPIC is compliant with all its legal and regulatory obligations, including Building Safety, the Regulator of Social Housing standards, the National Housing Federation Code of Governance and recognised good practice.
• Comply with EPIC’s Code of Conduct, Control Framework, rules and other internal policies and procedures as set and amended by the Board.
• To maintain a clear service user and community focus, ensuring the needs and safety of the organisation’s current and future tenants are placed at the heart of the Board’s decision making.
• To approve an annual business plan and budgets that support the achievement of the corporate plan and strategic aims.
• To ensure that all assets are managed efficiently and effectively, and that capacity is properly utilised, so as to maintain long-term viability and sustainability of the organisation and its assets.
• To oversee performance and continuous improvement to drive excellence.

Person Specification

• Evidence of working within an environment requiring an understanding and appreciation of organisational complexities, be those operational, financial or from a business assurance perspective, with a particular awareness of the organisation’s strengths and weaknesses and the impact of Board decisions upon them.
• An ability to communicate effectively within a collaborative framework, building good relations and earning the confidence of the leadership team and board. Actively participating in discussions, taking account of other viewpoints
• An ability to evaluate and analyse problems effectively in line with the needs and aspirations of the organisation, whilst having regard to the long-term implications of any decisions and an awareness of the framework of delegation.
• An understanding of the perspective of key stakeholders, including tenants, ensuring these are considered in all decisions and all relevant diversity issues are actively championed.
• A track record in overseeing the delivery of exemplary customer-focused services and developing services in a multi-channel setting.
• Experience, knowledge, or awareness of issues affecting the housing sector and tenants.
• Can demonstrate passion, motivation, drive, integrity and an inclusive style.

General

• A willingness and capacity to attend Board meetings and training courses in order to improve knowledge of the business, likely to be held outside normal working hours.
• A willingness to share knowledge in areas of expertise as may be required from time to time, having regard to the need to record any potential/actual conflicts of interest.
• A willingness to actively participate in sub-committees that may be established within the Governance structure.

Practicalities

• We pay our Trustees a fee of £2,500 a year plus out of pocket expenses.
• Board members are appointed for a three-year term, which can be extended to a maximum of six years.
• We provide papers online for Board and Committee meetings a week in advance. Board and Committee meetings are a mix of in-person at our offices in Bentilee and Meir, Stoke-on-Trent, and online via Microsoft Teams.
• Our Board currently meets 6 times per year, and Committees in addition to this. We estimate that the average time commitment involved for meetings, training and preparation is between one to two days a month.
• You will receive a Board member induction programme and receive training and development that is relevant to all members, but also tailored to your needs, based on your skills, knowledge, and experience.
• You will receive a Service Agreement detailing the terms of your appointment.

To view the full Trustee recruitment pack, head to our website or contact recruitment@epichousing.co.uk.