We are now recruiting for a new Experts by Experience network members. The Experts by Experience Panel is a two year project with a group of people with lived experience of homelessness (both those who have used Crisis services and those who have not) who will have access and participate in a wide range of opportunities across Crisis to support and develop our work.
This year we are looking for 10-15 people with direct experience of homelessness from across Great Britain to join our existing members of the network
"It gives me a more fulfilling quality of life to be part of something which is so much bigger than me on my own."
Quote from one of our current Experts by Experience Panel Members
As an Expert by Experience, you will have access to participate in a wide range of opportunities across Crisis and will be renumerated for your time. Over the last year our current panel has been involved in a wide range of activities which continually help to shape and inform all areas of our work across England, Scotland and Wales. Their expertise is a hugely valuable resource for Crisis.
Aim of the role
By joining the Experts by Experience Panel you will be ensuring that the perspective of people with lived experience of homelessness is at the heart of everything we do.
In order to know what Crisis is already doing well, what could be improved and how this could be achieved we need to hear your voices.
The only experience necessary is lived experience of Homelessness. Just bring you, your experiences and a willingness to learn something new and be involved with something that has been so exciting for other EBEs who have been involved (in their own words!).
The aim of the role is to bring you together with other people with personal experiences of homelessness to inform organisational strategy, policy and help us to design what our services look like for the people who will use them in future.
Who this role would be most suitable for:
People who have:
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An understanding of the issues faced by people who are homeless as a result of personal experience of homelessness in the recent past
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Confidence to take part in meetings both online and in person and contribute your opinions
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The ability to work with others, take part in constructive discussion and respect other view points
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A willingness to share your knowledge and experience and to give open and honest feedback
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The ability to read information to prepare for meetings
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An understanding of the importance of confidentiality
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Reliability and good time keeping
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Ability to communicate by email and attend online meetings
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Willing to travel independently to meetings
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Commitment to Crisis values and a passion and enthusiasm for ending homelessness
We want to hear from people from all backgrounds, cultures and communities. We will do everything we can to support you to be involved as we want our work to be informed by a range of people and experiences. We actively encourage applications from people from diverse communities and/or other under-represented groups as this will help our panel make a real difference, better informing our work.
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Location: meetings will be a combination of in person and online (Microsoft Teams). Please be assured you only need to get involved in the way that best suits you.
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Supported by: Grace Barry, Anna Jones and Carey Hill in the Member Involvement Team
Core Activities
The scope of the group will include:
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Attending regular meetings that adhere to a supportive group charter
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Using your personal experiences to help plan new developments at Crisis
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Getting involved in specific projects in different departments, depending on your areas of
interest.
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Attending focus groups and workshops on specific topics where you are interested
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Informing the direction of our fundraising campaigns and policy work
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Monitoring and reviewing member involvement at Crisis
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Ideas forums where you can bring along your own ideas and suggestions for things you’d love to
see Crisis do/work with Experts by Experience on
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In-person away days that happen 1-2 times per year where you can meet fellow network
members, get to know each other and work together as a team
What will you gain:
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Introductory training (you may bring your lead worker along to induction if you feel this would be helpful) for the role
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Ongoing support from the Member Involvement Team and from your peers
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An opportunity to be part of a team who are committed continually improving Crisis services and
maximising the impact of the Lloyds Banking Group Partnership at Crisis
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The opportunity to get involved in a wide variety of projects
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The opportunity to influence a variety of areas of work at Crisis and shape the way we do things
in future
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The opportunity to develop new and existing skills
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The opportunity to build confidence
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The opportunity to get to know new people that you otherwise may not have had the chance to
connect with
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Opportunities build relationships with Crisis staff and volunteers
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Potential opportunities to travel within the UK to attend meetings
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A reference from the Member Involvement team should you need this for future opportunities
Is this role remunerated?
Yes, this role is remunerated. Our rate of remuneration is £30.00 for up to two hours of involvement and £15.00 thereafter.
We have an excellent benefit advice team who can advise you about any impact this might have for you on any benefits you receive.
You will be paid a maximum of 8 hours a week, any other hours beyond that would be voluntary. If you do not wish to receive remuneration, you are still welcome to be part of the network.
You will be provided with support to learn how to invoice for remuneration.
The closing date for this opportunity is 15th May 2024
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join our Board of Trustees
Application timings
Closing date: Friday 10 May 2024, 5pm
Interviews: Tuesday 21 May 2024
About the National Emergencies Trust
Founded in 2019, the National Emergencies Trust is an independent charity that supports those affected by UK disasters. When a national emergency arises, we act fast to raise funds for those impacted to help with their physical, psychological, and practical needs. Our first appeal, the Coronavirus Appeal raised £100 million for those affected by the pandemic.
Outside of emergencies, we work closely with those affected by past disasters to understand the historic challenges they have faced and take action to improve outcomes for future survivors and their loved ones. Through our listening approach, we have evolved our funding model, secured two changes to UK legislation to date and created unique insights that are informing the work of Government, our charity sector peers and wider response and resilience stakeholders. We are proud to be supported by our major corporate patrons, as well as our Royal Patron, HRH The Prince of Wales.
Becoming a trustee
Our trustees play a vital role in making sure the National Emergencies Trust has a clear strategy, achieves our goals, and demonstrates excellence in all areas of governance.
Key duties
- Demonstrate an interest and commitment to the work, values, and vision of the National Emergencies Trust
- Understand and enforce legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship (training and mentorship is available)
- Devote the necessary time to the role
Key tasks
- Act at all times in the interests of beneficiaries, considering guidance from our Advisory Groups
- Participate in quarterly board meetings, reading papers in advance
- Work jointly with other trustees, attend the Trust’s Committees and/or Advisory Groups as applicable (usually online) and/or directly support the Chair, Chief Executive or team, in line with your background and skills to achieve their objectives
- Provide advice to the Chief Executive and other board members according to your expertise and in line with the Trust’s Constitution
- Sign off the Trust’s annual financial accounts, safeguarding the good name and values of the charity, and acting within the law
- Support the Chief Executive and team in the event of a national emergency.
The Charity Commission for England and Wales’ summary of key trustee responsibilities can be read here. Or alternatively you can find this information from the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) here.
Who we are looking for
We’re looking for someone who can:
- Demonstrate an interest and commitment to the work, values and vision of the National Emergencies Trust
- Understand and enforce legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship (training and mentorship is available).
- Devote the necessary time to the role.
We’re looking for someone with skills or experience in at least one of the following areas:
- Campaign creation and management
- Significant experience at board level
- Social media & emergent technology
- Financial and associated financial services
- Fundraising
- Public Affairs
How you will benefit
Being a trustee can be very rewarding. You will have the opportunity to:
- Shape the strategic direction of our charity
- Gain new skills
- Network with senior professionals
- Influence key projects
- Crucially, have the chance to improve the lives of disaster survivors
Terms of appointment
Terms
- Terms are three years. Trustees can serve a maximum of three terms
- This is an unpaid, voluntary role but all reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed
Time commitment
- You must be able to commit to quarterly Board Meetings. These will usually be held in person with a dial-in option available as an exception. Papers are circulated in advance for consideration.
- We ask trustees to support at least one of the Trust’s Committees or Advisory Groups, providing direct support to the Chair, Chief Executive or team, in line with their background and skills. You can find out more about these Committees and Groups here.
We’re committed to diversity and inclusion
Equity, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do at the Trust because during disasters it is vital that we leave no-one behind. We feel that our Board of Trustees should be representative of the people and communities we serve so welcome applications from everyone. Whether you are an experienced trustee or wanting to take your first step at Board level, we would love to hear from you.
How to apply
Step 1 – Find out more
- Watch a short video about who we are (YouTube video)
- Visit our website to find out more about what we do.
- Find out more about some of our work with survivors of emergencies (read our website and watch this YouTube video)
- Download our latest Annual Report to understand our activities and impact in the last Financial Year.
For an informal chat with a member of the Nominations Committee please contact us at with your preferred date and time.
Step 2 – Apply by the closing date: Friday 10 May 2024, 5pm
If you would like to apply, please:
- Submit a short covering letter outlining why you are interested in being a trustee and how you think your skills or experience would benefit the Trust. This can be provided in document, video, or audio format. Or do get in touch if you require additional formats or support with your application.
- Submit your CV
- Complete an optional equal opportunities monitoring form which you can find here.
Please email your application with subject line ‘Trustee application’.
Step 3 – Interview date: Tuesday 21 May 2024
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by our Nominations Committee on Tuesday 21 May. Please let us know if you require any specific arrangements or adjustments when you are applying.
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.