GatenbySanderson
Chair of the Board
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Eastlight Community Homes
Location: Braintree, Essex
Time commitment: 4-5 days per month
Remuneration: £22,000 per annum
Closing date: Friday 7th August 2026.
This job post will be advertised for a minimum period of two weeks on LinkedIn. After this time please apply directly to https://join-eastlighthomes.co.uk/all-roles/ until the closing date Friday 7th August 2026.
Eastlight Community Homes is a G1, V1 & C2-rated resident-led housing association serving communities across the East of England. Together with our communities, we create affordable homes and great neighbourhoods that people are proud to live in. We own and manage around 15,000 homes across a mix of social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership – and since Eastlight was formed in 2020, we have delivered 2,000 new homes.
Residents are central to everything we do. As a community gateway organisation, resident influence is embedded throughout Eastlight. Residents help shape our priorities, influence decision-making and hold us to account through our Board, Customer Influence Committee and innovative Resident Members Charter. Their insight helps ensure we remain focused on the things that matter most to our people and communities.
Since our formation, we have established strong foundations, a clear strategic direction and a reputation as a genuinely resident-led organisation. We are now seeking an exceptional new Board Chair to help lead Eastlight through its next chapter.
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Eastlight's future is full of opportunity. As we continue to strengthen services, increase our impact within communities and deliver sustainable growth, our new Chair will play a pivotal role in helping us navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead. Working closely with the Board, Committees, Acting Chief Executive and Executive Team, you will help shape our future strategy, ensuring we balance ambition with strong governance, financial resilience and a relentless focus on residents.
We are looking for a Chair who shares our commitment to people, place and planet. Someone who understands the transformative role that housing plays in creating opportunity, supporting thriving communities and improving lives. You will bring the credibility, judgement and leadership required to support Eastlight's continued success while ensuring we remain true to our purpose and values. We are seeking an individual who can build on the strong culture already established across Eastlight – one that is open, collaborative, accountable and inclusive. You will be an effective and engaging leader, able to draw on the diverse skills, experiences and perspectives around the Board table, while fostering an environment where constructive challenge is welcomed and every voice is valued.
As Chair, you will promote a high-performing and inclusive Board culture, ensuring effective governance and productive relationships between the Board and Executive Team. You will provide both support and challenge, helping to drive excellent decision-making and the best possible outcomes for residents. You will act as a proactive and visible ambassador for Eastlight, actively promoting our profile, reputation and influence while building strong and trusted relationships with residents, colleagues, regulators, local authorities, partner organisations and wider stakeholders.
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We are looking for someone who is genuinely interested in people and communities and who will invest time in understanding Eastlight's stakeholders and neighbourhoods. Above all, you will combine strategic insight, sound judgement and strong governance credentials with authenticity, empathy and a deep commitment to social purpose.
Whether your experience has been gained within housing or another regulated sector, you will bring a clear understanding of good governance, an appreciation of the opportunities and challenges facing communities today, and a genuine commitment to helping shape Eastlight's future. Above all, you will embody our values of being Ambitious, Accountable and Inclusive, and be excited by the opportunity to help lead Eastlight through its next chapter.
If this opportunity excites you and you would like to learn more about the role, Eastlight and our future ambitions, please click 'Apply' or contact our advisors at GatenbySanderson.
Rosie Gunn on 07964 841 007
Rachel Salvia on 07393 013 067
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