ST JOHN'S COMMUNITY HOUSING LIMITED

Summary:

We are looking for volunteers who would be able to assist our frailer almshouse residents in getting to and from our Chapel for Wednesday and Sunday morning services. This might require pushing a wheelchair or walking alongside someone, so they feel supported.

Full training will be provided.

If this role is something that you are interested in, please get in touch on 01962 854226, or email us at Volunteering@stjohnswinchester.co.uk

Salary / Pay:

Voluntary

Description:

Trustee Recruitment Pack
St John’s Winchester
July 2025

Dear prospective Trustee,

Thank you for your interest in joining the Board of St John’s Winchester. We are looking for
individuals who share our commitment to helping people live well in Winchester, and who are ready
to contribute their insight, experience, and judgement to support our work.

As one of England’s oldest charities, we are proud of our 900-year legacy of service. Today, our work
spans almshouse accommodation, dementia care, and community-based support. We are at an
important moment of development, with a clear strategic vision and ambitious plans to strengthen
our impact in the years ahead.

To support this, we are seeking new trustees who bring curiosity, collaboration, and courage. We are
particularly keen to hear from people with experience in property, HR and people leadership and
charity governance, though above all, we are looking for people who care deeply about the dignity
and wellbeing of older people.

Whether or not you have been a trustee before, we hope you will consider bringing your voice to
our Board. We value lived experience, fresh perspectives, and people who want to help shape a
future where every older person in Winchester feels valued, supported, and connected.

With warmest regards,
Marianne Wanstall
Chair of Trustees

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About St John’s Winchester
History and Background of St John's Winchester

The origins of St John’s Winchester can be traced back
to the 10th century, with evidence suggesting that St
John’s Hospital was founded by the 23rd Bishop of
Winchester, Brinstan, in 934 to provide comfort to the
poor and sick. By the late 13th century, the charity had
become a central institution in medieval Winchester,
bolstered by the endowments of key benefactors such
as John Devenish in 1289.

Following Elizabeth I’s royal charter in 1588, the

charity’s administration passed to the city fathers until a significant turning point in 1830, when legal
challenges over the misuse of funds led to the establishment of independent trustees under a
private Act of Parliament. This governance model has shaped the modern structure of the charity,
emphasising independent oversight and long-term stewardship.

St John’s Winchester is now an amalgamation of several historic institutions, including Christes
Hospital (founded 1608) and Mary Magdalen Hospital, both of which served vulnerable people in
Winchester for centuries. Many of our historic buildings remain in use today, including the early
18th-century St John’s House and our medieval chapel, providing continuity between our heritage
and contemporary mission.

Today, St John’s Winchester provides around 100 almshouse units for older people, most of whom
have strong ties to the city. Our mission is to support residents to live independently for as long as
possible, with 24-hour support delivered by our dedicated Welfare Team. Our residents form a
vibrant and caring community, with many involved in faith-based and social activities, and in the
wider life of Winchester.

A Financial Model Rooted in Property and Purpose

As well as being a historic almshouse charity, St John’s Winchester is sustained by a robust financial
model centred on our property and investment portfolios. The charity owns a substantial estate,
including 40 investment properties in the city centre, which generated over £1.50 million in gross
income in the most recent financial year. This property income underpins our ability to offer high-
quality accommodation and support services at subsidised rates to those in need.

Our financial strategy blends long-term stewardship of historic assets with a focus on sustainability
and social impact. Surpluses are reinvested into property maintenance, development, and expanding
our charitable programmes. A key principle of our model is to balance heritage preservation with the
evolving needs of older people in the city. In doing so, we are building on over 900 years of legacy to
secure the future of independent living and dignified support for generations to come.

Impact Snapshot – What We Achieved Last Year (2024–25)

St John’s Winchester by the Numbers
Here’s a snapshot of the difference our charity made in the past year:

  Around 100 almshouse homes provided for older people in the heart of Winchester

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  1,200+ demen(cid:415)a support interac(cid:415)ons, including guidance, respite, and specialist nurse-led

care

  Around 35 volunteers engaged across chaplaincy, befriending, gardening, and events
  100% of residents surveyed said they feel safe living at St John’s
  97% would recommend living here to others
  £49.8 million in total assets stewarded for long-term community benefit

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Why St John’s Matters — To Winchester and the People We Support

St John’s Winchester has been a part of this city’s fabric for
over nine centuries. Today, our work remains as essential
as ever — offering stability, dignity, and community to
older people who need it most. In a city where more than
1 in 4 people are aged 60 or over, and demand for
supported housing and later-life care is growing, St John’s
provides 99 almshouse homes right in the heart of
Winchester — a unique model of independent living with
tailored support.

We serve residents who often face complex challenges, including low income, social isolation, and
long-term health needs. Our Welfare Team are on hand for support as needed . while our
chaplaincy, volunteer programme, and communal life create a powerful sense of belonging and
mutual care. In our most recent resident survey, 100% of respondents said they felt safe living at St
John’s, and 97% said they would recommend it to others.

We also lead vital work around dementia — one of the most urgent health and social care issues of
our time. In the UK, over 900,000 people live with dementia, including thousands across Hampshire.
At St John’s, our Dementia Support team (including two Admiral Nurses) provides guidance,
emotional support, and practical help to individuals and families affected by dementia — whether
they live in our almshouses or in the wider Winchester community. This is one of the few services of
its kind locally, and it is expanding as need continues to grow.

St John’s is more than a historic charity — it is a lifeline, a trusted presence, and a voice for those
often unheard. We are part of Winchester’s living legacy, and as trustees, we are responsible for
ensuring it continues to serve, adapt, and advocate in the decades ahead.

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Our Financial Position: Strengths, Challenges, and Strategic Priorities

St John’s Winchester enters this period of
development and renewal with a strong
financial foundation. With a substantial
endowment and a valuable property portfolio,
the charity is in a position of stability that many
similar organisations can only aspire to. Our
income last year totalled £2.5 million, with the
majority generated from investments and
rental income — a testament to the foresight
of our predecessors in securing long-term
financial resilience.

At the same time, we face the reality that our core operating costs have started to exceed our
annual income. In 2023/24, we recorded a deficit of £373,000 before investment gains — a figure
that reflects rising costs across housing, care, staffing, and property maintenance. While our
investment strategy performed well last year, delivering nearly £850,000 in unrealised gains, we
cannot assume these returns will be consistent in the years ahead.

This financial model - reliant on income from our endowment and investment properties - presents
both opportunity and risk. It allows us to offer accommodation and support without relying on
public funding. But it also means we must manage our assets with care, navigate economic
fluctuations, and ensure that investment performance aligns with our charitable mission.

Major maintenance responsibilities, especially across our historic almshouse estate, require
designated reserves and long-term capital planning. Our reserves policy currently provides cover for
around 9 months of operating expenditure, close to our 12-month target, but as our services grow
and evolve, so too must our approach to financial risk and resilience.

Looking ahead, the charity’s trustees and leadership team are focused on five core financial
priorities: managing costs, growing sustainable income, maintaining and developing our asset base,
strengthening investment governance, and building the capacity needed to deliver our expanding
programme of support, particularly around dementia care.

We are in a strong position — but not a complacent one. Our task now is to ensure that this legacy
of financial stewardship continues to serve those who need us most, and that every pound we spend
reflects the purpose of St John’s: to help older people in Winchester live well.

2024 Snapshot (as at July 2025)

  Almshouse Units: supporting independent housing for over 100 residents in the heart of

Winchester.

  Dementia Support: A growing service offering practical support, Memory Wellbeing Centres,
and specialist dementia nursing, helping individuals and their carers live well with dementia.

  Commercial Property Portfolio: £24 million of income-generating commercial property

assets in Winchester.

  Total Property Assets: £36 million across almshouse and investment holdings.

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

Listed Investments: £14 million, supporting financial sustainability.

  Annual Income (2022–23): £2.28 million

  Annual Expenditure (2022–23): £2.37 million

  Net Assets: £49.3 million (as of March 2023)

  Employees: 48 staff members

  Board Composition: 11 trustees currently serving, drawn from co-opted, council-nominated,

and bishop’s nominee appointments.



Sub-Committees: Five sub-committees supporting governance: Finance Strategy and Audit;
Property Oversight; Service Quality; People and Governance; and Fundraising Oversight.

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The Role of a Trustee

As a Trustee of St John’s Winchester, you share
collective responsibility for the governance and
strategic direction and planning for the charity.
Trustees ensure the charity remains true to its
purpose, and delivers meaningful, lasting impact for
the people we serve. Trustees are required to abide
by both company and charity law, exercising their
legal and financial obligations as company and charity
directors, adhering to corporate regulation and the
charity’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.

This voluntary role is both rewarding and demanding, requiring integrity, curiosity, collaboration,
and a strong commitment to our values.

Core Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

Set and safeguard the charity’s vision, mission, and long-term strategy.

  Ensure activities align with our objects and deliver measurable impact.


Shape and approve strategic plans in partnership with the executive team.

2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

  Ensure compliance with charity law, housing and care regulation, and our governing

documents.

  Uphold responsibilities under data protection, health and safety, safeguarding, and equality

legislation.

  Understand and manage legal and reputational risks.

3. Effective Governance

  Attend and contribute to Board and sub-committee meetings.
  Promote transparency, accountability, and high standards of conduct.
  Participate in Board development, self-assessment, and succession planning.
  Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of governance.

4. Financial Stewardship

  Oversee financial strategy and ensure long-term sustainability.
  Approve annual budgets and review financial performance.
  Monitor investment, reserves, and property strategies in line with risk appetite.

5. Executive Oversight

Support and constructively challenge the Chief Executive.


  Ensure clarity of roles, appropriate delegation, and robust performance appraisal.
  Participate in the appointment and succession planning of senior leaders.

6. Safeguarding Reputation and Assets

  Protect and enhance the charity’s reputation, values, and culture.
  Ensure the prudent management of property, financial, digital, and human resources.
  Make decisions in the charity’s best interests, avoiding personal conflicts of interest.

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7. Stakeholder Engagement

  Act as an ambassador for St John’s in Winchester and beyond.
  Engage with residents, staff, volunteers, partners, and donors to understand needs and build



trust.
Listen to and reflect lived experiences—especially of older people, carers, and those affected
by dementia.

  Attend charity events where possible.

8. Learning and Development

  Commit to personal learning and Board development.
Stay informed about the charity sector and policy environment.

  Participate in induction, training, and periodic governance reviews.

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Who We’re Looking For
We welcome interest from individuals from all walks of life. We recognise that great governance is
shaped by diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. If you share our values and want to
make a difference in the lives of older people in Winchester, we encourage you to get in touch,
regardless of whether you have previous trustee experience.

To complement the existing strengths of our Board, we are particularly interested in candidates with
one or more of the following strategic skill sets:

1 - Strategic Property and Asset Management

St John’s Winchester holds a significant and diverse property portfolio, including historic almshouses
and a commercial investment estate generating essential income for our charitable work. We are
seeking a trustee with expertise in the strategic management, maintenance, and development of
property assets, particularly investment properties. Experience in asset planning, development
viability, commercial leasing, capital works programmes, or property maintenance strategy will
support our goal of ensuring financial sustainability while maintaining the quality, integrity, and
purpose of our built environment.
Relevant professional backgrounds may include:

  Chartered surveyors (RICS), property asset managers, or commercial estate agents



Facilities or estates directors (particularly in education, healthcare, housing, or local
authority settings)

  Development consultants, project managers, or investment analysts working in real estate

  Property lawyers or professionals with experience of landlord/tenant relationships and long-

term asset planning



Individuals with strategic oversight of building management or investment portfolios within
large charities, housing associations, or diocesan estates

We also welcome expressions of interest from those with transferable experience in managing
portfolios or infrastructure programmes in other sectors, such as higher education, retail,
regeneration, or planning.

2 - Charity Law or Governance

We would benefit from additional expertise in charity law, regulatory compliance, or governance
best practice, particularly in the context of housing, health and care, or the social sector. Trustees
with experience in board leadership, risk oversight, or navigating the Charity Commission framework
will help us to continue strengthening our policies, processes, and decision-making structures.
Relevant experience may include:

  Charity lawyers or legal advisers working with regulated sectors

  Company secretaries or governance professionals in charities, NHS bodies, or housing

providers

  Professionals with experience of board operations, compliance, or safeguarding frameworks

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

Former trustees, school governors, or non-executive directors with an understanding of
regulated governance environments

3 - People, Culture, and HR

As we continue to evolve and strengthen our staff and volunteer teams, we are seeking trustees
with experience in HR practice and strategy, organisational culture, and workforce development. We
are particularly keen to hear from individuals who can help us embed equity, diversity and inclusion
across our organisation. Your insights will help us support a values-led, inclusive, and engaged team
that reflects our community and delivers high-quality services.

You may bring expertise from:

  HR leadership roles, including HR Directors or People & Culture leads

  Workforce planning, talent management, or leadership development

  Change management and organisational development in values-led environments

  Volunteer engagement, inclusion strategy, or staff wellbeing initiatives

  Employment law or charity HR governance

As well as these specific areas, we welcome candidates with experience in a wide range of people-
focused environments, including housing, health, education, local government, or the wider
voluntary sector. We are also keen to hear from candidates with experience in fundraising,
marketing and communications, and volunteer development.

Personal Qualities

  High standards of integrity and good judgment

  Collaborative, curious, and collegiate in approach

  A commitment to inclusion, equality, and listening to lived experience

  Passionate about supporting older people

The Benefits of Being a Charity Trustee
Becoming a trustee at St John’s Winchester offers more than the chance to contribute your time and
expertise, it’s an opportunity to shape the future of one of England’s oldest and most respected
charities, deeply rooted in the life of Winchester.

Make a Real Difference in Your Community

Our work supports older people across Winchester to live independently and with dignity. As a
trustee, you play a direct role in ensuring this support is not only sustained but expanded, through
good governance, sound financial oversight, and strategic insight.

Join a Legacy of Local Leadership

For over 900 years, St John’s has provided sanctuary and support to those in need. Trusteeship
connects you with this powerful legacy and the opportunity to leave your own mark, alongside like-

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minded individuals from across the city and beyond. Our current board includes professionals from
housing, finance, healthcare, property, and public service, many of whom have strong ties to
Winchester.

Grow Personally and Professionally

Serving as a trustee offers valuable leadership experience, strategic exposure, and insight into
charity governance and operations—skills that benefit trustees at every stage of their careers. It’s
also a chance to learn from others, broaden your understanding of social issues, and participate in a
forward-thinking board environment that values integrity, curiosity, and collaboration.

Be Part of a Strong and Evolving Organisation

St John’s manages a significant property portfolio, with £50 million in total net assets and ambitious
plans for growth and innovation. As a trustee, you’ll contribute to a resilient and well-resourced
charity with a clear strategy for financial sustainability, social impact, and environmental
responsibility.

Connect with Winchester's Future

We are particularly interested in hearing from people with strong connections to the city—whether
you live or work locally, or have insight into the lives and challenges of the people we serve. We also
welcome applications from individuals with lived experience of ageing, caring, or housing insecurity.

Our Commitment to Inclusive and Representative Governance

At St John’s Winchester, we are committed to building a Board of Trustees that reflects the rich
diversity of the community we serve. We believe that good governance is strengthened by a range
of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. We are particularly keen to hear from individuals
who live in or have strong connections to Winchester, and from those with lived experience of
ageing, caring, dementia, housing insecurity, or accessing community-based support. We warmly
welcome applications from people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, and walks of life — especially
those who may not have previously considered a trustee role. Your insight could help shape a more
inclusive and compassionate future for our charity and the people we support.

Practical Information
Term of office

Trustee terms are for three years, renewable for a second three-year term.

Time Commitment
Trustees are asked to commit around 8–10 days per year, which includes:

  Board Meetings: Held five times annually (including a full-day Away Day in October).

Meetings are typically 2-3 hours long and scheduled well in advance.

  Committee Membership: Trustees are invited to join at least one sub-committee aligned to

their skills and interests. Committees usually meet quarterly.

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  Reading and Preparation: Papers are circulated at least one week ahead of meetings via our
secure online portal (AdminControl). It is assumed that trustees read all papers ahead of
meetings and prepare for points of discussion and questions.

  Engagement: We welcome and encourage informal engagement with staff, residents,

volunteers, and events throughout the year.

Location
Most meetings are held in person at St John’s Winchester.  Hybrid attendance is supported as an ad
hoc, rather than regular requirement, and we are happy to accommodate personal, or access needs
to support inclusive participation.

Induction and Support
New trustees are offered a structured induction including:

  An introduction to our history, mission, and strategic priorities

  Meetings with the CEO, senior staff, and fellow trustees

  A tour of our almshouses and community services

  Access to governance resources and ongoing training (e.g. via the Almshouse Association)

Eligibility
To be eligible, you must be over 18 years of age and not disqualified under the Charities Act or
Companies Act. We are keen to welcome trustees from all professional backgrounds and encourage
applications regardless of previous board experience.

How to Apply
If you are interested in becoming a trustee, please send the following by [insert deadline]:

  A brief statement (1–2 pages) outlining your interest in the role, relevant experience, and

what you feel you would bring to the board

  A short CV (or LinkedIn profile if preferred)

If you would like to have an informal conversation before applying, we would be very happy to
arrange a chat with our CEO or current Chair to explore the role further.

Please send your application by 15 September 2025 to:
Tim Bissett, Chief Executive
Email: tim.bissett@stjohnswinchester.co.uk

Timetable

Stage

Date (2025)

Applications open

Monday 28 July

Deadline for applications  Monday 15 September

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Shortlisting completed

Week of 23 September

Informal interviews

Week of 29 September

Final interviews (in-person)  Week of 6 October

First Board meeting

December 2025 (or early 2026)

Useful Links

  Website

  Charity Commission Profile

  The Almshouse Association

  Charity Commission – The Essential Trustee

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We’re keen to hear from individuals who share our values and bring experience, insight, and curiosity to the table. You do not need prior trustee experience — just the willingness to contribute, ask questions, and act in the best interests of those we serve.

We are especially interested in hearing from those with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Strategic Property & Asset Management
• Charity Law, Governance, or Risk Oversight
• People, Culture, HR, and Organisational Development

We also welcome candidates with knowledge of housing, health and care, the charity sector, volunteer engagement, or fundraising. Lived experience of ageing, dementia, or caring roles is highly valued.

Who we’re looking for:

We’re keen to hear from individuals who share our values and bring experience, insight, and curiosity to the table. You do not need prior trustee experience — just the willingness to contribute, ask questions, and act in the best interests of those we serve.

We are especially interested in hearing from those with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Strategic Property & Asset Management
• Charity Law, Governance, or Risk Oversight
• People, Culture, HR, and Organisational Development

We also welcome candidates with knowledge of housing, health and care, the charity sector, volunteer engagement, or fundraising. Lived experience of ageing, dementia, or caring roles is highly valued.

What you’ll gain:

• The chance to influence the future of a much-loved Winchester charity
• The opportunity to contribute to the wellbeing of older people
• Valuable board-level experience in strategy, finance, and governance
• Engagement with a supportive and experienced team of trustees and staff
• A direct role in stewarding £50 million of charitable assets for social impact

Time commitment:

• Around 8–10 days per year, including five Board meetings and one away day
• Participation in one or more sub-committees
• Attendance at occasional events, visits, or resident activities
• Hybrid meeting options are available, though most meetings are in Winchester

Our commitment to inclusion:

We are actively working to build a board that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of ageing, housing need, dementia, or caring. If you’ve never considered being a trustee before, we’d love to hear from you.

How to apply:

To express your interest, please send:

• A short statement (1–2 pages) outlining your background, interests, and what you would bring to the role
• A CV or link to your LinkedIn profile (if preferred)

Send to:
Tim Bissett, Chief Executive
tim.bissett@stjohnswinchester.co.uk

Deadline: Ongoing

DOWNLOAD FULL JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Head of Facilities & Estates
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct Reports:  Maintenance Team

Key Relationship Management; External Contractors, surveyors, service providers.
Location: Office of St John’s Winchester, the Almshouses are all located within Winchester City
Centre Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

What we are looking for

We are looking for an experienced Head of Facilities & Estates will lead the day-to-day management
of St John’s Winchester’s historic almshouse and investment property portfolio.  This is a unique
opportunity to contribute to supporting one of Winchester’s oldest charities at the heart of the City.

You will bring high standards of safety, compliance, sustainability and asset performance. Reporting
to the CEO, you will lead our in-house maintenance team supported by external contractors,
delivering a well-maintained, safe and welcoming estate for residents while supporting the charity’s
long-term mission and financial sustainability.

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Facilities & Estates is responsible for managing the effective and efficient provision of
facilities and estates management of St John’s Winchester’s property portfolio ensuring compliance
with all regulatory standards.  The postholder acts as the Charity’s Health and Safety lead for the
estate and provides guidance to the organisation in this area.

The role includes the strategic planning and management of the of the Almshouse Estate and
investment property, maintaining a fully costed rolling estates and facilities plan, and lead on its
implementation.

The role ensures the proper asset management procedures are followed including the control of
keys and the oversight of the maintenance of security and fire systems. The Head of Facilities &
Estates leads and manages a small in house maintenance team, promoting a positive culture and
developing and supporting team members and relationships with other stakeholders of the Charity.
They manage relationships and service level agreements with key external contractors, ensuring
value for money and excellent service.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Property & Asset Management

•  To support the senior leadership team (SLT) of the Charity in their role with regard to the
strategic running, management and monitoring of the Almshouse property, including
successful delivery of capital projects

•  To work with the SLT to develop and implement a long-term Estates Strategy (including 10–
30 year horizon) covering maintenance, investment, disposals, acquisitions, and energy
performance.

•  Maintain and review the complete asset register and stock condition dataset, ensuring

accurate data drives strategic decisions.

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•  Assess the performance of all assets, identifying poor-performing, high-cost, or non-

compliant properties for improvement, redevelopment, or disposal, ensuring that physical
assets are optimised for their use within the Charity.

•  Report regularly to the SLT, Property Committee and Trustees on asset performance, risks,

investment needs, and compliance.

•  Ensure that St John’s is fully compliant under relevant Social Landlord obligations,

Almshouse regulations, and applicable housing standards.

2. Operational Facilities and Estates Management

•  Oversee the repair, maintenance, and operational standards of all buildings and

infrastructure, across the estate, including the Almshouse stock and the investment
properties

•  Ensuring the grounds at all Almshouse sites are presentable and well maintained across the

seasons.

•

Lead the delivery of Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) schedules and reactive
maintenance ensuring works are scheduled and completed on a priority basis

•  Manage refurbishment, redecoration, and improvement projects, ensuring quality, cost

control, and sensitivity to heritage and conservation requirements.

•  Ensure all building systems — electrical, mechanical, heating, water, drainage — are

serviced, monitored and effective.

•  Conduct regular inspections across the estate and investment properties, ensuring issues are

identified and resolved quickly.

•

Lead on property and facilities-related complaints resolution, ensuring timely investigation,
learning, and compliance with the Housing Ombudsman’s Complaint Handling Code.

3. Environmental Performance & Sustainability

•

Lead the development of an Energy and Carbon Reduction Plan, aligning with national and
sector targets.

•  Work toward achieving and maintaining improved EPC ratings, including planning for Band C

or higher across investment assets where applicable.

•

•

Identify and deliver opportunities for renewable energy, improved insulation, energy-
efficient systems, and waste reduction.

Support the charity’s work towards reducing the carbon footprint of the organisation,
aligning estate improvements with long-term sustainability goals.

4. Health, Safety & Compliance

•  Act as the designated Health & Safety Lead for the estate, ensuring compliance with all

statutory and regulatory requirements.

•  Oversee landlord compliance obligations, including:

o  Fire safety

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o  Asbestos management

o  Water safety / Legionella

o  Gas and electrical safety

o  Accessibility and housing standards

•  Ensure all risk assessments, safety inspections, and RAMS documents are up to date and

fully implemented. Contribute to the quarterly update of the organisation’s central risk
register for estates and facilities risks.

•  Oversee the safe management of contractors on site.

•  Ensure compliance with insurance requirements, safeguarding considerations relating to

buildings, and data protection protocols.

•  Ensure the organisation has appropriate estates IT systems for asset management,

compliance monitoring, PPM scheduling, and workflow tracking.

•  Maintain the key register and be responsible for the control of keys across all sites. Be

responsible for opening and lock up procedures at the office, delegating responsibility where
necessary.

Function as the Responsible Person for the control of the estate CCTV operations, recommend any
developments or improvements required.

5. Leadership & Team Management

•

Line manage the Maintenance Team and provide strategic direction and operational
oversight to the in-house team, ensuring the department deliver an efficient and
professional service for the residents.

•  Define clear roles, responsibilities, and workflows within the department to ensure

efficiency and accountability.

•

•

Lead on recruitment, training, and professional development across the property and
estates team.

Foster a positive team culture focused on safety, professionalism, communication, and
resident-focused service.

6. Contractor, Supplier & Supply Chain Management

•  Procure and manage external contractors, consultants, surveyors, and suppliers, ensuring

value for money and high-quality delivery.

•  Maintain and develop a trusted approved contractors list.

•

•

Improve supply chain efficiency by building long-term partnerships with key suppliers and
specialists.

Lead tendering processes for major works, ensuring transparent and robust procurement.

7. Financial & Asset Investment Management

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•  Develop and manage annual budgets for facilities and estates maintenance, capital projects,

and compliance.

•  Monitor expenditure, produce forecasts, and identify savings or efficiencies without

compromising safety or standards.

•  Prepare specifications, tender documents, and project plans for major works and capital

investments.

•

Support Trustees and the CEO in financial planning relating to property, including long-term
capital expenditure planning and reserves strategy linked to estate needs.

8. Governance, Reporting & Organisational Contribution

•  Prepare and present reports for the CEO, Property Committee, and Board of Trustees.

•  Ensure that risks associated with the estate are identified, mitigated, and included within the

organisational risk register.

•  Provide out-of-hours estates and facilities support, including acting as an emergency on-call

response for urgent property, safety, or security issues.

•  Develop and implement up-to-date policies relating to asset management, health and

safety, compliance, sustainability, and repairs/maintenance.

•  Contribute to wider organisational strategic planning, ensuring property decisions support

the charity’s mission and long-term vision.

•  Deputise for the CEO on estate-related matters when required.

•  To undertake additional duties as required, commensurate with the levels of the job.
•  Maintain positive, professional relationships with all stakeholders.

For the avoidance of doubt, the duties and responsibilities contained within this job description may
change from time to time according to the requirements of the role and it is not intended to have
contractual effect.

4

Person Specification

Essential

Desirable

Qualifications, Education and Training

Experience of Facilities and Estates Management

Membership of or working towards BIFM/IWFM qualification

IOSHH certificate

Y

Y

Good standard of general education (5 GCSEs at Grade C or above)  Y

First Aid training

Skills, knowledge and experience

Strong working knowledge of UK landlord and property
compliance requirements, including fire safety, gas and electrical
safety, asbestos, water safety/Legionella, and general health and
safety legislation.

Relevant qualification in one of the following areas, plumbing,
carpentry, painting and decorating or building work.

Competency in IT and Microsoft Office 365 and use of facilities
management systems such as FaultFixers

Experience of team management, supervision and development

Experience of producing and monitoring budgets and producing a
long-term budgets and capital project budgets

Experience in procurement process for contracts and capital
projects

Proven experience of acting as a Health & Safety lead or
responsible person for estates or facilities

Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate estates-related risks and
contribute to organisational risk registers.

Experience of managing sustainability initiatives, carbon reduction
projects, or renewable energy installations.

Experience working with Listed Properties

Experience of complaints management

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

5

Personal attributes

Enthusiasm and desire to work within a charitable organisation
with a portfolio of heritage properties

Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate to
a wide variety of different stakeholders

Excellent customer service skills

Excellent organisation skills

A positive and flexible attitude towards work

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

6

Purpose of the Role

Loccation: Winchester, Hampshire

The Head of Facilities & Estates is responsible for managing the effective and efficient provision of facilities and estates management of St John’s Winchester’s property portfolio ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards. The postholder acts as the Charity’s Health and Safety lead for the estate and provides guidance to the organisation in this area.

The role includes the strategic planning and management of the of the Almshouse Estate and investment property, maintaining a fully costed rolling estates and facilities plan, and lead on its implementation.

The role ensures the proper asset management procedures are followed including the control of keys and the oversight of the maintenance of security and fire systems. The Head of Facilities & Estates leads and manages a small in house maintenance team, promoting a positive culture and developing and supporting team members and relationships with other stakeholders of the Charity. They manage relationships and service level agreements with key external contractors, ensuring value for money and excellent service.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Property & Asset Management

• To support the senior leadership team (SLT) of the Charity in their role with regard to the strategic running, management and monitoring of the Almshouse property, including successful delivery of capital projects
• To work with the SLT to develop and implement a long-term Estates Strategy(including 10–30 year horizon) covering maintenance, investment, disposals, acquisitions, and energy performance.
• Maintain and review the complete asset registerand stock condition dataset, ensuring accurate data drives strategic decisions.
• Assess the performance of all assets, identifying poor-performing, high-cost, or non-compliant propertiesfor improvement, redevelopment, or disposal, ensuring that physical assets are optimised for their use within the Charity.
• Report regularly to the SLT, Property Committee and Trustees on asset performance, risks, investment needs, and compliance.
• Ensure that St John’s is fully compliant under relevant Social Landlord obligations, Almshouse regulations, and applicable housing standards.

Operational Facilities and Estates Management

• Oversee the repair, maintenance, and operational standards of all buildings and infrastructure, across the estate, including the Almshouse stock and the investment properties
• Ensuring the grounds at all Almshouse sites are presentable and well maintained across the seasons.
• Lead the delivery of Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) schedules and reactive maintenance ensuring works are scheduled and completed on a priority basis
• Manage refurbishment, redecoration, and improvement projects, ensuring quality, cost control, and sensitivity to heritage and conservation requirements.
• Ensure all building systems — electrical, mechanical, heating, water, drainage — are serviced, monitored and effective.
• Conduct regular inspections across the estate and investment properties, ensuring issues are identified and resolved quickly.
• Lead on property and facilities-related complaints resolution, ensuring timely investigation, learning, and compliance with the Housing Ombudsman’s Complaint Handling Code

Environmental Performance & Sustainability

• Lead the development of an Energy and Carbon Reduction Plan, aligning with national and sector targets.
• Work toward achieving and maintaining improved EPC ratings, including planning for Band C or higher across investment assets where applicable.
• Identify and deliver opportunities for renewable energy, improved insulation, energy-efficient systems, and waste reduction.
• Support the charity’s work towards reducing the carbon footprint of the organisation, aligning estate improvements with long-term sustainability goals.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Act as the designated Health & Safety Leadfor the estate, ensuring compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee landlord compliance obligations, including:
  • Fire safety
  • Asbestos management
  • Water safety / Legionella
  • Gas and electrical safety
  • Accessibility and housing standards
• Ensure all risk assessments, safety inspections, and RAMS documents are up to date and fully implemented. Contribute to the quarterly update of the organisation’s central risk register for estates and facilities risks.
• Oversee the safe management of contractors on site.
• Ensure compliance with insurance requirements, safeguarding considerations relating to buildings, and data protection protocols.
• Ensure the organisation has appropriate estates IT systemsfor asset management, compliance monitoring, PPM scheduling, and workflow tracking.
• Maintain the key register and be responsible for the control of keys across all sites. Be responsible for opening and lock up procedures at the office, delegating responsibility where necessary.

Function as the Responsible Person for the control of the estate CCTV operations, recommend any developments or improvements required

Leadership & Team Management

• Line manage the Maintenance Team and provide strategic direction and operational oversight to the in-house team, ensuring the department deliver an efficient and professional service for the residents.
• Define clear roles, responsibilities, and workflows within the department to ensure efficiency and accountability.
• Lead on recruitment, training, and professional development across the property and estates team.
• Foster a positive team culture focused on safety, professionalism, communication, and resident-focused service.

Contractor, Supplier & Supply Chain Management

• Procure and manage external contractors, consultants, surveyors, and suppliers, ensuring value for money and high-quality delivery.
• Maintain and develop a trusted approved contractors list.
• Improve supply chain efficiency by building long-term partnerships with key suppliers and specialists.
• Lead tendering processes for major works, ensuring transparent and robust procurement

Financial & Asset Investment Management

• Develop and manage annual budgets for facilities and estates maintenance, capital projects, and compliance.
• Monitor expenditure, produce forecasts, and identify savings or efficiencies without compromising safety or standards.
• Prepare specifications, tender documents, and project plans for major works and capital investments.
• Support Trustees and the CEO in financial planning relating to property, including long-term capital expenditure planning and reserves strategy linked to estate needs.

Governance, Reporting & Organisational Contribution

• Prepare and present reports for the CEO, Property Committee, and Board of Trustees.
• Ensure that risks associated with the estate are identified, mitigated, and included within the organisational risk register.
• Provide out-of-hours estates and facilities support, including acting as an emergency on-call response for urgent property, safety, or security issues.
• Develop and implement up-to-date policies relating to asset management, health and safety, compliance, sustainability, and repairs/maintenance.
• Contribute to wider organisational strategic planning, ensuring property decisions support the charity’s mission and long-term vision.
• Deputise for the CEO on estate-related matters when required.
• To undertake additional duties as required, commensurate with the levels of the job.
• Maintain positive, professional relationships with all stakeholders.

For the avoidance of doubt, the duties and responsibilities contained within this job description may change from time to time according to the requirements of the role and it is not intended to have contractual effect.