We are currently looking for further trustees to join our Board and help us to grow to meet the increased need for our services.
What are we looking for?
Ideally a trustee would have experience of small charity work, and an interest or experience in working with families with young children, but we welcome those with transferable skills gained in another sector. Our current trustees come from a variety of backgrounds, but all have in common a passion for making a positive difference to local families’ lives. We would prefer someone with knowledge of North Somerset and preferably living within easy reach of the area. We always aim to have a broad range of skills on the Board and would be delighted to discuss with you what you may have to offer; please talk to us!
What do trustees do?
Our trustees work closely with staff to ensure the safe and sustainable running of the organisation. The Board has responsibility for 5 (soon to be 7) part-time staff, including a Senior Organiser who manages the rest of the team. The role of trustees includes recruitment and taking a ‘critical friend’ role with staff, strategic and operational planning, policy development and implementation, financial oversight, safeguarding and fundraising and marketing.
Normally the Board meets every six weeks and we currently have three sub committees (fundraising, operations and finance) which meet in between. Since Covid we have been meeting over Zoom. In future we will aim for flexible ways of working to continue the benefits of this approach but also to enjoy the social contact and opportunity to meet face to face, including with staff. We are currently planning how to grow the organisation in order to meet the increased need which has grown over the past two years.
What difference will you make?
The families we support come to us at a critical moment in their lives. Parents may be experiencing isolation, mental health issues, post-natal depression bereavement, multiple births or just struggling to develop their parenting skills. We aim to make a difference by helping parents feel less alone and to develop the confidence to enjoy parenting. Consequently, the children have a better chance to enjoy their childhood. Families who have been supported by Home-Start report:
78% experienced a reduction in isolation
How to apply
In the first instance you would have an informal telephone conversation or meeting with one of the existing trustees to explore suitability both ways.
There is an application process for Trustees which includes a DBS check due to the nature of our work