WAITS Logo

Meet The Team ..

"Committed and dedicated"

WAITS is an established charity which has collaborated with women who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse for almost 30 years. We offer 4 key services which aim to support women to achieve their goals, feel empowered and gain independence.

WAITS Core Staff Team

The WAITS staff team and Board of Trustees work very closely to ensure a seamless and high quality service.

We regularly seek client feedback on the advice and support services that they receive from us.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Having been a part of WAITS since its inception in 1993, firstly as a volunteer, then as a community organiser before settling into the management of the Charity.


I know the value of supporting women in crisis. Creating avenues for women to become active citizens participating in all aspects of society. I see this as the key to having an equal and justice society.


My role at WAITS is to oversee the development of the charity ensuring WAITS has the staff and resources to support our clients.


I also represent WAITS and women at strategic forums in Birmingham and Nationally.

Operations Co-ordinator

The Operations Co-ordinator has the responsibility of coordinating WAITS services namely our Domestic Abuse Department, Community Re-integration Department and our four WAITS refuge Iona Houses.


I take responsibility and accountability for service delivery and staff management as instructed by our CEO.


Whist supporting the team the Operations Co-ordinator ensures that the services are effective, safe and provide the quality necessary to meet the needs of our service users.


"Here’s to strong women: May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them."

Volunteer & Influencing

Co-ordinator

I recruit, train and mentor all the amazing volunteers that WAITS require to keep our charity going.


I also support our service users into voluntary placements in their local area to build their confidence and assist them to get back to work or education.


Finally, I work with the community to help influence change on a local and national basis around violence against women. I also collect all our donations and arrange our weekly workshops and courses to reduce social isolation for our service users.


"In every woman there is a Queen, speak to the Queen and she will answer"

Senior Domestic Abuse Support Worker

The Senior Domestic Abuse Support Worker provides one to one support to women who are affected by domestic abuse.


I understand their needs and to provide a safe environment for the women to make their own decisions. My aim is to empower them and support them to move on. 

 

I am always standing next to them, accompanying them every step on the journey – listen, care and support.

I support women from diverse communities and I am culturally sensitive.


"Doing little things to make client’s life easier and for the better"

Refuge & Housing Worker

I Support women who are fleeing or experienced domestic/violence into safe accommodation.


I Empower women to take back control through personal development plans designed to focus on their needs and goals.


I Encourage women to reflect on healthy relationships, build their self-esteem and confidence, as well as personal progression into education, employment or training.


I Support women to make positive life choices and changes who are also experiencing, or have experienced domestic violence/abuse.


"My Journey starts now"

Community Integration Support Worker

My role is to support women who have Domestic abuse and have history of criminal offences or are at risk of offending.


I offer support with:


  • One to support sessions.
  • Advocacy 
  • Access to legal support 
  • Access to housing 
  • Access to education and workshops.
  • Counselling 


Together we approach the journey with an understanding that no matter what has happened before coming to WAITS, women always have the power to create changes in their lives.

WAITS Finance Officer

Our Finance Officer is not just a bookkeeper.


The Finance Officer supports WAITS to meet all our contractual agreements.


The role includes managing payments, salaries and preparing annual audited accounts. Working closely with the CEO the Finance Officer provides reports and budgets to Trustees.


Monitoring the finances of WAITS by keeping track of our income and controlling spending.


The Finance Officers role is pivotal in relation to managing the financial health of the Charity.

WAITS is an equal opportunity employer

Want a job where you feel like a valued member of a team? Want a role where you feel like you are truly making a difference to people’s lives? Want to help those in crisis?


Do you want to work for an organisation which promotes and champions your personal characteristics?

No vacancies

Counselling at WAITS


WAITS provides one-to-one free and confidential counselling in a warm and safe space. 


The service offers clients space and time, where they can explore issues, concerns and feelings that may be causing them some difficulty.


Together with the counsellor, clients can explore thoughts, feelings and experiences from past or present situations using compassionate and holistic approaches, to provide opportunities to develop a deeper awareness of oneself, their situation and resources.


Together with the client the counsellor aims to support them in discovering their own resources and ways of managing, integrating them and moving towards emotional wellbeing.

WAITS Board of Trustees


WAITS Values


Women-centred:

  • We are client focussed


Accountable: 

  • We empower staff
  • We respect and value the diversity of people in our communities


Inclusive: 

  • We treat people with dignity and respect
  • We are committed to fair access to services and employment for all


Trust: 

  • We act with integrity and honesty
  • We are transparent and open on the conduct of our charity
  • We preserve the privacy and confidentiality of our clients


Sustainable: 

  • We deliver holistic, quality services that provide value for money
  • We are innovative, using creative solutions to meet challenges

Deirdre Lande LaBassiere - Chair

Appointed January 2022
Corporate Governance & Information, Governance Consultant & Trainer at Central Consultancy & Training, and at The Governance Forum.


Sally Bateman - Treasurer

Appointed November 2020

Involved with WAITS since the charities inception with a background in audit and finance. Based at the Community Resource and Information Centre for many years, providing bookkeeping support to grassroots community organisations.


Trustees


Eneis Braham

Owner of Estate Planning Solutions, businesswomen, background in charity fundraising through events.


Karen Bailey

Principal Solicitor at Bailey Wright & Co, Human Resources / Equality & Diversity Director at Birmingham Law Society.

Heidi Salter

In-house Legal Counsel at Housing 21. She has over 18 years experience in both private practice as well as in-house with a focus on property and related commercial matters.


Tina Swani 

Is Chief Executive at Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust.


Maureen Cadogan

Is a Human Resources Manager in the private sector.

WAITS Vision

& Mission ..

Vision: To create a legacy of freedom, empowerment and safety for women and families


Mission: Working collaboratively, equipping women to make positive choices that transforms their futures

Crunching The Numbers (2022-23)

107

Crises Support

300

Volunteer Hours

33

Refuge Support

595

Women Supported

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