In the face of a housing emergency and cost of living crisis, homelessness is rising fast in Scotland. At the same time, we have a landmark Housing Bill going through parliament which could, if delivered properly, change the face of homelessness by significantly widening prevention duties.
Addressing the current homelessness crisis and ensuring we get the legislation and systems we need for the longer term requires people who can inspire, shape and influence positive change.
The Board of Homeless Network Scotland, the national membership body for organisations and individuals committed to ending homelessness in Scotland, is at the forefront of this work.
At this critical moment, the board is recruiting new members to extend its reach, broaden its lens and welcome new skills and diverse voices.
By joining the board, you can make your knowledge and passion count in the collective push to create a better future for everyone in Scotland. And you will have the opportunity to add your voice to an authoritative group of dedicated board members with decades of experience and expertise.
Convenor Jackie Erdman, formerly Head of Equality and Human Rights at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Our trustees span different sectors and disciplines, bringing expertise and passion to the role.
“We aim to provide a holistic oversight to the work, supporting the team in their engagement with Homeless Network Scotland members. We believe that homelessness can only be resolved through approaches that link up health, wellbeing and housing, informed by engagement with people who have experienced homelessness. We welcome new trustees who can help us develop that strategy. From my experience, I know you will find it stimulating and rewarding.”
Current board member Professor Suzanne Fitzpatrick, director of the Institute for Social Policy, Housing, Equalities Research (I-SPHERE) at Heriot-Watt University, said: “As well as contributing to efforts to end homelessness in Scotland and influencing the future direction of how systems and services respond to homelessness, you’ll be working with colleagues with diverse and deep expertise across housing, homelessness and related sectors.”
Vice-convenor Peter Kelly, chief executive of the Poverty Alliance, said: “Being a Board member is an incredibly rewarding role. As a trustee you will undoubtedly learn as much as you contribute.”
James Strang, chair of Riverside Scotland and former president of the Chartered Institute of Housing, said: “The latest set of annual homeless statistics reveal rising homelessness and rough sleeping – and show exactly why we need to push on with our work. We welcome nominations from people who can widen our scope and add to our existing skills and knowledge. This is an opportunity to make a real difference for people and communities all over Scotland.”
About Homeless Network Scotland
From its origins as a local charity formed in 1980, it is now the national membership body of people and organisations committed to ending homelessness in Scotland. It is an organisation that acts on evidence and is informed by people with direct experience of homelessness and by the breadth of its members’ insights and knowledge.
Homeless Network Scotland provides direction, connects people, and works to inspire the values and vision that will transform Scotland into a place where everyone has a home. Read more about our work: www.homelessnetwork.scot
The Role of the Board
A Board member of Homeless Network Scotland is a non-executive company director and a charity trustee. The Board of Directors:
- Work in the interests of Homeless Network Scotland and further its influence and its strategic and charitable aims.
- Take part in reviewing the strategy of Homeless Network Scotland and accounting for its activities and impact.
- Ensure that Homeless Network Scotland functions within the legal and financial requirements of a charitable organisation and strives to achieve best practice.
You are warmly encouraged to make a nomination for election to the Board of Directors of Homeless Network Scotland, which will be decided at the AGM on 29 October 2024 at Perth Concert Hall.