
Leadership qualities we look for in homelessness charity recruitment
What boards should look for when recruiting senior leaders for homelessness charities, and why relational leadership matters.
Leadership decisions affect people’s experience of support
When we scope a role, the deeper questions are less about credentials and more about whether someone can be trusted to lead well through complexity.
Will they understand how to build trust with people who may have been repeatedly let down by services? Do they recognise that lived experience should shape decisions from the beginning? And can they support frontline teams with limited time and resources?
These questions should influence how you scope a role, reach candidates and assess an appointment.
Relational leadership doesn’t always present as polish or confidence, and the people most able to build trust are not always those who first appear most fluent in a formal process.
A candidate may bring significant organisational experience and a strong track record of delivery. In homelessness organisations, we also need to understand how they work when there is no easy resolution and whether they create space for other voices when making difficult decisions.
Sometimes, the most useful insight comes from speaking with people outside the formal appointment panel. Staff, partners and people with lived experience may identify the qualities that will make the greatest difference long before they appear in a job description.
Read more: What boards are really looking for when they ask about leading change
Category:Client advice

Written by
Clare Chesworth
Head of Social Justice
Clare Chesworth is Head of Social Justice at Peridot Partners. She brings extensive experience in recruitment, HR, and employability across diverse sectors, including events, education, and social justice. Over her recruitment career, she has honed invaluable skills such as active listening, building strong relationships, and fostering collaboration to deliver meaningful outcomes for clients and candidates consistently.
With a passion for supporting marginalised communities, Clare focuses particularly on improving employment opportunities for individuals with additional needs. Before joining Peridot, she designed and led a post-16 provision at a SEN school, preparing young people with autism for apprenticeships and employment. Her dedication to equality, diversity and inclusion has driven her throughout her career, both in her work and as a school governor.
At Peridot, Clare's focus has expanded to working with organisations tackling complex social issues like homelessness and housing. She has led high-profile recruitment campaigns for leadership roles at charities such as Caudwell Children, Society of St James, and YMCA Downslink, always striving to place the right people in roles where they can make a lasting impact.
Outside of work, Clare is deeply involved in her local community and enjoys theatre, cooking for loved ones, and cheering on her sons at rugby matches. Friendly and approachable, she combines her professional expertise with a genuine care for people and their potential.
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