Volunteers Needed!

We are currently looking for volunteers to help us provide secure, affordable homes in Newbury for people in need. We will be at West Berkshire Volunteer Centre's V365 Volunteer Fair at Newbury Corn Exchange on Saturday 10th January. Come along and say hello! All the details regarding our volunteer roles are below.

Why Volunteers Matter

Newbury Almshouse Trust (NAT) has no paid staff. Everything we do; governance, compliance, maintenance planning, fundraising and resident support; is delivered by skilled volunteers who give their time, experience, and judgement for free.

Volunteering with NAT offers:

• a meaningful role with real responsibility,

• the chance to apply professional skills for public good,

• board-level and leadership experience,

• and the opportunity to help preserve national heritage while supporting vulnerable people.

This is not token volunteering — your contribution genuinely matters.

Volunteer Roles We Are Currently Seeking

1. Proctor (Volunteer Role)

What is a Proctor?

A Proctor is a trusted, practical presence within NAT, acting as a link between residents, trustees, and operational activity.

Key responsibilities include:

• supporting resident wellbeing and community cohesion,

• acting as a first point of contact for minor issues,

• reporting concerns to trustees where appropriate,

• helping ensure NAT policies are followed sensitively and fairly.

Your ideal background:

• community, pastoral, housing, or welfare experience,

• calm, empathetic, and organised,

• comfortable working with older or vulnerable residents.

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Time commitment:

Flexible. Typically a few hours per month, plus a monthly meeting.

2. Property Director (Volunteer Board-Level Role)

This is a strategic and highly impactful role. The Property Director leads oversight of NAT’s historic housing portfolio, ensuring homes remain:

• safe,

• compliant,

• financially sustainable,

• sympathetic to their listed status.

Key responsibilities include:

• oversight of property condition and maintenance planning,

• advising trustees on refurbishment and compliance strategy,

• liaising with contractors, consultants, and conservation officers,

• supporting long-term capital and asset planning,

• helping NAT navigate modern regulatory pressures.

We are specifically seeking someone with experience as:

• Chartered Surveyor,

• Architect,

• building professional,

• property manager,

• or similar relevant professional background.

Experience with heritage or listed buildings is particularly valuable, but not essential.

Time commitment:

This is a strategic oversight role — typically a few hours per month, plus monthly meetings.

What you’ll gain:

• board-level experience within a respected charity,

• the opportunity to shape the future of a historic institution,

• use of professional skills in a highly valued context,

• a chance to give something tangible back to the local community.

How to Get in Touch

If you are interested, or would simply like an informal conversation, contact us today info@newburyalmshouses.org                       

All enquiries are treated confidentially and without obligation.