- AC0402 - Eltham United Charities - Clerk to the Trustees. Closing date: 6 August 4pm
- About Eltham United Charities and Almshouses
- Job Description and Person Specification of the Clerk to the Trustees
- Salary and benefits
- Timeline, application process and how to apply
- Diversity and Inclusion Monitoring
- Advert PDF
- Candidate Brief PDF
About Eltham United Charities and Almshouses
Our History
Eltham United Charities was formed by the Charity Commission on 9 July 1907 when ten local charities based in the parishes of Eltham and Mottingham, all of which had similar aims, namely the welfare of retired parishioners on restricted incomes, were amalgamated.
In 1964 the old almshouse in Eltham High Street was demolished and new accommodation consisting of sixteen units, known as Fifteenpenny Fields, was built behind Blunts Road on land owned by one of the original ten charities. In 1987 there was a further development, known as Thurland House, fully funded by a local resident, consisting of two double units plus accommodation for the Resident Estate Manager.
Currently, after further building alterations, the Charity is able to provide nineteen units, mostly on the ground floor, for independent living and a guest room. Mainly due to the generosity of wealthy residents of Eltham and Mottingham from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century the Charity has sufficient income to cover the running costs of the almshouses without the need to fundraise.
The almspeople appointed must be able to look after themselves, be on a restricted income and have a long-standing connection with Eltham or Mottingham. The accommodation is free of rent, heating and maintenance.
There remains a strong community spirit and both the Trustees and Resident Estate Manager support ensures the residents retain their dignity, freedom and independence by allowing them to live their lives as they see fit within a safe and secure environment.
Eltham United Charities has a board of nine Trustees, of which three are appointed by the Royal Borough of Greenwich and six co-opted by the board from the local area. There is a strong community spirit amongst the almspeople, well supported by the Trustees, the Clerk and the Resident Estate Manager.
Our Purpose
The principal object of the charity is to provide free accommodation for retired persons on restricted income who reside in the parish of Eltham and Mottingham.
Our Organisational structure
The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Trust deed dated 9th July 1907 and subsequent amendments. Currently our Charity has 9 Trustees, the Clerk and the Resident Estate Manager.
Our Future plans
Almshouse charities have to invest heavily in the modernisation and updating of almshouse dwellings to provide 21st century living. Standards of accommodation are continually rising, with technology playing an increasing part in making life easier. Disabled access, internet connection, electronic doors and sophisticated alarms all contribute towards enabling residents to remain independent in their homes for as long as possible.
The Trustees aim is for the charity to continue the maintenance of the almshouse and to maximise occupancy of the units as well as review the property portfolio and refurbish where necessary.
