We need a new Chair of Trustees
Our Chair of Trustees is stepping down in the coming months, and we are in search of a new one.
About Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire
We are the local branch of Home-Start UK, a charity that supports families with children aged under five.
Last year Home-Start supported 78,900 children in 43,692 families across the UK. Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire alone currently supports 546 children and 244 families with a network of 80 volunteers. We provide help in areas such as: coping with day-to-day family life; children’s behaviour and development; parental mental health and wellbeing; social isolation and connecting families into local support; low income and access to benefits. Feedback on our support is consistently positive and encouraging.
The need for our support is rising while delivery methods and the funding environment are changing; with new trustees joining, the board is evolving to meet these challenges. After a period of significant development for the organisation, the charity is in good shape and good heart, and in need of an energetic, new chair.
We want a more inclusive organisation
We aim to be an equal opportunities organisation with an inclusive environment where all staff, volunteers and trustees are encouraged to contribute to their fullest potential.
We need a more diverse board
We welcome applications from those who bring difference to our board. To improve our decisions and strengthen our organisation, we need to broaden our experience and acquire richer perspectives.
About the Role
Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire is a federated part of the national charity and is thus able to align with a bigger organisation but still needs to run itself. It has a Chief Executive and a staff of 12, along with 80 volunteers who deliver the charity’s services.
In this context, the role of the Chair of Trustees is to enable the charity’s culture, direction and sustainability by leading the board and focusing it on strategic matters, oversight of the charity’s activities and high standards of governance. As the board’s link with the Chief Executive, the staff and volunteers, the Chair plays a key role in the effective running of the charity.
How much time does the role need?
The role calls for an average of 12 hrs/week spread unevenly over the year during a mix of working and evening hours. It requires attendance at six board and six committee meetings a year, plus other meetings as necessary, as well as line management and supervision of the Chief Executive. The Chair is also expected to represent Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire as required. The Chair must be available for when an occasional issue arises which can take an extra amount of time. Much work can be shared with the other trustees on the board who lead on assigned areas of responsibility.
Could you be our new chair?
Have you sat on a board as a trustee or a director? Would you like the chance to become a chair with the full support of the outgoing chair as you pick up and develop in the role?
You will need to lead and also to facilitate and empower others. You will need to be clear about the role, to see the bigger picture while being able to focus on key issues. Importantly you will be fully engaged with Home-Start’s mission to improve the lives of local families.
Allied to these skills will be the ability to build and maintain relationships, especially with the CEO but also with key stakeholders and donors. You will need to be at ease with a diverse range of people. You will also be experienced at managing contentious issues, overseeing safeguarding and scrutinising finances. We also expect a level of practical organisation, understanding of governance matters and insight into the operations and complexities of organisations.
This role is not remunerated but travel and other reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
Please email Rita Deegan for further information or to make an application.