Homelessness charity Crisis welcomes new Trustees

National homelessness charity Crisis today announces the appointment of three new trustees to guide and support the organisation’s work.

Matt Sanders brings a wealth of experience to the board. He is director of education at Meta, leading its efforts to support the use of immersive technologies in education. Previously, Matt was policy director and chief adviser to New Zealand’s education minister and, prior to that, special adviser to the UK’s former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. During this time, he worked on the government’s child poverty and social mobility strategy.

Having studied architecture and served in local government for the London Borough of Camden and on the Development Control Committee, Matt has strong knowledge of the property sector and a history of campaigning for better quality housing.

Baroness JoJo Penn is a member of the House of Lords in the UK parliament. She previously worked as a minister in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and in the Treasury, where she oversaw policies ranging from climate change and energy efficiency to land transparency and trade.

Prior to this, JoJo was a government whip in the House of Lords and, before that, a policy adviser in the Home Office and deputy chief of staff for former Prime Minister Theresa May from 2016-2019. JoJo has also worked for former PM Tony Blair’s Africa Governance Initiative. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history and politics and a master’s in public policy.

Sem Moema is the London Assembly Member for North East London, covering Hackney, Islington and Waltham Forest. She is the deputy cabinet member for private renting and housing affordability, as well as Labour’s housing spokesperson at the assembly. Her current campaigns include calling for stronger renters' rights, increased support for mortgage holders and - crucially - for more social housing in the capital. 

Sem’s other leading areas include women’s housing, accommodation for people leaving prison, and assessing the impact of supported housing services in London. Her successful campaigns include pressuring the government to increase Local Housing Allowance, ensuring that the Metropolitan Police was held to account over its treatment of Child Q, and protecting Hackney’s historic railway arches and local businesses. Prior to her work in local government, Sem worked for a leading communications agency and for a reputable housing association.

The three new trustees will help to guide Crisis during a time in which over a quarter of a million households across Britain are experiencing the worst forms of homelessness. This includes people who are sleeping rough, sofa-surfing, and people stuck in unsuitable temporary accommodation like nightly paid B&Bs.

Matt Sanders said: “I am proud to be joining Crisis as one of its new trustees. Having campaigned for better housing at a local government level, as well as shaping social mobility and child poverty strategies for national governments, I understand how poor housing ruins lives. I am looking forward to bringing my expertise to Crisis and helping to end homelessness.”

Baroness JoJo Penn said: “With a new cross-government strategy for tackling homelessness being developed, it’s a very exciting time to be joining the Board of Trustees at Crisis. Having worked in various government roles over the years, including in housing, I want to use my knowledge and experience to support Crisis’ vital work in campaigning for everyone to have a safe and secure home.”

Sem Moema said: “I’m very pleased to have been appointed to the Board of Trustees at Crisis. I’m looking forward to using my experience of advocating for fair and affordable housing in London to support Crisis in its work across Britain. It’s vital for everyone to have safe and secure housing.”

Tristia Harrison, Chair of Trustees at Crisis, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome three excellent candidates to the Board of Trustees here at Crisis. Matt, JoJo and Sem bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in housing and in policy influencing, which is vital for achieving our mission of ending homelessness for good.”

Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: “I am delighted to welcome Matt, JoJo and Sem to the Board of Trustees. With homelessness rising and a new cross-government strategy being developed, 2025 is a crucial year for us. The new trustees will add knowledge and expertise and I look forward to working with them to end homelessness for good.”

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