Emmaus UK is delighted to welcome Jill Garner, as its new Chair of Trustees.
Jill has extensive experience leading organisations tackling disadvantage and poverty. During her career she has held executive and non-executive director positions in social care, education, community development, international development and housing.
She has also served as the founding chair of two charities, as the director of operations for services supporting disabled adults and has visited international programmes focused on community empowerment. Additionally, Jill has recently served as a trustee for a housing association and (non-governmental organisation) Tearfund. She is currently a trustee for a mediation service and is also involved with a refugee charity.
Read Jill’s trustee profile in full.
Jill shares her thoughts of joining Emmaus and her hopes for the charity as it works to achieve greater impact.
“I’d known and loved some Emmaus shops for a long time and supported their approach to reusing and recycling. Now I see it’s much more than that and I’m drawn to the powerful combination of a good place to live, a community to belong to and the opportunity of work.
“As I’ve begun to visit Emmaus communities and groups, I’ve been impressed by how well the whole ‘package’ holds together and the depth of the kindness, understanding and experience. I’ve spoken to companions in different places who have told me how much Emmaus means to them, what a difference it has made and how they appreciate the chance to help others.
“As poverty, disadvantage and the lack of homes escalates we at Emmaus want to ‘Help more people, Work smarter, Shout louder and Work together better.’
“As chair I want to help make the most of the experience, knowledge, and passion there is across Emmaus so that more people are challenged and equipped.
“Emmaus has a distinct way of working which continues to evolve and grow. Increasingly we want to work alongside others locally and nationally to bring change. At its best, Emmaus works across the world based on people’s lived experience and their desire for change.”