Volunteer Homelessness Charity seeks trustee with homelessness/housing experience | Open Door S[...]

Open Door St Albans; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established charity dedicated to supporting the homeless is seeking passionate individuals to join its Board as trustees. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of those in need by providing strategic direction and practical advice. Ideal candidates will have experience in the social care sector, particularly in housing and homelessness, as well as skills in fundraising, marketing, and project management. Join a committed team working to improve the local homelessness strategy and support vital projects that make a real difference in the community.

Qualifications

• Experience working with agencies supporting homeless individuals.
• Background in charitable fundraising and social care.

Responsibilities

• Raising awareness of local homelessness issues and setting strategic direction.
• Monitoring achievements of the Night Shelter and supporting fundraising efforts.

Skills

Experience with homeless individuals

Knowledge of social care sector

Fundraising experience

Marketing skills

Project management skills

IT skills

Job description

Volunteer Homelessness Charity seeks trustee with homelessness/housing experience | Open Door St Albans

Open Door is a night shelter for the homeless based in St Albans, Hertfordshire. It supports the local homeless by providing lunchtime drop-in services, 12 ensuite bedrooms, and 4 additional beds at its Winter Beds Project.

What difference will you make?
We are looking for individuals who can bring to the Board some practical experience of working directly with homeless people, especially rough sleepers, and/or experience of agencies or organisations that work with homeless people. Your contribution could be invaluable in bringing a wider perspective to our work and providing practical and strategic advice on current and future activities.

What are we looking for?
The Open Door Charity is looking for new trustees with experience in the social care sector, especially housing and homelessness, or fundraising. We are looking for individuals with:

1. Experience of working with agencies and organisations that support those who are homeless, potentially homeless, or in poor or insecure accommodation.
2. Experience of charitable fundraising.

What will you be doing?
You will be helping with:

1. Raising awareness of local homelessness and related issues, and setting the strategic direction of the Charity.
2. Assessing applications from Hightown Housing Association for project funding, which may involve applications for funds to buy equipment, furniture, etc.
3. Monitoring the achievements of the Night Shelter and the Safer Streets Outreach Worker in helping service users manage and improve their lives.
4. Supporting our paid coordinator in raising funds to continue our support for the Night Shelter and other projects.
5. Policy planning and strategy planning for the Winter Beds Project.
6. Contributing knowledge and skills in marketing, project management, and IT.

We need to maintain regular contacts with St Albans Council Housing Department and contribute to the work on the St Albans Homelessness Strategy.