Emmaus UK is seeking a Chair to lead the board of a newly created entity as we embark on a journey to become a Registered Provider. This project supports our strategic objective to help more people and drive growth of the Emmaus movement in the UK.
This Chair role offers a unique opportunity to lead the establishment and development of the board of a newly created Registered Provider, intended to become a standalone organisation listed with the Regulator of Social Housing.
At the point of recruitment, the Registered Provider is at a formative, non-operational stage. The board’s initial focus will be on governance, regulatory readiness and building a strong, independent foundation for future growth.
As Chair, you will set the tone, culture and standards of governance from the outset, creating an inclusive and high performing board. You will ensure trustees are well supported, engaged and able to contribute fully, and lead the board in shaping clear direction and effective decision-making.
You will also work in close partnership with the Chief Executive, building a relationship grounded in trust and shared purpose, and providing both support and constructive challenge to translate strategy into action.
This is an exciting time to join Emmaus and a rare opportunity to help build something new. As founding Chair, you will shape governance structures, influence strategic direction and steward the organisation through its transition to Registered Provider status.
Emmaus provides support to people affected by homelessness and social exclusion.
Emmaus communities across the UK provide a home, tailored support and meaningful work to more than 1,000 people, known within Emmaus as companions. Emmaus is different to many homelessness charities and support services as we go beyond just offering a bed for the night. We provide longer-term support, stability, opportunities for personal development and a strong sense of community.
Emmaus in the UK has a federated structure, which means each local Emmaus organisation is an independent charity with its own staff team and board of trustees. Emmaus UK was set up to unify and support the federation, providing a central set of services that bring members together and support the movement’s growth in the UK.
We are looking for a Chair with a strong commitment to the values and purpose of Emmaus, and the judgement to lead a board at a formative stage. Comfortable in an evolving environment, you will bring clarity, direction and a genuine appetite to shape something new.
You will offer board level experience, either as an existing Chair or as a trustee or non-executive stepping into a first Chair role, underpinned by a clear understanding of effective governance in practice. A track record of fostering constructive relationships, enabling open dialogue and guiding collective decision-making will be important.
You will bring integrity, sound judgement and independence of thought, alongside the ability to navigate complexity and help the board balance opportunity with risk. You will also value different perspectives and be committed to building an inclusive board culture, where lived experience, including experience of homelessness, is welcomed and meaningfully influences decision-making.
Experience in housing or regulation, governance and legal frameworks, property and development, or asset management would be valuable. However, your ability to lead the board well will be as important as any specific technical expertise.
The board meets four times per year, with additional commitments including the AGM and an annual full-day in-person board away day. The total time commitment for the Chair is estimated to be one to three days per month, including meetings, preparation and training.
To apply for this role, please send your CV and cover letter to caroline.helps@emmaus.org.uk by Wednesday 17 June 2026.
Please ensure you refer to the role description and person specification in the applicant pack at the bottom of this page when completing your application.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview via Microsoft Teams on either Monday 6 July, Wednesday 7 July or Thursday 8 July 2026.
If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please email caroline.helps@emmaus.org.uk.
Emmaus UK provides equal opportunity for all job applicants and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination. We are dedicated to an inclusive culture, and we strive to create a workplace where teams of people with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, perspectives, ideas and experiences work together.
We welcome applications from all individuals irrespective of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, marital status or parental responsibilities.
To ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate for our roles, all applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed so that shortlisting is based solely upon the suitability of the candidate’s experience.