Home-Start Guildford

This is a Voluntary (unpaid) position.

Role Title: Chair of Trustees

Location: Guildford, Surrey

Organisation: Home-Start Guildford

About Us: Home-Start Guildford is a local charity dedicated to supporting families with young children through challenging times. Our volunteers provide practical and emotional support to help parents give their children the best possible start in life. We believe that every child deserves a happy and secure childhood, and we work tirelessly to make this a reality for families in our community.

Role Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to join our Board of Trustees as the Chair. The Chair will lead the Board in ensuring the effective governance of the charity, providing strategic direction, and supporting the Manager and staff team. This is a pivotal role that requires a strong leader with a passion for making a difference in the lives of families.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership: Lead the Board of Trustees in setting the strategic direction of the charity, ensuring that our mission and values are at the forefront of all decisions.
• Governance: Ensure the charity is effectively governed and complies with all legal and regulatory requirements, safeguarding the integrity and reputation of Home-Start Guildford.
• Support: Provide guidance and oversight to the Manager, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that enables the staff team to thrive.
• Representation: Act as an ambassador for Home-Start Guildford, representing the charity at external events and meetings, and building relationships with key stakeholders.
• Communication: Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among Trustees, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.
• Financial Oversight: Oversee the financial health and sustainability of the charity, working closely with the Treasurer to monitor budgets and financial planning.

Person Specification:

• Leadership Experience: Proven leadership experience, ideally within the charity sector, with a track record of strategic planning and governance.
• Governance Knowledge: Strong understanding of governance and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Commitment: A deep commitment to the values and mission of Home-Start Guildford, with a genuine passion for supporting families.
• Financial Acumen: Experience in financial oversight and fundraising is desirable, with the ability to ensure the charity’s financial stability.

Time Commitment:

The Chair is expected to commit approximately 2-4 days per month, including attendance at Board meetings and occasional events. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of families in Guildford.

As part of the trustee role, you will be expected to:

• Attend, and prepare for, a minimum of six meetings per year.
• Undergo a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
• Undergo a selection process as outlined by Home-Start Guildford.
• Commit to the legal and financial responsibilities of the role, as outlined in the charity’s Constitution (‘Foundation’ model constitution).
• Visit and engage with the office and staff to enhance your understanding of how Home-Start Guildford works.

Training and Support:

Trustees are fully inducted into Home-Start at the start of their new role; they will receive:

• An online welcome event and e-learning, introducing Home-Start’s service and your responsibilities.
• Training in key areas including safeguarding.
• Reimbursement of paid expenses.
• Access to Home-Start’s online community via HSUK intranet – full of information and guidance on running a local Home-Start.
• Tailored support by other trustees and staff.

What do you get as a volunteer trustee with our organisation?

• An opportunity to exercise your strategic planning skills, probably in a different environment or context.
• An opportunity to influence and collectively lead an organisation supporting families of young children.
• A chance to expand and implement your understanding of our work.
• A chance to augment your experience of charities.
• A boost to your career and CV, if needed.
• Satisfaction of helping an organisation that supports families, thus giving something back to your community.
• Induction training from us; training, support, and assistance from local charity-support & advice agencies; reimbursement of reasonable expenses, if needed.

What do we get?

• Your strategic skills, knowledge, understanding, or experience.
• Your abilities to influence plans for our charity’s future, especially in this cost-of-living crisis.
• Enhancement to our overall governance and the Board of trustees; improvement in our operational growth.
• Your participation in our collective decision-making, contributing to all areas of our charity work.
• Your enthusiasm.

How to Apply:

Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to office@hsguildford.org.uk by 5pm Friday 30th May 2025. We look forward to hearing from candidates who share our vision and are eager to contribute to our mission.

Contact Information: For more information about the role, please contact Sarah Black or Louisa Tompkins in the first instance at office@hsguildford.org.uk or call 01483 511181. We are happy to answer any questions and provide further details about this exciting opportunity.

All prospective volunteers must have the legal right to stay in the United Kingdom and you will be asked to produce evidence of this as part of the induction process.

Office: Home-Start Guildford, Astolat, Coniers Way, Guildford, GU4 7HL

Contact: 01483 511181 / office@hsguildford.org.uk

Home-Start is committed to equality of opportunity and diversity.

Home-Start Guildford is committed to safer recruitment practice as an important part of safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults.

Registered Charity No. 1154609

For more information, please visit our website: www.hsguildford.org.uk.