Non-Executive Director

Remuneration – £

Time Commitment – One to two days per month

Role Profile

Purpose of the Role

The Board of Meridian Home Start is responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction and long-term success of the Society.

As a Non-Executive Director, you will work collectively with fellow Board members to ensure that Meridian Home Start fulfils its purpose, remains financially sustainable and delivers high-quality homes and services for the benefit of its residents and communities.

The Board sets the strategic direction of the Society and provides oversight of its performance. Responsibility for the day-to-day management of the organisation is delegated to the Chief Executive.

Key Responsibilities

Working collectively with the Board, Non-Executive Directors are responsible for:

Strategy

  • Determining the Society’s vision, purpose and strategic direction.
  • Approving the Corporate Plan and monitoring delivery against agreed objectives.
  • Overseeing the Society’s development programme, including approval of business cases for new homes and monitoring progress against agreed cost, quality and delivery targets.
  • Considering opportunities to improve services and achieve the Society’s charitable and community objectives.

Governance

  • Ensuring the Society is governed in accordance with its Rules, legal obligations and recognised principles of good governance.
  • Maintaining high standards of integrity, openness and accountability.
  • Approving key governance policies and monitoring their effectiveness.
  • Supporting regular reviews of Board effectiveness and governance arrangements.

Financial Stewardship

  • Safeguarding the Society’s financial viability.
  • Approving annual budgets, business plans and financial strategies.
  • Ensuring that assets and resources — including funding for the development programme — are managed responsibly and in the best interests of the Society.

Risk and Assurance

  • Ensuring that significant risks are identified, understood and appropriately managed, including risks associated with the Society’s development activity (e.g. construction, funding and contractor risk).
  • Maintaining effective systems of internal control and assurance.
  • Receiving assurance from Board Committees regarding areas within their remit.

Performance

  • Monitoring organisational performance against agreed objectives.
  • Holding the Executive to account for delivery of the Corporate Plan and development programme.
  • Supporting continuous improvement in services and resident outcomes.

Resident Voice and Safeguarding

  • Ensuring residents have an effective voice in the governance and scrutiny of the Society.
  • Ensuring appropriate arrangements are in place to safeguard the welfare of residents, including vulnerable residents.

Leadership

  • Appointing, supporting and, where necessary, holding the Chief Executive to account.
  • Acting as ambassadors for Meridian Home Start.
  • Promoting the Society’s values and protecting its reputation.

Collective Responsibilities

Board members share collective responsibility for all decisions made by the Board, regardless of individual views expressed during discussion.

Directors are expected to:

  • Act in the best interests of Meridian Home Start.
  • Exercise independent judgement.
  • Prepare fully for meetings and contribute constructively.
  • Respect collective decision-making.
  • Maintain confidentiality where appropriate.
  • Declare and manage conflicts of interest.
  • Uphold the Nolan Principles of Public Life.

Person Specification

Candidates should be able to demonstrate:

  • Commitment to the purpose and values of Meridian Home Start.
  • Strategic thinking and sound judgement.
  • Independence of thought and the confidence to provide constructive challenge.
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Integrity, discretion and high ethical standards.
  • The ability to work collaboratively as part of a Board.
  • Sufficient time to prepare for and attend meetings.

The Board seeks to maintain an appropriate balance of skills, knowledge, experience and diversity. The Board will seek collective capability across areas such as:

  • strategic leadership.
  • social housing regulation.
  • treasury & housing finance.
  • audit and assurance.
  • risk management.
  • housing management, customer service and safeguarding.
  • property and asset management.
  • development and regeneration.
  • legal and regulatory compliance.
  • organisational leadership.
  • people and culture.
  • resident engagement & customer voice.
  • digital and information governance.
  • partnership working, including working with local authorities.
  • building and resident safety (including fire and building safety).
  • equality, diversity and inclusion.

These are not mandatory requirements for every Board member.

The specific knowledge, professional experience or sector expertise sought during any recruitment exercise will be determined by the Board, taking account of:

  • the Society’s strategic priorities, including its development programme and any move towards RSH registration;
  • succession planning; and
  • the findings of the annual Board skills and effectiveness review.

Applicants from a wide range of backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Meridian Home Start is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and particularly welcomes applications from groups currently under-represented on the Board, including residents of its homes.

Time Commitment

The expected commitment is approximately one to two days per month and includes:

  • Attendance at Board meetings.
  • Membership of at least one Board Committee.
  • Board strategy and development sessions.
  • Training and continuing professional development.
  • Occasional resident and stakeholder engagement activities.

Additional time may be required during induction, or during periods of significant activity such as development appraisals or any transition towards RSH registration.

 

Board Meeting Dates:

Board meetings are held usually 2pm and face to face at our office in London – 4 Gunnery Terrace, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SW.

The remaining dates for 2026-27 are set out below.

  • 29 October 2026
  • 26 November 2026
  • 28 January 2027
  • 25 February 2027
  • 25 March 2027