Emmaus Cornwall - Board Trustee Opportunities

Working together to end homelessness

Emmaus is a homelessness charity with a difference, providing more than just a bed for the night for people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion. We provide a home for as long as someone needs it, as well as meaningful work in our social enterprise. This works to help to restore feelings of self-esteem and give our companions, as residents are known, the opportunity to regain control of their lives.

Emmaus International is made up of 410 member organisations in 41 different countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe. Since the first community opened in the UK in 1991, Emmaus has grown quickly. There are now 29 communities spread across the UK, with a further five groups currently working to establish new communities. 

Emmaus Cornwall was established in 2011 and we have ambitious plans to set up the first Emmaus community in the area in conjunction with the Eden Project.The model that we are proposing is ground-breaking and differs from Emmaus’ traditional model. We have been working in the background to develop a long term, sustainable social enterprise and we’re excited to have reached the stage where land has been allocated to us by a local landowner, and we are currently in negotiations with the Eden Project with a view to building our community on their land.

“We believe we can build this community in the middle of a nurturing place, where work will be available, where people will not fear not having work, where you can work your way in, rediscover who you are and have a horizon that is really promising.”

Sir Tim Smit KBE, Eden Project

At this critical time in our development, we are looking for people to join our Board of Trustees who have complementary skills to those of the present Trustees and the vision and enthusiasm to help us make the most of this wonderful opportunity to open an Emmaus community in Cornwall.

In Cornwall, more and more people live in poverty and are struggling to make ends meet, and many finding themselves homeless. Whilst some progress has been made to address this increasing issue by Cornwall Council, housing associations and charities, there is still a significant need for move-on accommodation and long-term support. An Emmaus community offers a home and meaningful work for those who have experienced homelessness.

“Emmaus gives homeless people that sense of possibility, that reason to go on, and a sense of community. I hope that we can all support Emmaus and the Eden Project in whatever way we can to achieve their ambition because we really need this here in Cornwall.”

Raynor Winn, Author, The Salt Path

We are seeking to add to our current Board of Trustees to further strengthen and enhance the skills and experience that will ensure development of our future strategy and sound governance.

The Board of Trustees has a wide range of experience and skills, but following a recent skills audit and strategy day, it was determined that this recruitment will focus on adding new skills from the following priority areas:

·      Homelessness

·      Charity Governance

·      Business Development/Enterprise

·      Legal 

·      Fundraising

·      Property/Construction

Full details, including the role requirements and person specification can be obtained from our retained recruiter Anna Jay: [email protected] or for a confidential discussion call 07904 236 348.

The closing date for applications is midday on Thursday 30th July. In order to apply, please submit a CV supported by a covering letter of no more than 3 sides of A4 outlining your motivation for applying and highlighting how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the role of Trustee, as set out in the above brief. Applications should be sent to [email protected] with reference Emmaus Cornwall. Early applications are encouraged.

Emmaus recognise the positive value of diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage Trustee applications from people of all backgrounds.

Working together to end homelessness