My project sits across three strands of the charity's work:
1. The Charter Support Pillar;
2. The Haven's daytime activity programme;
3. The Women's Homelessness Census.
Even in this short time, one of those strands has already evolved into something different from what I initially expected. After a meeting last week, my role within the Support Pillar changed, and I've had to rethink my approach. It's a reminder that projects like this require flexibility, which sometimes matters more than meticulous planning.
What struck me most across the past week has been the people. My first five days were spent in induction with Keith, my supervisor, who took us on a tour of various service providers, and sitting in on coffee chats with people across the sector and beyond. Throughout that week, I constantly encountered people who are deeply passionate about their work, which has been humbling to witness.
I've also been learning a lot about the practical realities of this work: how to design a survey that organisations will be willing to complete, how bureaucracy shapes, and sometimes slows, intentions, and what organisations respond well to when you are asking for their time and trust.
My biggest takeaway so far is that to lead, you often have to lead from behind. Working with people, not for them or against them, makes the work not only easier but far more effective. Leadership here is less about being out in front, and more about building trust, collaborating closely, and letting those who know the work best shape its direction.
I am grateful for a start to the Summer that is already teaching me more than I anticipated!