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- Tasks: Lead the board of trustees to support families and improve charity services.
- Company: Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire helps families transform their lives through volunteer support.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with travel expenses covered; gain valuable leadership experience.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your governance skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in voluntary sector governance or board participation is preferred.
- Other info: Join a friendly team and help expand innovative services like Dad Matters.
Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire (HSBSG) are seeking a new Chair of the Board.
Time Commitment: c12 hrs a month
Remuneration: Voluntary, although travel and other agreed expenses may be claimed.
Home-Start UK is a national, charitable organisation with 180 local, independent Home-Starts of which HSBSG is one. Across all four nations of the United Kingdom, thousands of home visiting volunteers support over 43,000 families and 78,000 children to transform their lives.
The role involves leading the board of trustees as they develop and steer a successful local charity which has a long track record of supporting families and are always seeking to reach more families and to improve their support to them. HSBSG offers group work for parents and carers as well as their unique home visiting service, all provided by carefully trained volunteers who are managed by a small team of expert staff. They are particularly proud of their new and already expanding service, Dad Matters, that provides support for new fathers in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
Summary: The role of the Chair of Trustees is to enable the creation and implementation of the charity’s culture, direction and strategy by leading the board and focusing it on strategic matters, oversight of the charity’s activities and maintaining high standards of governance.
General responsibilities include:
- Lead the board of trustees of Home-Start Bristol & South Gloucestershire (HSBSG), to ensure that it fulfils its governance responsibilities.
- Ensure that the trustees deploy HSBSG’s resources so as to comply with all legal requirements and in furtherance of its objects.
- Lead the board’s continuous development, ensuring planning, training, development, and evaluation is undertaken.
- Chair and facilitate meetings of HSBSG’s board, ensuring the smooth running of the board and the understanding and participation of all trustees.
- Set the agenda of board meetings with the Chief Executive; check and sign the minutes.
- Play a key role in managing the relationship between the trustees and advisers, the staff and the volunteers.
- Provide regular supervision for the Chief Executive, providing ongoing support, discussing and agreeing work priorities, preparing and agreeing supervision notes with her/him.
- Carry out an annual appraisal of the work undertaken by the Chief Executive.
- Ensure that HSBSG’s three-year Strategic Plan is reviewed annually, and ensure high-quality data is available to monitor its progress at board meetings.
- Drive trustee recruitment and succession planning and support the induction of new trustees.
For further details and to apply, please contact Sandy Hinks via quoting reference MC2540.
Closing date for applications: midnight, Sunday 6th July 2025.
Chair - Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire (HSBSG) employer: Moon Executive Search
Contact Detail:
Moon Executive Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair - Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire (HSBSG)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with current and former trustees of Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Engaging with them can provide you with valuable insights into the organisation's culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the charity's strategic plan and recent initiatives, such as the Dad Matters programme. Demonstrating your knowledge of these areas during discussions can show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Attend local community events or meetings related to Home-Start or similar organisations. This will not only expand your network but also give you a better understanding of the challenges and needs of families in the area, which is crucial for the Chair role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the values of Home-Start. Being able to articulate your vision for the board and how you would foster collaboration among trustees will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair - Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire (HSBSG)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of the Chair position at Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and the specific challenges they face.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in governance, leadership, and the voluntary sector in your CV. Emphasise any previous roles that demonstrate your ability to lead a board and manage relationships with stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for supporting families and your vision for the charity. Make sure to connect your personal values with those of Home-Start.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Moon Executive Search
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Before your interview, take some time to research Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and the services they provide. This will help you articulate how your vision aligns with theirs during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a potential Chair, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or organisation, particularly in the voluntary sector. Highlight any governance experience you have, as this will be key to the role.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare insightful questions about the board's current challenges, future goals, and the strategic direction of HSBSG. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication Skills
The role involves working closely with trustees, staff, and volunteers. Be ready to discuss how you foster collaboration and maintain open lines of communication. Share specific instances where your interpersonal skills have led to successful outcomes in a team setting.
