Trustee

Job Description

Trustee (including Honorary Treasurer opportunity)

HARP is South Essex’s leading homelessness charity and a Registered Social Landlord. Founded in 2002, we support more than 1,000 people each year who are homeless, rough sleeping, vulnerably housed, or at risk of losing their accommodation. On any given night we provide accommodation for over 320 people, and our Bradbury Day Centre operates 365 days a year, offering practical support that helps people move from crisis towards stability and long-term independence.

Over recent years HARP has grown significantly in scale and complexity. We have strengthened our housing pathway, deepened partnerships, and developed a more mature approach to governance, assurance and regulation. As we reach the end of our current five-year strategy, we are taking stock and shaping what comes next.

As part of this next phase, we are looking to appoint a Trustee to join our Board. We are open to a range of backgrounds and experiences, including candidates with the capability to take on the role of Honorary Treasurer. What matters most is sound judgement, a willingness to engage, and a clear commitment to the people HARP exists to support.

The role

Apply now, read the job details by scrolling down Double check you have the necessary skills before sending an application.
As a Trustee, you will play a central role in how HARP is governed and held to account. You will help set strategic direction, safeguard the charity’s purpose and reputation, and ensure strong oversight of performance, risk, quality and financial stewardship. Trustees also contribute through committee work, where much of the detailed governance takes place.

For those with a strong financial background, there is the opportunity to take on the additional responsibilities of Honorary Treasurer. This includes working closely with the Chief Executive and Executive Director of Finance, supporting financial planning and oversight, chairing the Finance Committee, and ensuring robust controls, risk management and transparent reporting. As a dual-regulated organisation (charity and Registered Social Landlord), financial oversight is a critical part of maintaining long-term sustainability and demonstrating value for money.

What you will do
You will:
•    Attend and contribute to Board and committee meetings, preparing thoroughly and bringing your experience to bare.
•    Help set direction and maintain a clear link between strategy, delivery and impact.
•    Offer constructive support and challenge, enabling good decision-making and effective risk management.
•    Safeguard HARP’s purpose and integrity, ensuring we meet the expectations of regulators, funders and stakeholders.
•    Act as an ambassador, representing HARP with credibility and warmth across our networks.

Who we are looking for
We are seeking someone who is thoughtful, grounded and motivated by HARP’s mission. You will:
•    Think strategically, while taking stewardship and accountability seriously.
•    Listen well, analyse issues carefully, and contribute with independence and integrity.
•    Be comfortable offering both encouragement and challenge, with sound judgement.
•    Bring a collaborative mindset and an interest in the lived experience of homelessness and multiple disadvantage.
We are particularly interested to hear from people with experience in one or more of the following areas: financial leadership (including accountancy), social housing or registered provider governance, commercial or income generation, health and system leadership, or those bringing a more creative, mission-led perspective.

We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals who have been underrepresented on charity boards, including those with lived experience of homelessness or housing insecurity.

Time commitment
Approximately 6–12 days per year (or 12–15 days for those taking on the Treasurer responsibilities). Board meetings are ideally attended in person, with flexibility for virtual attendance where needed.

These roles are voluntary and unremunerated. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed. Appointments are for a three-year term, renewable.

Why join HARP? xwzovoh
This is a practical opportunity to contribute to a charity with real scale, strong services and a clear sense of purpose, at a point where good governance and clear thinking will shape what happens next. If you can bring judgement, curiosity and commitment, we would be very pleased to hear from you.

Contact
For more information, please visit or contact David Needham ( or Anita Denton (