Senior early years worker volunteer roles

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.

We are now seeking a new Chair for Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire. 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.

For further details and to apply, please contact Sandy Hinks quoting reference MC2540.

Closing date for applications: midnight, Sunday 6th July 2025

�� Help Guide Our Vision – Become a Trustee Today ��

Location: Norwich 
Time Commitment: Approx. 10 hours per month
Closing Date: Sunday 20th July

​Do you have a passion for mental health and a desire to make a difference in your community?

​We are seeking dynamic and committed individuals to join our board of trustees - individuals who can bring a diverse range of perspectives, skills, and experiences to help shape the strategic direction of our Charity.

​No matter your level of experience, if you are passionate, motivated, and ready to contribute, you can bring something unique to our board. As a trustee, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our charity and ensuring we continue to support people in our region living with mental health challenges.

​Your involvement will help drive our mission to provide high-quality services and raise awareness about mental health in Norfolk and Waveney.

​We are keen to hear from applicants with backgrounds in HR, finance, health and safety, training, digital technology, mental health and other specialist areas. Your expertise in these fields will be invaluable in helping us strengthen our organisation, navigate challenges, and seize new opportunities.

​We are also keen to hear from applicants starting out in their careers. Being a trustee is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference while developing valuable skills and experiences. Whether you’re at University, finishing College, or early in your career, your fresh perspectives and unique insights are exactly what we need to help shape our future.

​About Norfolk and Waveney Mind - ​Our vision is simple yet powerful: ‘All people are supported with their mental health to live a life that is meaningful to them.’

​As a registered charity, we are dedicated to supporting individuals facing mental health difficulties and advocating for better mental health services. Trustees are responsible for guiding the charity to fulfil its charitable purposes and ensuring we make the best possible use of available resources.

​What We Are Looking For
​We value a broad spectrum of expertise, including but not limited to leadership, governance, finance, fundraising, legal, and sector-specific knowledge. Above all, we are looking for individuals who are passionate about our mission and are dedicated to making a positive impact in our community. As a trustee, you will play a key role in guiding the organization, providing oversight, and ensuring we continue to thrive and achieve our goals.

​As a trustee, you will:

• Bring a deep commitment to mental health support and have an understanding of the charity’s work.
• Act as an ambassador for Norfolk and Waveney Mind, raising awareness of the importance of mental health and the services we provide.
• Contribute your expertise and insights to the board discussions and decision-making process.
• ​Participate in fundraising and awareness-raising events, should you wish.

We are looking for people who demonstrate:

• A strong understanding of the legal responsibilities and duties of trusteeship.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a collaborative team.
• Good independent judgement, creative thinking, and strategic vision.
• The ability to operate within a flexible and adaptable framework, with a high degree of professionalism and integrity.

Key Responsibilities
​As a trustee, your role will include:

• Ensuring the charity follows its purpose and operates within its governing document.
• Overseeing the charity’s financial stability and ensuring it applies resources effectively.
• Safeguarding the reputation and values of Norfolk and Waveney Mind.
• Contributing to the development and evaluation of long-term strategy and key performance targets.
• Providing guidance on key issues, initiatives, and challenges the charity faces.

What We Offer You

• The opportunity to make a tangible impact on mental health services in Norfolk and Waveney.
• The chance to work with a committed and passionate team of trustees and senior leadership.
• A personal induction and ongoing training, as well as regular updates on the charity’s work.
• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in conducting business of the charity will be reimbursed line with our guidelines.

Time Commitment and Requirements
​Trustees should be able to commit approximately 10 hours per month, with flexibility for varying demands. This includes attending:

• Monthly board meetings (held remotely or at our Sale Road offices in Norwich).
• Participation in sub-committees (optional but encouraged).
• Periodic training sessions and attendance at all-staff meetings (at least once per calendar year).
• Ad hoc visibility at public, fundraising, and social events.

​How to Apply 
​If you are passionate about mental health and believe you can make a difference, we want to hear from you. You will be redirected to the Norfolk and Waveney Mind website to apply online.

We welcome applications from people from all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, socio-economic classes, religions and disabilities. Here at Norfolk and Waveney Mind, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone is passionate about mental health feels valued and supported.