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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 dedicated to supporting families, including a unique service for new fathers.
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.
Whether you have already been a chair, with experience of voluntary sector governance, or whether you have been on a board and are wanting to become a chair, you will benefit from the range of skills and experience that exists within the strong, friendly team of trustees.
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.
Closing date for applications: midnight, Sunday 6th July 2025.
Chair - Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire (HSBSG) in Bristol employer: Moon Consulting
Contact Detail:
Moon Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair - Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire (HSBSG) in Bristol
✨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 service. Understanding these aspects will allow you to discuss how your leadership can align with their goals during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Attend local community events or meetings related to Home-Start or similar charities. This will not only demonstrate your commitment but also help you build relationships within the community, showcasing your passion for supporting families.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your governance experience in detail. Whether you've been a chair before or served on a board, be ready to share specific examples of how you've contributed to strategic planning and oversight, as this will be crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair - Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire (HSBSG) in Bristol
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 as a chair or board member, and showcase your skills in strategic planning and team management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly articulates your passion for supporting families and your vision for the charity. Discuss how your background aligns with the goals of HSBSG and how you can contribute to their ongoing success.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your application is clear, concise, and professional, reflecting your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Moon Consulting
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Before the 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 you've successfully navigated relationships within a team or organisation.
