Emmaus UK is seeking two trustees to join 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 trustee role offers a unique opportunity to help establish and shape the board of a newly created Registered Provider, intended to become a standalone Registered Provider listed with the Regulator of Social Housing.
At the point of recruitment, the Registered Provider is at a formative stage and is not yet operational. The initial focus of the board will be on governance, regulatory readiness, and the careful development of a strong, independent foundation on which the organisation can grow.
Trustees will play a critical role in setting the tone, culture and standards of governance from the outset. Working within a framework of strong initial support and oversight from Emmaus UK, the board will be responsible for establishing clear accountability, sound decision-making and robust governance arrangements.
This is an exciting time to join Emmaus and a rare opportunity to help build something new. Rather than inheriting established ways of working, trustees will help shape and embed them, ensuring the Registered Provider is well-governed, resilient and fit for purpose over the long term.
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 particularly interested in applicants who can bring one or more areas of specialist knowledge to the board, including:
- Housing association or regulatory expertise, to manage risks and help guide the Registered Provider towards registration and regulatory compliance.
- Legal expertise in relevant fields such as charity or corporate governance, housing, property or regulation.
- Property acquisition and development experience, including viability appraisals, risk management and construction management to support sustainable growth.
- Asset management experience, including repairs and maintenance, planned improvements and health and safety, to support high quality services.
- We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of homelessness.
Successful applicants will understand the role, responsibilities and legal duties of a trustee, and be able to make informed contributions while modelling good governance practices and behaviours. They will be committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, resident involvement, and the values and purpose of Emmaus.
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 is estimated to be up to seven hours 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.