Trustees’ Week 2026

Trustee Week 2026: Meet Our Trustees, featuring black-and-white portraits of 13 trustees against an orange background.

Thank you to our Board of Trustees for leading us in our mission to help people affected by homelessness and drug and alcohol use.

This Trustees’ Week, we want to say a huge thank you to the people who give their time, experience and expertise to help guide Emerging Futures.

Our Trustees play an important role in making sure we stay focused on our mission: helping people affected by homelessness and drug and alcohol use by providing safety and recovery through housing, therapeutic programmes and peer-led coaching.

Helping to shape our future

Being a Trustee is about much more than attending Board meetings. Our Board help plan our strategic direction, provide challenge and guidance, oversee risk and hold us accountable.

That role is particularly important as we deliver our 2026-29 strategy, From Foundation to Future, which focuses on our three key priorities:

  • Our people
  • Our impact
  • Our sustainability

Thank you

Every Trustee brings different skills, perspectives and experiences to Emerging Futures, but they are united by a commitment to our mission.

As our Chair David Moran puts it: “Being a trustee means taking on a profound responsibility to guide and support Emerging Futures in its mission. It allows me to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, which I find incredibly rewarding and humbling.”

So, this Trustees’ Week, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to all our Trustees. Thank you for your time, your encouragement and your commitment to helping Emerging Futures become stronger, more sustainable and able to make an even greater difference to the people we support.

Meet our fantastic team of Trustees and discover what inspired them to join Emerging Futures.

David Moran stands in front of a brick wall smiling

“Being a trustee means taking on a profound responsibility to guide and support Emerging Futures in its mission. It allows me to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, which I find incredibly rewarding and humbling.”

David Moran, Chair of the Board for Emerging Futures CIC and Thrive Social Housing

Emmanuel Thomas joins us as Non Executive Director for Emerging Futures

“I chose EF because it’s a subject close to my heart. I really wanted to give back to people suffering with addiction and try to provide some support.”

Emmanuel Thomas, Trustee for Emerging Futures

Eric Tamanis stands against a brick wall in a white shirt

“I feel very fortunate to be able to play a part in contributing to the future successes of Emerging Futures. I am proud to be able to share my skills and experience.”

Eric Tamanis, Trustee for Emerging Futures

Black-and-white headshot of a person with shoulder-length dark hair, looking directly at the camera.

“I’m passionate about the importance of compassionate and sustained support in helping people create positive change in their lives.”

Fiona Rogers, Non-Executive Director for Thrive Social Housing

Black-and-white head-and-shoulders portrait of a person with shoulder-length dark hair, looking directly at the camera, with a softly blurred indoor background.

“I’ve always believed that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and compassion, regardless of the challenges they’ve faced.”

Jo Simcox, Trustee for Emerging Futures

Black-and-white portrait of a person wearing glasses and a dark shirt with embroidered floral patterns, seated in front of an exposed brick wall.

“Emerging Futures’ belief that recovery is possible for everyone, and that housing, coaching and community can be the foundation for that, resonates deeply with me.”

Jordan Lewis, Trustee for Emerging Futures

Black-and-white headshot of a person with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a striped roll-neck jumper and looking at the camera.

“I’m committed to ensuring that the voices and experiences of the people organisations service are reflected in decision-making.”

Sammy Beecham, Trustee for Emerging Futures

Black-and-white portrait of a person wearing glasses and a denim jacket, standing in front of a brick wall.

“Emerging Futures’ work shows us that change and recovery are possible for everyone, with the right approach and the right opportunities, and by involving people with lived experience.”

Sarah Spinetti, Trustee for Emerging Futures

Black-and-white headshot of a person wearing glasses, a dark jacket and white shirt, against a plain light background.

“I’ve supported the charity Crisis for years, which strengthened my belief in the importance of giving people the opportunity and confidence to build sustainable, independent futures.”

Stefan Lichtenthaeler, Trustee for Emerging Futures

Stephanie Birch join us as Non Executive Director for Emerging Futures

“I have a passion for social change and I’m committed to ensuring the work Emerging Futures does creates real pathways for people to rebuild their lives and find independence.”

Stephanie Birch, Non-Executive Director for Thrive Social Housing

Black-and-white head-and-shoulders portrait of a person wearing glasses and a checked shirt, facing the camera against a plain background.

“I’m deeply invested in helping purpose-driven organisations scale their capacity safely and professionalise infrastructure as they grow.”

Steven McGawn, Non-Executive Director for Thrive Social Housing

Susan Giles joins us as Trustee for Thrive Social Housing

“I was inspired by the truly life changing work that Emerging Futures does. The expression I used in my interview to become a trustee was, ‘it touched my heart’.”

Susan Giles, Non-Executive Director for Thrive Social Housing

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