Tough decisions but optimism as homeless charity starts new chapter

NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE WILL TAKE ON THE BATTLE OF FUNDING CUTS

- By JOE LOCKER Local democracy reporter

THE new chief executive of a leading homelessness charity has pledged to start the role with fresh optimism despite the organisation being forced to make a number of “tough” decisions due to financial difficulties.

Nottingham-based Framework offers housing, employment, and rough sleeping support to thousands of people across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, and Sheffield.

Claire McGonigle became the charity's new chief executive on October 1, succeeding Andrew Redfern, who had been involved with homelessness services in the East Midlands for almost three decades.

Framework had previously said the Labour Government's 2024 autumn budget had added £1.8 million to its annual costs, largely due to changes in how much organisations must pay in National Insurance (NI) contributions, as well as an increase to the national living wage.

It had anticipated it would have to make cuts to 25 full-time or equivalent job roles, and remove some add-ons to services, such as clinical psychologists and specialist social workers attached to its street outreach service.

In an interview with the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Ms McGonigle said she had started the role at a “really challenging” time.