To mark Trustee Week 2021 we’ve spoken to one of our valued trustees, Harriet Cadman, about why she works with us here at Emmaus Suffolk, and what she enjoys most about her role.
Harriet, why did you want to be an Emmaus Suffolk trustee?
To support the charity and Claire Staddon, the Chief Executive. As an Ipswich resident, I was keen to support my community and share my knowledge and skillset to add value to Emmaus Suffolk’s growth and future projects.
What is your background and what has your career path been?
I come from a HR, recruitment and people management/operations background. My career started within HR in corporate large brands in London, then health and social care in children’s social work services based in Suffolk
What do you enjoy most about being a trustee at Emmaus Suffolk?
I enjoy working alongside the inspiring management and support team, who are dedicated and passionate about improving vulnerable individuals’ lives through their bespoke operations model.
I particularly like the forwarding thinking and creative vision of the Chief Executive and working alongside the ever-evolving and expanding the organisation to continually develop Emmaus Suffolk’s local offer.
Where would you like to see Emmaus Suffolk in five years’ time?
I’d like to see at least five community hubs across Suffolk including West and East Suffolk, including a mixed model of retail, café and community spaces.
I’d also like to see an increase in the independent living homes provisions for companions. with a wraparound supportive but enabling offer to provide stability and aid their future prospects.
It would also be good to see an increase in community partnership working, i.e. mental health support programmes / more career options for companions and volunteers to ensure improved and changed lives long-term.
To support with this continual growth, I’d like to see a successful apprenticeship and Kickstart programme across varying employment roles.
Can you sum up what Emmaus Suffolk means to you in one sentence?
Emmaus Suffolk is an inspiring forward-thinking charity at the heart of our local community, consistently improving outcomes for vulnerable adults.
Five Quick-Fire Questions:
Tell us something interesting about you
I used to be the HR Director of Ministry of Sound
What food can you not resist?
Cheese
What is your favourite film?
Pretty in Pink
What do you feel most grateful for?
My children
What is your biggest achievement?
Setting up and running my own successful HR consultancy business since 2017.