This is a hugely important role for Crisis, enabling us to build on our growth and impact in recent years with the right financial strategy, systems, technology, premises and planning processes. This is not a CFO role with some functions bolted on; this is about leadership and creating the environment that enables our staff and volunteers to be their very best in bringing about the end of homelessness at an individual and national level. Crucially, it is also about role-modelling our values and contributing to the development of our culture.

 

Over recent years, Crisis has grown considerably and now has an annual turnover in excess of £50m. The Director of Corporate Services is at the heart of ensuring that this growth enables the organisation to have a greater impact, delivering the 2018 – 23 strategy as a thriving organisation with excellent infrastructure and facilities for our members, staff and volunteers, an approach to risk that facilitates innovation and adaptability, effective governance and a clear approach to planning and performance and impact measurement.

 

Homelessness is devastating, dangerous and isolating. On average, homeless people die at just 44 years old. In a word, it is unjust. People sleeping on the street are almost 17 times more likely to have been victims of violence. More than one in three people sleeping rough have been deliberately hit, kicked or experienced some other form of violence whilst homeless. But we know homelessness, in all its forms, can be tackled and ended.

 

In 2018 we published a plan to end homelessness a document we worked on throughout 2017, which sets out for the governments of the UK, Scotland and Wales what needs to be done if they are committed to ending homelessness. This document builds on more than 60 consultation events across Britain and a huge amount of research either completed or commissioned by Crisis. It marked our 50th anniversary year and now provides the framework for the work of Crisis over the coming years.

 

Homelessness has never had a higher profile. This is largely due to the scale of the problem, and especially the scale of the most visible form of the problem; rough sleeping. Politicians are competing to be seen to be acting – as one of our founders said, we have a ‘rivalry of ambition’. Funders, donors and supporters want to do something. It could be said there is a window of opportunity. If ever there were a time for Crisis to make a difference, and ensure a new consensus to end homelessness for good rather than tinkering at the edges, then that time is now.

 

I hope you decide to apply and look forward to meeting you. The selection process will be rigorous, and will include members and trustees as well as SMT colleagues. But, hopefully, you would expect all of this from us.

 

Best wishes

 

Jon Sparkes

Chief Executive

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