I enjoy being trusted to manage my own workload, being involved in developing the service and the support and opportunities there are to develop my career.
THE BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE BOND BOARD
We offer:
- 27 days holiday plus bank holidays increasing on an annual basis after the second year of continuous service, rising to a maximum 32 days per annum plus bank holidays.
- Flexible working hours and enhanced family friendly policies.
- Free regular eye tests and flu jabs.
- Significant opportunities for learning, training and development.
- An opportunity to be part of a supportive, knowledgeable and welcoming team.
- Investment in staff as assets to the organisation.
- Involvement in shaping new creative ways of working.
A GREAT PLACE TO WORK
What employees say about working at The Bond Board
‘I started at The Bond Board as a trainee and immediately felt at home. I was supported with training opportunities to advance my skills and knowledge and by some great staff. A few years later and I’m still here! I find my job really rewarding, especially when I can help someone to move towards their goals or make a fresh start after being homeless’. Bond Board Employee.
We are extremely proud of our friendly and supportive team, who live our values and who are committed to making a difference every day. We pride ourselves in being an innovative organisation, where every team member is valued; has the ability to influence the development of our services and is given learning and development opportunities to help them achieve their full potential.
We pride ourselves on having a very committed and dedicated workforce; two-thirds of our employees have been with us for more than 5 years.
VACANCIES
Chair of Trustees
The Role of Chair
Main Responsibilities
In addition to the general responsibilities of a Trustee, duties of the Chair include the following:
o Providing leadership to the organisation and the board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes in order to provide greater public benefit;
o Chairing and facilitating board meetings;
o Giving direction to board policymaking;
o Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented;
o Representing the organisation at functions and meetings, and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate;
o Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making;
o Liaising with the chief executive officer to keep an overview of the organisation’s affairs and to provide support as appropriate;
o Leading the process of supporting and appraising the performance of the chief executive officer;
And in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer:
o Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required, for example annual general meeting;
o Setting agendas for board and other general meetings;
o Developing the board of Trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning;
o Addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation;
o Sitting on appointment for senior leadership team and Trustees and disciplinary panels.
The vice-chair acts for the Chair when the Chair is not available and undertakes assignments at the request of the Chair.
Person Specification
In addition to the person specification for a Trustee, the Chair should have the following qualities, knowledge, and experience:
o Leadership skills and experience in a senior position;
o Understanding gained from Trustee experience of good charity governance;
o Passionate about making a difference to and improving lives of people affected by homelessness;
o Experience of developing a vison and executing strategic plans;
o Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
o Impartiality, fairness, and the ability to respect confidences;
o Must be legally eligible to as a registered company director and charity trustee;
o Experience of charity finance (knowledge of SORP);
o Experience of chairing effective board meetings and ensuring effectiveness of board members to deliver good governance.
Time Commitment: approx. 5 hours per month.
o You will be required to chair quarterly board meetings in the evenings virtually as well as face to face in Bolton or Rochdale in Greater Manchester;
o You will be required to chair one annual strategy away day;
o You will also be invited to share your expertise at task and finish groups or sub-committees as and when required;
o The Chair attend ad hoc events as appropriate to represent the Bond Board;
o Board papers are usually issued one week in advance of a board meeting and are taken as read at the meeting itself;
o The Chair will be expected to be in contact with the Chief Executive Officer on a regular basis to provided 1-1 support and appraisal. Occasionally more frequent contact when required.
Remuneration and Tenure
o The role of Chair is not accompanied by any financial remuneration;
o The length of the appointment is three years with the possibility of extension for a further 3 years. Maximum tenure being 6 years.
How to Apply
We want the application to begin with a conversation, not just a form.
If you are interested in finding out more about the role and whether it would feel right for you, we would be very happy to have an informal conversation and answer any questions you may have.
The Bond Board celebrates diversity, welcomes fresh perspectives, and is committed to an inclusive and equitable recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments or have particular access needs, we are happy to discuss these with you.
To apply, we ask candidates to submit a CV and a short supporting statement setting out:
– why you are interested in becoming Chair of The Bond Board;
– the skills and experience you would bring to the role; and
– what interests you about helping shape the organisation’s next chapter.
Closing Date: Friday 13th November 2026
Planned Interview Dates: Thursday 26th & Friday 27th November 2026
The interviews will be virtual or in person with a small panel including the Chief Executive and the outgoing Chair. We are happy to arrange interviews for shortlisted candidates outside of office hours.
Email: jgibson@thebondboard.org.uk
Intensive Housing Support Officer
Intensive Housing Support Officer
Salary: £28,978
37 hours per week | Permanent | Monday to Friday | Rochdale
Caseload of around 12 | Community-based with some possible hybrid working
Previous applicants need not apply.
Help someone leave the streets behind – and build a life away from homelessness
Having a front door is sometimes only the beginning.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed Intensive Housing Support Officer to work with people who have experienced rough sleeping and may have multiple and complex needs.
You will work intensively with a caseload of around 12 people, helping them settle into their new homes, build stability and develop the skills and confidence they need to sustain their tenancy and move away from homelessness.
The work can be challenging. People’s lives don’t always follow a straight line and there can be setbacks along the way. But you’ll have the opportunity to build relationships, solve problems and see the difference that consistent, practical support can make.
What you’ll be doing
No two days will be the same. You could be visiting someone in their home, helping resolve a benefits problem, supporting someone through a difficult period, carrying out a property inspection, working with another agency or helping someone plan their next move.
You’ll:
• provide intensive, person-centred support to people who have experienced rough sleeping;
• help people establish and sustain their new tenancies;
• support people to develop independent living skills;
• develop move-on plans and longer-term housing opportunities;
• provide practical tenancy related support, including tenancy sign-ups and assisting people to access specialist support services.
• work with colleagues, landlords, contractors and partner agencies to resolve problems; and
• manage your own caseload of around 12 people as part of a small and experienced team.
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who enjoys working with people, doesn’t give up easily and can combine compassion with practical problem-solving and clear professional boundaries.
You’ll need experience of providing high-quality support and an understanding of the challenges facing people who have experienced homelessness.
Welfare benefits system is important, together with the ability to manage your own workload and work effectively with other agencies.
A full driving licence and access to a car for work are required.
Working at The Bond Board
We want people to have a good balance between doing meaningful work and having a life outside it.
This is a Monday-to-Friday role with no regular evening or weekend shifts.
The role is primarily community-based, working face-to-face with people in their homes and across Rochdale. We support flexible and hybrid working, so administration and case recording can be completed from home where appropriate. However, this isn’t a predominantly home-based role.
We also offer:
• 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 days with length of service, plus 8 bank holidays and an additional fixed day in December;
• the option to buy or sell up to five days’ annual leave;
• Blue Light Card eligibility; and
• a supportive working environment where you’ll be part of a team committed to helping people move away from homelessness.
About The Bond Board
The Bond Board is a local homelessness charity with more than 30 years’ experience of helping people access, sustain and succeed in private rented housing.
We believe that having somewhere to live should be the beginning of someone’s journey away from homelessness, not the end of the support they receive.
How to apply
Please send us your CV together with a covering letter explaining how your experience, knowledge and skills meet the requirements of the role to jgibson@thebondboard.org.uk. Only applications accompanied by a covering letter will be considered.
If you would like to know more about this role you can call and have chat with Beth Shearman, the Tenancy Services Manager on 01706-342404
The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.
The Bond Board is an Equal Opportunities employer and welcomes applications from across the whole community.
Please use the links below to access further information to support your application.
Application Information & Guidance_v3
Job Description_Intensive Housing Support Officer_v2_0826
Person Specification_Intensive Housing Support Officer_v2_0826