Chair
Job description
Company name: Arc
Location: Taunton, Somerset
Salary: Voluntary | Expenses reimbursed
Closing date: 9am on Friday 24 April 2026
About the Organisation
This is an exciting moment to join Arc as our new Chair
As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are looking ahead with ambition, refreshing our strategy, expanding our impact, and strengthening our leadership for the future. We are also at an advanced stage in our application to become a Registered Provider, marking a significant step in our evolution.
We are now seeking to appoint a new Chair and three additional Board Members to help guide Arc through this next phase of development and growth.
About Arc
Arc is a well-regarded charitable organisation providing supported accommodation and outreach services to single homeless people across Somerset. With 170 bed spaces across 16 locations in Taunton and Bridgwater, alongside a range of tailored support services, we provide more than just accommodation-based support; we offer stability, hope and a pathway to independence.
We are delighted to have been awarded Charity of the Year 2026 at the Somerset Business Awards!
The Role
Chair
Our current Chair, Karen Ayling will step down in September after completing her full term and we are now seeking an exceptional experienced individual to build on this strong foundation.
As Chair, you will be a bold and passionate advocate for supported housing and homelessness, driving local awareness and championing collaboration. You will ensure Arc remains truly client-led, recognising that our challenges cannot be solved by any one organisation alone.
We will look to you to:
- Provide inclusive, values-led leadership to the Board
- Champion our new Corporate Strategy
- Steer the Board through the final stages of achieving Registered Provider status and lead Arc into its next phase of growth, innovation and impact
- Ensure strong governance, accountability and effective decision-making
- Represent Arc externally, helping to build key partnerships that promote meaningful social impact.
Your prior non-executive experience will ideally include chairing, whether at board or committee level or in a senior executive capacity, within supported housing, homelessness, healthcare or a related sector, demonstrating your readiness for this senior board leadership role.
Why Join Us
We welcome applicants with lived experience of supported housing and/or homelessness.
This role offers both opportunities for personal development and the chance to make a meaningful impact. In return we look for a willingness and capacity to dedicate sufficient time to the role of Chair.
Please see the separate advert on our website for the Board Member opportunities.
How to Apply
Please take time to review the Candidate Brief below before making your application. This will outline the information we require in your application, the recruitment timescales and board commitment.
If you would like to have an informal chat before making your application please email hilary@hilarychanningassociates to schedule a telephone call.