Warden Vacancy

Following the retirement of our Warden, the Trustees of St Scholastica’s Retreat are looking for an enthusiastic, energetic, caring and experienced person to deliver a range of services to the residents and Board of Management of St Scholastica’s Retreat, an almshouse charity providing 36 self-contained residential units for Roman Catholics in financial need who are over the age of 60 years

We are located in the town of Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire. As Warden, you will play a key role in the day-to-day management of the charity as it plans to expand over the next few years. Day-to-day duties will include assisting the Trustees in fulfilling the charitable and spiritual aims of the Trust: in particular, ‘to support elderly Catholics to live independently within the community of St Scholastica’s Retreat’. To this end, to act as manager and administrator of St Scholastica’s Retreat. As Clerk to the Trustees, to assist the Trustees in strategic planning for the Trust and for St Scholastica’s Retreat.

Previous experience of working in the charity sector would be an advantage. The role offers a competitive salary, pension, holiday entitlement and accommodation on-site in a three bedroom house.

For further information about Almshouses see the Almshouse Association.

Background

The Retreat was founded in 1862 by private endowment, to provide accommodation for retired Roman Catholics of professional or similar background. In July 1972, the Retreat moved to new purpose-built premises at Princes Risborough in Buckinghamshire. It consists of 36 self-contained flats for the Residents and a detached three bedroomed house for the Warden.

There is also a Community Building which provides social and laundry facilities together with a self-contained guest suite which may be used by residents’ wishing to accommodate occasional visitors.

Main Purpose of the Role

To assist the Trustees in fulfilling the charitable and spiritual aims of the Trust: in particular, ‘to support elderly Catholics to live independently within the community of St Scholastica’s Retreat’. To this end, to act as manager and administrator of St Scholastica’s Retreat.

As Clerk to the Trustees, to assist the Trustees in strategic planning for the Trust and for St Scholastica’s Retreat.

Summary of Responsibilities

The Warden has overall responsibility for:

Premises and Site: ensuring the premises and site are maintained in good order.
Finance: advise the Board of Management on financial issues related to the Trust; to implement expenditure decisions made by the Board; and to ensure that all financial accounting is done accurately.
Board of Management: Assist the Board to have oversight of, and to make plans for, the smooth running and long-term development of the Trust.
Residents: Support the residents to live independently within the community of St Scholastica’s Retreat.
Deputy Warden: Ensure that there is a consistent level of care for the residents, whoever is on duty.

For the full list of responsibilities please click here.

Person Specification

Applicants for this position should:

Be a practising Roman Catholic
understand and respect the confidentiality of knowledge and information relating to individual residents and Trustees
Be of good character and have the ability to use initiative and work efficiently, to carry out any other reasonable tasks and duties as may be requested, and to always act with honesty and integrity
Be sensitive, objective and impartial in the delivery of services.
Be discreet, patient and caring when dealing with demanding residents
Have good communication skills and be prepared to socialise and be part of the community.

NB A Driving Licence would be an advantage but not essential.

Role offers

Competitive salary, £35,000 per annum
Pension
20 day holiday entitlement
Accommodation on-site in a three bedroom house, which includes payment of council tax, electricity and water.

How to apply

Candidates should forward their CV with accompanying letter to The Warden stscholasticasretreat@outlook.com or by post to:

27 The Retreat

Princes Risborough

Buckinghamshire

HP27 0JG

CVs should include:

Full name
Date of birth
Marital status
Address
Phone numbers: work/home/mobile
Email address
Education: secondary, further, higher
Qualifications: school, college, university, professional, employment related
Employment history; for each place of work include job held, post title, employer details (including name, address and phone number), reason for leaving
Other experience relevant to the post applied for (e.g. family, parish, voluntary work etc)

Covering letter should include:

Why you are applying for this post/what attracts you to it
Why you think you are the right person for the job. What is it that makes you suited to it
Names and contact information of two professional referees (related to your previous/current employment)
Name and contact information for your parish priest
Earliest date by which he/she could assume duty
For our information, where you saw the advertisement for this job or how you heard about it

Please note preference will be given to a candidate who is a practising Roman Catholic

Application deadline is end of day 6th February 2026

Equality Diversity & Inclusion

St Scholastica’s Retreat is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in everything we do.

Data Protection

Any personal data you provide (such as address, telephone number, employment history) will be used for recruitment purposes only, and only shared with individuals and organisations involved in the recruitment process. All data will be held securely (electronically on our cloud-based IT system). Personal data related tounsuccessful applicants will be deleted six months after the end of the recruitment period unless agreed with the applicant.