Non Executive Board Members, Eden Housing Association £2,000 pa

Closing Date: Thursday 5th March at 12pm

Location: Penrith, Cumbria

Interviews Scheduled: Late March, W/C 23rd or 30th TBC

Help shape homes and communities where people can live safely and well.

At Eden Housing Association, we believe everyone deserves a good-quality, affordable home and the opportunity to live safely, independently and with dignity in the communities they call home. We are proud to be a community-rooted rural housing provider, deeply connected to the people and places we serve across the Eden Valley in North Cumbria.

Our vision is clear:

To be a leading not-for-profit housing association providing places where tenants can live safely and well in good homes across rural Cumbria.

Everything we do is driven by this purpose and by our commitment to delivering tenant-focused services that make a real difference.

A pivotal time to join our Board

This is an exciting and important time for Eden Housing. Following a recent refinancing, we have clear plans to gradually increase investment in our homes and services, strengthening our long-term resilience and impact.

Our region is also entering a period of significant change. The creation of the Cumbria Combined Authority this year, ahead of mayoral elections in 2027, presents new opportunities for influence, partnership and place-based leadership. Our Board will play a vital role in helping Eden Housing navigate this evolving landscape.

We are now seeking up to four committed and enthusiastic Non-Executive Board Members to help shape our future, strengthen our governance, and ensure we continue to deliver excellent outcomes for tenants and communities. Our intention would be for two Board members to join us in March with a further two following on in September.

About the role

As a Non-Executive Board Member, you will provide independent challenge, strategic insight and constructive support to the Executive Team. Working collaboratively with fellow Board members, you will help set direction, oversee performance and manage risk, while always keeping our social purpose at the heart of decision-making.

You will:

• Contribute to the strategic leadership of Eden Housing, supporting delivery of our long-term ambitions.
• Uphold high standards of governance, regulatory compliance and risk management, particularly as we prepare for our next regulatory inspection.
• Bring insight and perspective to Board and Committee discussions, ensuring informed and balanced decision-making.
• Act in the best interests of tenants, communities and the organisation as a whole.
• Work collaboratively with partners and stakeholders to support Eden Housing’s role across rural Cumbria.

About you

You will share our commitment to combining strong social purpose with robust business thinking, and bring the confidence to contribute at Board level in a regulated environment.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can offer strategic experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Technology and Data
• Property Development

You will also demonstrate:

• A strong understanding of good governance and risk management.
• Insight into the challenges and opportunities of providing affordable housing in rural areas.
• Sound judgement, with the ability to provide constructive challenge and support.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to working as part of a diverse Board.
• Integrity, curiosity and a genuine passion for improving outcomes for tenants and communities.

Previous Board experience is welcomed but not essential; what matters most is your values alignment, perspective and willingness to contribute.

What you’ll gain

This is a rewarding opportunity to:

• Influence the future direction of a high-performing rural housing association.
• Make a meaningful social impact at Board level.
• Work alongside committed, values-driven Board and Executive colleagues.
• Further develop your non-executive and governance experience.

Board Members are required to attend six in-person Board meetings, three hybrid Committee meetings, and one in-person Strategy Day each year. Comprehensive induction, training and ongoing support will be provided.

An allowance of £2000 pa is payable in line with the Recruitment Pack, and all reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

If you are motivated by purpose, community and good governance — and want to help shape the future of affordable housing across rural Cumbria — we would be delighted to hear from you.

Join Eden Housing Association and help create places where people can live safely and well.

How to apply

Applications should be made via email to and must include on separate documents:

• A letter of application setting out your interest in the role
• A completed Diversity form (available for download on the right hand side of this page)

Closing date for application: Thursday 5th March @ 1200

Final stage interviews will be held in person in late March, dates to be confirmed.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion – Different Together

Eden Housing is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We celebrate difference and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We aim to create a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute to our mission. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and life experiences, including individuals from different ethnic communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, and people of all ages, faiths and beliefs.

We will also make any reasonable adjustments necessary to help candidates participate in our recruitment processes.

In making an application for this role we ask you also to view our Privacy Notice which outlines our compliance to General Data Protection Regulations and the use and storage of your data.

Personal Data is held and processed on the lawful basis that such action is in the legitimate interest of the company in pursuing the purposes described and has been considered through the use of a Legitimate Interest Assessment utilising the Balance Test to not be outweighed by risks to the rights, freedoms and interests of the Data Subject.

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