Homelessness charity Crisis welcomes five new Trustee appointments

National homelessness charity Crisis has announced the appointment of five new Trustees for 2023, to support with the charity’s work in ending homelessness for good.

Following an extensive recruitment process all five new trustees will be joining the Board this January and will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the organisation.

• Waqar Ahmed is Group Finance Director at L&Q and brings over 20 years’ experience in the commercial housing sector. He is passionate about developing impactful social objectives, having supported the L&Q Foundation through generating long-term sustainable partnerships with other like-minded charities.
• Charlotte Bates is a trained lawyer and mediator who has worked with a number of lived experience boards, including the Kerslake Commission. She brings her own perspective and experience in supporting vulnerable people to Crisis.
• Ezechi Britton is currently Chairman of Uome, as well as a strategic board advisor to the Crisis Venture Studio. Having received an MBE for his services to work in diversity, inclusion and young people, Ezechi will bring his skills in digital, finance and income generation to Crisis.
• Sapna Dutta is SVP of Reckitt. With immeasurable experience in the legal sector through her work across two global FTSE 20 companies, Sapna additionally holds extensive journalism experience from her previous role at the BBC.
• Kath Palmer is Chief Executive of Cynon Taf Community Housing Group and has extensive knowledge of housing and homelessness from her work in the Welsh housing sector.

As the cost-of-living crisis deepens for thousands across the country, these appointments come as Crisis steps up its mission to support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, with the charity estimating that as many as 300,000 households could face homelessness this year.

Waqar Ahmed said: “Having worked in the housing sector for almost thirty years, I’m pleased to be joining Crisis as one of their new Trustees. Everyone should have a safe home, yet the ongoing housing crisis means that many are living in unstable and often dangerous conditions. Throughout my career and personal experience, I’ve learnt how important housing is and I’m excited to bring this expertise to Crisis to make a real difference to people’s lives.”#

Charlotte Bates said: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to support Crisis as part of their Board of Trustees. Through personal experience, I understand first-hand how challenging the journey of homelessness can be and the multiple factors at play that can lead to someone being without a home. I’m looking forward to joining the team at such an important time to support those currently in similar situations and to ensure that the right support is there for everyone to be able to find a safe place to call home.”

Ezechi Britton said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Board at Crisis to support in their mission to end homelessness for good. Being passionate about supporting those from underrepresented communities, it’s important to recognise that these groups are often unfortunately more at risk of experiencing homelessness. I’m excited to be joining the team at Crisis to help raise awareness of their work at such an important time.”

Sapna Dutta said: “I’m delighted to be joining the board at Crisis, especially at such a crucial time. With more people unfortunately at risk of homelessness and facing affordability issues due to the rising cost of living, it’s more important than ever to ensure everyone can access safe and affordable housing. Crisis provides vital help and support to those experiencing homelessness and is playing a key role in partnership with others to bring an end to homelessness for good. I’m proud to be joining their fantastic team this year and much looking forward to working together.”

Kath Palmer said: “I am passionate about ending homelessness and have been working to increase the supply and standards of social homes as well as crucial services for residents in Wales for over 20 years. I am delighted at the opportunity to be working with Crisis, who operate such vital services and policy work across England, Scotland, and Wales to eradicate homelessness and I am looking forward to the challenge of making a positive difference to people’s lives in all three nations.”

Tristia Harrison, Chair of Crisis, said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Charlotte, Ezechi, Kath, Waqar and Sapna to the Crisis Board of Trustees. We are fortunate to have added five Trustees to our Board who will bring a wealth and breadth of experience, knowledge and expertise to help us on our mission to end homelessness.”

Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: “As we bring in the new year, it’s a huge pleasure to welcome five new appointments to our Board of Trustees. Each one brings a unique set of experience and expertise and it’s incredibly exciting to have them join our organisation at such a crucial time. With thousands of people across the country struggling with rising rents and rocketing food and energy bills, our work is more important than ever so that people are given the help, support and space they need to leave homelessness behind. I am sure each of our new Trustees will play a pivotal role at Crisis to ensure that we can end homelessness for good.”