Master

Job Reference BALAHA
Closing Date Monday 05 Oct 2020

Abbot’s Hospital is an almshouse founded in 1619 by George Abbot, a local boy educated at the Grammar School who became Archbishop of Canterbury in 1611. It is a home for the elderly people of limited means from the Guildford area. Over 400 years after the first residents moved in, the Hospital continues to offer town centre accommodation for local elderly people within a sociable and supportive environment under the management of the Master. The magnificent Jacobean Grade I listed building set in the very heart of Guildford town centre, provides 20 single and double self-contained apartments for 27 residents and has its own chapel, garden areas, and three halls for communal use. The Hospital plays an important part in the civic life of Guildford and enjoys a close relationship with Holy Trinity church, which contains George Abbot’s tomb and where there are reserved pews for the Master and the residents.
The Master acting on behalf of the Governors, is responsible, for the day to day running of the Hospital. This includes the production of the monthly accounts, management of contractors, the maintenance and care of the site and its historic buildings, and management and leadership of staff. In addition to running Abbot’s Hospital day to day matters, the Master is responsible for overseeing the wellbeing of the residents with regard for their individual needs and security, working in partnership with the Warden. The Master will establish and maintain a strong network with key organisations including the local parish, Guildford Borough Council, the Almshouses Association, local care providers, regulators and the wider community. As an external ambassador for Abbot’s Hospital, the Master will support fundraising aimed at maximising the Hospital’s income, by promoting the public’s awareness of the Hospital, and enhancing the experience of visitors.
The Master will be sympathetic to and understanding of the wishes of the residents as far as is practical; be supportive and open with the Governors showing vitality and vision. Potential candidates will demonstrate the ability to delegate and supervise staff (currently a full-time warden and three part-time staff, the Master’s secretary, a cleaner and a handyman). Substantial senior level experience of administration and general financial awareness/ competence will be important.
Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Abbot’s Hospital on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference BALAHA. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Monday 5th October 2020.