Board Trainee

Housing Diversity Network; Bolton; Hybrid; GBP 1,800 - 2,200; Part time

Job summary

Be One Homes is launching its Board Trainee Programme, inviting individuals without board experience to develop through mentorship over two years. You will observe board and committee meetings, learn governance fundamentals, and participate in workshops and reviews to set learning goals.

The programme offers mentorship, a Be One Homes Board Buddy, and access to HDN resources, with the aim of preparing you for future board roles.

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in governance, leadership and strategic decision-making.
• Willingness to learn and develop through mentorship.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyse information and ask thoughtful questions.
• Interest in social housing and its purpose.

Responsibilities

• Attend selected Board and Committee meetings as an observer.
• Read Board papers and build understanding of governance, strategy, finance, risk and regulation.
• Participate in HDN workshops, mentoring and development activities, and work with your mentor to set learning goals.
• Support the Board and contribute your perspective to how services are delivered to customers.

Skills

Governance interest

Learning mindset

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Confidentiality

Job description

Do you want to be a board member but don't yet have the experience? Be One Homes is looking for its first Board Trainee. We believe good governance comes from having a real mix of perspectives around the table, and we want to open the door to people who might not see themselves on a board but absolutely belong there.

This is a two-year development role delivered through the Housing Diversity Network (HDN) Board Trainee Programme, a national programme that helps people from all backgrounds take their first steps into board leadership. You don't need any previous board experience.

About us

Be One Homes is a charitable community benefit society providing social housing. Our purpose is to provide homes and opportunities that support people to build a better life. We changed our name in April 2026 to reflect our growing presence beyond Bolton, and over the next few years we'll be accelerating our new-build programme and investing significantly in our existing homes and services.

What you'll do

You'll attend selected Board and Committee meetings as an observer, read Board papers and build your understanding of how a housing association is governed, including strategy, finance, risk and regulation. Alongside this, you'll take part in HDN workshops, mentoring and development activities, and work with your mentor and our team to set and review your learning goals.

The role doesn't carry voting rights or formal governance responsibilities. It's about learning, observing and bringing your perspective to how we serve our customers.

The support you'll receive

You'll have an HDN mentor, a Be One Homes Board Buddy, support from our Governance Team, a formal induction and regular development reviews. You'll also join a national network of emerging leaders and get access to HDN's online learning, events and resources.

Who we're looking for

We're interested in people who are curious, motivated and want to make a difference. You'll need:

• a genuine interest in governance, leadership and strategic decision-making
• a commitment to your own learning and development
• good communication and interpersonal skills
• the ability to analyse information and ask thoughtful questions
• an understanding of, or interest in, social housing and its purpose
• a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• the ability to maintain confidentiality and act with integrity

It would be great if you also have experience of a customer-focused or regulated environment, or of community groups, committees or networks, and an ambition to take on a board role after the programme. We particularly welcome applicants whose lived experience and perspectives would add to the diversity of thought on our Board.

Key dates

Shortlisting: Thursday 5 November 2026

Interviews: Wednesday 25 November 2026, in person in Bolton

If any of these dates are difficult for you, please let us know. Dates are subject to change.

Job Summary

• Location

  Bolton

• Organization

  Be One Homes

• Job Type
• Salary

  £2,000 per year, plus reasonable expenses

• Closing Date

  02/11/2026

• Reference ID

  37232

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