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Home-Start Guildford
Mission Statement
"There for parents when they need us most, because childhood can't wait"
Parents Supporting Other Parents - a simple idea that really works!
Home-Start Guildford has been supporting local families across the Guildford Borough for over 25 years.
We're a non-judgemental organisations that helps local parents who are struggling, for any reason. Some of those reasons may include; multiple births, mental health, an abusive partner, isolation, mental or physical handicap, or the pressure that loss of employment brings to a family.
What we do
Our charity provides a preventative service that aims to support families who are struggling by offering regular volunteer support to parents with at least one child under the age of 5, usually referred to us by Health Visitors.
We provide one-to-one support for parents:
Our volunteers visit the family’s home for a couple of hours every week. They tailor-make their support to the needs of the parents and children. Volunteers are very committed and will keep visiting until the youngest child turns five or starts school, or until the parents feel they can stand on their own two feet. Parents and volunteers often develop a deeply trusting relationship which can lead to powerful change within the family.
We also run two family groups for referred families, one in the Pirbright Community Centre and the other in the Guildford Family Group, Hazel Avenue.
Our values
- We offer families choice
- We work in partnership - with each other, with families and with other agencies
- We work in a spirit of openness, encouragement and enjoyment
- We are flexible and responsive to the needs of families
Volunteering Opportunities
There are several ways that you can help in a voluntary capacity:
- by supporting a family as a Home-Visiting Volunteer
- by helping at one of our Family Groups
- by joining the Trustee Board
- by becoming a Friend of Home-Start Guildford
- by supporting us as a Digital / Office Volunteer
Please see the volunteer roles listed for more detail.
General Interests
Could you be a Home-Visiting Volunteer?
Home-visiting volunteers come from many different backgrounds and vary in age but all are either parents themselves or have parenting experience and are carefully selected for their friendliness and understanding. They provide informal, friendly emotional support and practical help to families.
All our home visiting volunteers attend a preparation course, undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide two references before being matched with a family who they will visit once a week, for approximately 2-3 hours.
Volunteers take their own individual skills and experience to the families they visit. Talking and listening can empower families to overcome their difficult situations. Visits might include holding the baby while mum has a shower, playing with twin toddlers while mum has a sleep, taking parents shopping and showing them how to budget, being a listening ear to relieve isolation, modelling positive parenting and play.
Volunteers are offered on-going training and support activities including specialist speakers, as well as informal social gatherings.
What we offer you:
- An ongoing commitment to help volunteers fulfil their roles to the best of their ability
- Comprehensive and up-to-date information about Home-Start
- Individual interview with one of our co-ordinators before commencing training
- Free initial training before you commence as a home-visiting volunteer
- Opportunities for regular ongoing training
- Appropriate support and supervision, both individually and at volunteer support group meetings
- A thorough matching service when matching volunteers to new families
- Re-imbursement of travel expenses
- Annual volunteer social events
What we ask from you:
- To be familiar and committed to the Home-Start ethos
- To attend the preparation course, ongoing training and individual / group support meetings
- To reliably visit and support at least one family on a regular basis (minimum 2-3 hours per week), for a period of at least one year
- To keep and return Home-Start records promptly
- To abide by Home-Start guidelines on confidentially
- To complete annual safeguarding training and to annually sign the Code of Conduct
- To be aware of and work within Home-Start's guidelines on Child Protection
- To understand and implement Home-Start's polices on Equal Opportunities and Health & Safety
- To ensure your car is adequately insured, if transporting families
If you would like to find out more, to make an enquiry, please fill in an application and someone will be in touch with you.
Chair of Trustees
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.
What does becoming a trustee involve?
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.
Fundraising Trustee
This is a Voluntary (unpaid) position.
Do you have experience running or supporting your local PTA teams or raising funds for other charities?
Do you have free time on your hands, feel passionate about helping families in need and want to make a real direct impact on your local community?
Do you have experience organising, coordinating and running local fundraising events?
If you can answer Yes to the above questions, then we would love to talk to you about joining our team of Trustees here at Home-Start Guildford. You would be supporting and helping our part-time Community Fundraiser in their day-to-day efforts across the community.
About Us
Home-Start Guildford is an independent charity based in Guildford committed to promoting the welfare of local families and children. We are part of Home-Start UK, one of the UK’s leading family support charities, benefiting from their policy framework and quality assurance, but not funding. Staff and volunteers offer regular support, including providing emotional and practical help to families in the families’ own homes and connecting families with specialist services within the community.
A little bit about you…
- Enthusiasm to work collaboratively as part of a small, ambitious team
- Happy to be proactive and roll up your sleeves with a “can do” attitude
- Excellent communication and relationship management skills
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise
- Friendly and approachable; honest and trustworthy
A little bit about the role…
- Raising awareness of Home-Start Guildford and the work we do with families, galvanizing support from the local community and local businesses and organisations
- Recognising fundraising opportunities; Making introductions to key community figures, groups and networks (e.g., MP’s, mayors, golf clubs, tennis clubs, Rotary clubs)
- Using your network, hustle and passion to bring your fundraising projects to fruition
Your time commitment
- If you have spare time and want to make a difference, we would love you to join the team and help us roll out our 2025 diverse funding strategy.
- We anticipate 2 – 4 hours of your time a week, but this may increase during the build up to events.
What does becoming a trustee involve?
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. 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
Volunteer for the Friends of HSG Group
- Research opportunities and appropriate events where HSG can promote their services / recruit volunteers
- Organise a HSG stall and the volunteers to support this
- Plan, organise and run fundraising events eg coffee mornings, craft events
- Support others who are fundraising for us
- Build networks with local businesses to raise our profile and encourage them to support our work
- A chance to learn new skills
- A chance to gain experience in event management
- The opportunity to make new friends and build social networks
- The opportunity to contribute to vital work supporting families with young children
Home-Start Guildford need Family Support volunteers in Ash and Ash Vale
Family Support Volunteers for Ash and Ash Vale with Home-Start Guildford
Being a parent is hard for everyone and for some it can be overwhelming. With your knowledge and experience as a parent, you could be the vital support a family needs in their child’s early years and make a big difference to their lives.
Can you spare 3 - 4 hours per week to help a family with young children?
Our friendly FREE Preparation Course will give you the skills to use your knowledge and experience to go into a family home once a week to give a family the additional support they need to thrive and enjoy family life.
Our 6 session Autumn Prep Course starts on: Wednesday 16th October in Guildford.
For more information, visit our website www.hsguildford.org.uk or fill in the application form and a member of staff will contact you.
Digital / Office Volunteer
Home-Start Guildford is looking for a Digital / Office Volunteer. If your interests and skills lie in social media or are office based, we are always happy to welcome anyone who has regular availability to volunteer, or who can offer ad hoc one off sessions.
As a digital / office volunteer you will have the opportunity to:
- A chance to learn new skills
- Skills and experience to add to your CV
- Share and develop your knowledge, skills and networks
- Be part of the wider Home-Start movement in Surrey
Training and Support:
Volunteers are the heart of Home-Start Guildford. In joining our dedicated and friendly team, you will:
- receive a full induction
- meet other like-minded people
- meet regularly with, and be supported by, one of our members of staff
- have access to training activities including specialist speakers
- be invited to volunteer social events (including a free Christmas Lunch event)
- receive regular updates and newsletters
- be able to claim travel expenses when visiting a family
All our volunteers are required to sign the Safeguarding and Protecting Children Code of Conduct, which is introduced to volunteers as part of their induction and indicates that they fully understand and are committed to Home-Start’s Policy and procedures for Safeguarding and Protecting Children.
All volunteers are also required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring check, at a level relevant to the position.
What does the time commitment look like?
We are grateful for any time you can spare, whether this is a few hours on a regular basis, one day a week or just an agreed amount of time for a set project. Our offices are open 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, however as our staff follow a hybrid working pattern, there are occasions when the office is unmanned.
Depending on the type of role you do, once you have completed your induction, you may be able to do some of your volunteering working from home.
Visit our website for more information: www.hsguildford.org.uk
