Our Chair of Trustees is stepping down in the coming months, and we are in search of a new one.
Please contact us if you might be interested in this role for an initial discussion and further information.
About the Role of the Chair
Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire is a federated part of the national charity and is thus able to align with a bigger organisation but still needs to run itself. It has a Chief Executive and a staff of 12, along with 80 volunteers who deliver the charity’s services.
In this context, the role of the Chair of Trustees is to enable the charity’s culture, direction and sustainability by leading the board and focusing it on strategic matters, oversight of the charity’s activities and high standards of governance.
As the board’s link with the Chief Executive, the staff and volunteers, the Chair plays a key role in the effective running of the charity.
How much time does the role need?
The role calls for an average of 12 hrs/week spread unevenly over the year during a mix of working and evening hours. It requires attendance at six board and six committee meetings a year, plus other meetings as necessary, as well as line management and supervision of the Chief Executive. The Chair is also expected to represent Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire as required.
The Chair must be available for when an occasional issue arises which can take an extra amount of time. Much work can be shared with the other trustees on the board who lead on assigned areas of responsibility.
Could you be our new chair?
Have you sat on a board as a trustee or a director? Would you like the chance to become a chair with the full support of the outgoing chair as you pick up and develop in the role?
You will need to lead and also to facilitate and empower others. You will need to be clear about the role, to see the bigger picture while being able to focus on key issues. Importantly you will be fully engaged with Home-Start’s mission to improve the lives of local families.
Allied to these skills will be the ability to build and maintain relationships, especially with the CEO but also with key stakeholders and donors. You will need to be at ease with a diverse range of people. You will also be experienced at managing contentious issues, overseeing safeguarding and scrutinising finances.
We also expect a level of practical organisation, understanding of governance matters and insight into the operations and complexities of organisations.
This role is not remunerated but travel and other reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.