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.

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."

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"

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"

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"

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.

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.

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?

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.