Emmaus UK Trustee

Organisation Overview 

Emmaus is a secular organisation supporting people affected by homelessness and social exclusion. There are currently 29 Emmaus communities across the UK, providing a home, tailored support and meaningful work experience to more than 850 people, known within Emmaus as companions.

 Emmaus is different to many homelessness charities and support services as we go beyond just offering a bed for the night; we provide longer-term support, stability, opportunities for personal development, and a strong sense of community. Social enterprise is central to the Emmaus model as it provides work opportunities for companions but also generates a large proportion of the funding needed to maintain communities. Having something to do every day provides structure and a sense of purpose to Emmaus companions.

Emmaus in the UK has a federal structure, which means that each community and group is an independent charity with its own staff team and board of trustees. Emmaus UK was set up to unify and support the federation, providing a central set of services that bring members together and support the movement’s growth in the UK.

Role Details 

Emmaus UK is currently undertaking feasibility work to consider the incorporation of an SPV which can become a Registered Provider of Social Housing on behalf of the Emmaus federation in the UK. This is an exciting prospect and would unlock significant potential to achieve our strategic objective to help more people.

We are looking for individuals to become trustees, attending quarterly meetings online and two annual face to face meetings likely in London but potentially in Birmingham or Manchester. Trustees would also engage with our committee structure and the process for setting up an SPV and becoming a Registered Provider of Social Housing.

Skills and experience 

To ensure that we are best positioned to pursue this opportunity we are looking to build the expertise of the Emmaus UK Board in: 

Legal expertise - ideally in a relevant field e.g. charity or corporate governance, housing, property, regulation etc

Housing Association/Housing Expertise or relevant regulatory expertise - providing strategic input as we develop the subsidiary and proceed with becoming a Registered Provider

Property Acquisition and Development - to support us with providing high quality services and managing sustainable growth

Joining the EUK Board at such a significant moment will enable you to play a key role in the future of Emmaus. You will be an integral part of developing the movement and central to making strategic decisions within EUK as the national body.

Attendance: Mostly online meetings, in person meetings twice a year

Time commitment: Quarterly meetings (3 hours), in addition to a face to face away day and an overnight strategy away day. 

To express an interest in this position, please email bicenquiries@weareadvocate.org.uk specifying which opportunity you are interested in.