BHT Sussex is looking for a new Chair of the Board to support our vital work. Kelvin MacDonald, current Chair, will be stepping down in 2026, having reached the maximum number of years permitted for a Board Member to serve.
We are an organisation made up of interlinked projects and services that empower people to overcome homelessness, poverty, addiction and mental ill health.
The effects of the cost of living crisis, increased demand for our services, tighter budgets and insufficient social housing, presents numerous challenges which make the services and support that we provide more important than ever.
BHT Sussex is a people-led organisation. Last year, we supported more than ten thousand clients and tenants. We prevented more than 2,500 people from becoming homeless, through services including First Base Day Centre, Advice Centres across Sussex, and East Sussex Floating Support Service.
We have experienced significant growth in the past few years, which has increased the services we provide, leading us to employ over 350 members of staff who bring a rich assortment of skills, expertise and professionalism. We have a projected turnover of £16m by March 2025.
Current Chair of the Board, Kelvin MacDonald, said:
We want to enhance an already strong Board with the skills, expertise and experience that you can bring to this very responsible and rewarding role.
BHT Sussex faces a number of challenges in continuing to provide our unique and inspirational range of services and requires strong but empathetic leadership to guide and support the Board, Chief Executive and management team in meeting these.
The journey on which we support our tenants and clients from the streets to a home and job may be unique amongst similar organisations and requires a very special person to lead this work.
You will find this role inspiring, engrossing, stretching, exacting, stimulating and, above all, rewarding. I certainly have.”
The Chair of the Board needs to be able to balance an enthusiasm for new opportunities with an understanding of, and an ability to assess, risk. Board members are ultimately responsible for ensuring that everything BHT Sussex does is effective, efficient and fulfils its statutory responsibilities.
If you are interested in learning more about this exciting volunteering opportunity, please see the recruitment pack below.
The deadline for applications is 9:00am on Monday 7th April 2025.
Please click on the links below for further information:
Chair of the Board Recruitment Pack
Code of Conduct for Board Members
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
If you have any issues accessing the above, please contact Claire.Knight@bht.org.uk.
