Dear Candidate,

Thank you for your interest in joining HARP.

HARP is a well-established and highly regarded homelessness charity serving Southend and South Essex. Each year, the organisation supports more than 1,000 people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or living with complex needs, providing accommodation, outreach, and recovery-focused support to help people rebuild their lives.

Over time, HARP has developed from a grassroots organisation into a sizeable and increasingly sophisticated charity and registered housing provider. It now delivers a full pathway of services, from emergency provision through to long-term supported housing, alongside programmes focused on recovery, employability and independence.

There is a strong leadership team in place, alongside an experienced and committed Board. In recent years, the organisation has grown in scale and complexity, with greater emphasis on governance, financial sustainability and regulatory compliance, while maintaining a clear focus on the people it exists to support.

As HARP approaches the next phase of its development, there is a clear opportunity to strengthen and refresh the Board. We are now seeking to appoint five new Trustees, including an Honorary Treasurer, who will bring a mix of skills, perspectives and lived or professional experience to support the organisation’s continued progress.

These are important roles at a point of transition. The organisation is refining its strategic direction, strengthening its governance, and considering how it continues to grow in a sustainable way. Trustees will play a key part in providing oversight, constructive challenge and support to the Executive team.

We are looking for people who are thoughtful, collaborative and motivated by the opportunity to contribute to an organisation with a strong social purpose. Whether your background is in finance, housing, health, commercial activity or community leadership, what matters most is your judgement, your willingness to engage, and your commitment to the mission.

If that resonates, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Michael Raffan

Trustee and Chair of HARP