Time Commitment - 3 days per month

For a century, Gateway Housing Association has been part of the fabric of East London, serving some of the most vibrant, diverse and dynamic communities in the country. From providing affordable homes for families to delivering specialist housing for older people, we are deeply rooted in the neighbourhoods we serve and committed to helping people and communities thrive. Guided by our purpose and values, we believe that good housing is the foundation for opportunity, wellbeing and stronger communities.

As Gateway celebrates its centenary year, we are seeking an exceptional Chair to lead our Board and help shape the next chapter of our story. This is an opportunity to work with a committed Board and Executive Team to ensure that Gateway continues to thrive as an independent, community-focused organisation, delivering excellent homes and services while remaining closely connected to the people and places we serve.

We are looking for a leader who understands the importance of strong governance, but who also appreciates that effective board leadership is about relationships, influence and shared purpose. Our new Chair will create an environment where constructive challenge, collaboration and thoughtful decision-making can flourish, ensuring the Board remains focused on delivering positive outcomes for residents and communities.

As Gateway looks to the future, partnership working will play an increasingly important role in achieving our ambitions. We are seeking someone who is passionate about building meaningful relationships and bringing people together around shared goals. As Chair, you will help strengthen Gateway's profile and influence, fostering partnerships with residents, local authorities, community organisations and sector partners that enable us to maximise our impact and create lasting benefits for the communities we serve.

Above all, we want a Chair who shares our commitment to listening to customers and keeping their voices at the heart of decision-making. We believe that understanding the experiences, needs and aspirations of our residents is fundamental to creating services that make a genuine difference and communities where people can prosper.

The successful candidate will bring board-level leadership experience, strategic insight and sound judgement, together with the ability to build consensus, inspire confidence and guide an organisation through change and opportunity. You may come from housing, the public, private or voluntary sector, but you will share our values, our commitment to inclusive communities and our ambition to make a lasting positive impact across East London. An affinity with the area and its distinctive character would be a welcome bonus.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected organisation with a proud heritage and an exciting future. If you are motivated by the chance to provide strong board leadership, strengthen partnerships, champion residents and help shape outcomes for diverse communities, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For more information about the role, or to arrange a confidential conversation, please contact Sandra Jones on Sandra.jones@gatenbysanderson.com or Rosie Gunn on rosie.gunn@gatenbysanderson.com

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Recruitment Timetable

Closing date
9am, Friday 25th September 2026

Long listing
Thursday, 8th October 2026

Short listing
Friday 23rd October 2026

Final panel
Thursday 5th November 2026

How to Apply

• Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria.
• Detail any employment or education gaps.
• Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees.
• Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.
• Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive, please email contactus@gatenbysanderson.com