We are a charity with a difference as we are both a homelessness charity and a green social enterprise, supporting people to work their way out of homelessness. We don’t just give people a bed for the night; we offer a home, meaningful work, training and support to develop new skills, and a sense of belonging.
Emmaus Hertfordshire’s community runs up-cycling/refurbishment, second hand furniture and house clearance businesses, which generate revenue to pay for the housing and keep of those living in it. The community is also outward looking and supports others locally and abroad who are in need in a variety of different ways, e.g, cooking meals for homeless people locally and sending trucks with goods to support refugees and groups in poorer parts of the world.
Ideally you will be someone who is keen to help tackle the problem of homelessness. You will have an accountancy qualification and be confident in assisting the Board of Trustees and the CEO in reviewing business strategy, optimising operating performance, setting financial targets and ensuring the organisation has an appropriate financial control environment. You should also have experience of working with external auditors.
Main Responsibilities:
Like many charities, Emmaus Hertfordshire is both a registered charity and a limited company, so if successful you will be appointed as both a trustee and director. The role is voluntary. Although Emmaus has paid employees who are responsible for managing the day to day running of the organisation, the trustees/directors are the people who lead the organisation and decide how it is run. However, you are not expected to have knowledge of charity and company law and governance before you apply. If appointed, you will be provided with an induction and training from time to time and in that process you will be expected to familiarise yourself with the role and duties of a trustee/director. We will provide you with the support that you might need to fulfil your role, and you will not be expected to know everything from day one!
In the meantime, the Charity Commission website is the best place to look for a clear explanation as to what is involved in being a trustee.
Time Commitment:
The expected time commitment varies a bit depending on your availability and what is going on. It normally includes 4 main board meetings, (currently Wednesdays 6-8pm,) 4-5 ad hoc subcommittee or project meetings, and 1 Strategy Day per year, plus attendance in some cases at appraisals/disciplinaries or other events.
Meetings are at Emmaus Hertfordshire and can be attended in person or online. The ability to attend on site in person/face to face from time to time would be especially helpful in this role but not essential.
If you would like an informal chat about what the role is likely to involve, or what you might be able to bring to it, then email our Chief Executive: [email protected]