About Emmaus Suffolk:
Emmaus Ipswich evolved into Emmaus Suffolk in Oct 17. As with other Emmaus communities, the objectives of the charity are the alleviation and relief of poverty, hardship and distress that arises as a result. The organisation does this by offering meaningful activity for homeless, socially-isolated and long term unemployed people (beneficiaries) as appropriate, providing education, training and work opportunities
The beneficiaries have the opportunity to develop their skills to enable them to gain employment in the future, and a sense of self-worth and dignity through having a self-supporting life. In the long term this will include the provision of accommodation, or assistance in such provision for the beneficiaries.
The overarching aim is to become a self-sustaining business and service provider. Through providing meaningful occupation Emmaus creates for people, a means of gaining experience, training and transferable skills, building self-respect and personal empowerment. At the same time, it provides choice and access to good quality furniture and household goods for both low income families and the wider community.
We work with vulnerable individuals whom are homeless, vulnerably housed and/or workless. These individuals often do not identify they have support needs but work with our support workers. We have an holistic approach around each individuals wellbeing – both within the organisation but more importantly within the wider external community i.e how they cope day to day when they are not working here.
The Support Team works with the variety of needs of the individual, signposting to other organisations when necessary for specialist intervention. We view ourselves as the stepping stone for building confidence and skills for individuals to move on into independent living, employment, dealing with relationships etc. We build both social and work skills in a safe environment, to create a gateway to independent living.
Through our Community Hubs in Ipswich we run opportunities for community experiences, leisure activities, networking both with local businesses and services. Activities include crafting, upcycling, seasonal activities etc along with Gardening Club at two of our sites with out door space. We also offer opportunities for Work experience, Duke of Edinburgh and university placements.
Application for Trustee Roles:
The board members will be responsible for the evolution of the Charity working with the Chief Executive, to develop the non-residential companion model and increase its social enterprises. It will do this at a variety of locations that will offer non-residential companion the opportunity to volunteer within their own localities. We will be providing business opportunities and experience to give people the chance to rebuild their lives in a supportive, enduring environment.
Along side this we will develop the pioneering micro housing offer for UC and Full Companions enabling people to move from supported housing provision towards independent living. The development of an Emmaus Suffolk accommodation strategy, against the background of constant changes in benefits provision will be critical. The overarching aim is to become a self-sustaining county wide social enterprise, service and housing provider.
As a homelessness charity, we naturally expect all trustees to have a good understanding of, and commitment to, homelessness and those that are vulnerably housed. We are particularly seeking trustees with any of the following skills and experience:
- Retail / Marketing
- Funding applications
- Property – Residential
- Social Care / vulnerable people
- Voluntary Sector Experience
- Business Development
- Fundraising / Appeals
Personal qualities Trustees should demonstrate:
- A strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives and cause, and have personal gravitas to instil confidence in being able to represent the organisation
- Exhibit strong communication and interpersonal skills, plus strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity
- Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively and promote a collaborative team environment
- Ability to commit time and effort to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours.
Experience
- Successful track record of career achievement
- Experience of governance, ideally within a charity, and working with or as part of a board or other committee and/or team-working
- Experience of external representation, delivering presentations and managing stakeholders. Knowledge and skills
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship Broad knowledge and understanding of the wider Civil Society sector and current issues affecting it Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate staff and volunteers and bring people together
- Financial management expertise and a broad understanding of charity finance issues.
Find out more information below and contact Claire Staddon on [email protected] to have an initial conversation.