Volunteer Trustee - Homelessness

What will you be doing?

At Emmaus we're working together to end homelessness. Whether you're an experienced Trustee or wanting to take your first step at board level we want to hear from you. Emmaus Gloucestershire supports formerly homeless people by giving them a home, meaningful volunteering in a social enterprise and an opportunity to get themselves back on their feet again. For many people who experience homelessness, one of the biggest obstacles they must overcome is a loss of self-esteem. Emmaus provides an opportunity to regain this, with a chance to make a real contribution to their community. Emmaus communities are not hostels for the homeless; they provide a home for as long as someone needs it. For many, this support and stability is like the family they don’t have, providing a safe environment in which to settle and re-build their lives. Often this is an opportunity to overcome issues such as addiction, get support with mental health issues or rebuild relationships with estranged family. Social enterprise is central to the Emmaus model as it provides meaningful volunteering opportunities for companions but also generates part of the funding required to maintain communities.  Like all charities, Emmaus Gloucestershire relies on a diverse group of people to become trustees and deliver good governance.   We aim to maintain a board of trustees which has people with individual expertise in leadership, organisation development, housing, marketing, fundraising, health and safety, legal and finance. The Emmaus Gloucestershire Board of Trustees meet quarterly in the evening, from 6.30pm, allowing those trustees who work during the day to participate and attend meetings. There are also occasional away days and potential opportunities to represent the community on a local, national, and international level.  This is an unsalaried volunteer role; however, we can pay travel expenses if required. 

What are we looking for?

We aim to maintain a board of trustees which has people with individual expertise in leadership, organisation development, housing, marketing, fundraising, health and safety, legal and finance. 

What difference will you make?

Alongside the usual duties of a trustee – including giving long term strategic direction to the charity, setting overall policy, ensuring effective and efficient administration and financial stability – Emmaus Gloucestershire’s trustees are expected to play a role in the life of the Emmaus Gloucestershire community.    It’s a unique community of people, with a shared goal in delivering financial sustainability and success for and with our companions. Trustees are encouraged to visit and maintain regular contact with the community, and where possible, spend time volunteering alongside companions and join companions, staff, and volunteers for lunch.