Homeless Veterans Charity Launchpad is going through a significant period of transformational change with a new strategy and business plan being developed.
Jill Murray took on the role as chief executive in August 2024 and is leading the charity through its biggest transformation to date.
The charity manages three supported housing schemes in Newcastle, Durham and Liverpool providing self-contained apartments for 98 homeless veterans. Demand for specialist veteran’s accommodation and services is increasing, with 361 homeless veterans’ approaching, or being referred to Launchpad in 2024 alone.
In 2023, the government launched the Op FORTITUDE / Reducing Veterans Homelessness Programme – a dedicated pathway for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Launchpad is one of nine funded organisations who were tasked to deliver the programme. The new Labour government has committed a further £3.5m funding to extend this programme up until April 2026, to ensure organisations such as Launchpad can continue to provide valuable specialist support to homeless veterans, with the ultimate aim of supporting them to secure employment, and to move on to a successful independent life.
Since it was established in 2013, Launchpad has evolved and grown, Jills appointment in August 2024 recognised the need for change and to put in place a new good governance and business assurance framework, a comprehensive business plan and a new strategy which puts the voice of veterans lived experience at the centre of it.
Changes have already been implemented commencing with an independent governance review. Four new Trustees were appointed to the Board in January and each bring with them extensive experience, qualifications, knowledge and the leadership qualities required to strengthen the charity and drive it forward.
At the end of 2024, the charity appointed a new Head of Finance. Work has commenced to develop a new performance framework and a comprehensive business plan. Since the turn of the new year, staff and residents (past and present) from all three supported housing schemes have also been engaged in a consultation process, as part of this bottom-up approach to strategy making, their views, ideas and experiences, will be listened to, considered and will become an important part of a new three year strategy for the organisation.
Jill Murray, Chief Executive at Launchpad, said:
“As a supported housing provider to homeless veterans, we are adapting our business model and developing a strategy to ensure that their [the residents] voice of lived experience is at the centre of our future decision making. Our aim is to harness the strength of our people and partnerships, both locally and nationally, to continue and enhance the important work which we do to support our homeless veterans, thus enabling them to live independently and to thrive.
“This is a really exciting time for Launchpad as we co-create our new strategy, build upon all of the good work done to date and drive the charity forward to achieve improved performance and outcomes for Armed Forces Veterans.”
