Meet the Chair: Alan Davis
Meet the Chair: Alan Davis on Purpose, People, and the Power of Doing a Little Bit More
An interview with Alan Davis, Chair of the Board at SSJ
When Alan Davis first became involved in homelessness support, it was a world away from his day job. Running a successful property business in Hampshire, he would walk home past people sleeping rough in Winchester, acutely aware of the contrast between the world he worked in and the reality on the streets.
“I got involved with the Winchester Churches Night Shelter,” Alan recalls. “We helped with food and fundraising — but more than that, we got to know the people. Some were working but still homeless. That was a real eye-opener.” His business even tried to offer ‘move-on’ housing, but as he discovered, stigma and fear from landlords made it difficult.
From that early experience, Alan’s journey continued through work with the Probus Women’s Housing Society, which provided housing for single professional women — a model he sees as relevant even today. Eventually, a mutual connection introduced him to SSJ, just as he was stepping away from full-time work. “I didn’t want to retire and fade away. When I saw what SSJ was doing, I was blown away. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard of it before.”
As Chair, Alan sees his role as both strategic and supportive. “My job is to help ensure we keep evolving, but without throwing away the spirit and culture that make SSJ what it is. Tania brings a new focus, and I see my role as helping the organisation grow in the right way.”
He’s passionate about the value of the work on the ground. “I’ve never seen anything like the level of love and determination that our staff show. They go back again and again, with even more energy, even when it’s tough. That’s not just doing a job — that’s changing lives.”
Alan also believes the Board must stay connected. “We’re not just sitting in a room looking at papers. I want us to get out into services, meet staff, meet clients — see the reality. Trustees bring skills, yes, but what we see and hear on the ground should shape what we do.”
Looking ahead, he sees challenges — funding, regulation, property pressures — but also opportunity, especially in prevention and education. “We need to teach people how close any of us could be to homelessness. It’s not about ‘them’. It’s about ‘us’.”
Alan’s message to staff is clear: “You are the heart of SSJ. We see it. We appreciate it. And we want to support you to keep doing what you do best — with passion, compassion, and patience. You’re what makes this organisation extraordinary.”