Job Description

Job Introduction

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About The Role

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Purpose of the Trustee Role

All trustees play a vital role in making sure that HSG achieves its core purpose.They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that HSG has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable HSG to grow and thrive, and to achieve our strategic intent. Board members have a collective responsibility, and this will also be represented in their chairing or membership of a dedicated sub-group which, as far as possible, will be aligned to their specific area of interest or expertise, and be matched to both HSG needs as well as the trustee's unique skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Purpose of the Role

To lead the Board of Trustees in ensuring the charity delivers its mission effectively, maintains high standards of governance, and complies with legal and regulatory obligations. The Chair acts as a key ambassador for the charity and supports the Chief Executive and senior leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Lead the Board in setting the charity's strategic direction, culture, and values. Ensure the charity's activities align with its mission and charitable objectives. Promote long-term planning and prioritisation of strategic goals. Ensure the Board regularly reviews major risks and opportunities.

Governance

Ensure the Board operates effectively, with appropriate skills, diversity, and experience. Chair Board meetings impartially and efficiently, encouraging inclusive participation. Ensure trustees understand and fulfil their legal duties and responsibilities. Lead annual reviews of Board performance, structure, and governance policies.

Representation and Advocacy

Act as a spokesperson and ambassador for the charity. Represent the charity at external events, meetings, and stakeholder engagements. Foster relationships with key partners, funders, and influencers.

Board Development and Succession Planning

Lead on trustee recruitment, induction, and development to ensure a skilled and diverse Board. Identify future leadership potential within the Board and support trustee development. Develop and maintain a succession plan for the Chair and other key trustee roles. Ensure continuity of governance during leadership transitions. Work with the Board and governance committee to plan for orderly handovers and role rotations.

Support and Oversight

Build a strong, constructive relationship with the Chief Executive, providing support and challenge. Conduct annual appraisals and remuneration reviews for the Chief Executive. Ensure systems are in place for effective financial oversight and risk management. Oversee the implementation of Board decisions and monitor progress. Support and provide advice on the HSG purpose, vision, mission, and strategic objectives. Approve operational strategies and policies and assess implementation through monitoring and evaluation. Provide financial plans and budgets oversight and evaluate progress. Ensure oversight of the governance and the effective administration of HSG. Ensure that key risks are identified, monitored, and controlled via an organisation-wide risk register. Review and approve the financial statements.

Expectations of Trustee Appointment to the Board

Promote the organisations successes and impact to help lead a sustainable organisation and renew funding To lead the organsiation governance and the recruitment and retention of the board and Executive Team Trustees are appointed for an initial four-year term of office. This is renewable. This is a voluntary position, and reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

oThe Board meets five times a year, and sub-groups meet either quarterly or bi-annually. Meetings are held either in-person or remotely. One board meeting takes the form of a development/training full day. C. 18 days per annumoRegular contact with the CE, in the form of one-to-one performance reviews and occasional external engagements.

Be available for occasional events and working groups. Provide ongoing support and advice to staff on financial and governance matters. Celebrate and share successes and promote HSG as a Great Place to Work Demonstrate a strong commitment to the charity's mission, vision, and values. Always act with integrity and in the best interests of the charity. Be proactive in identifying and managing potential conflicts of interest. Engage actively in discussions and decision-making processes, bringing relevant expertise and insights. Support collective decision-making and take shared responsibility for Board decisions. Stay informed about the charity's activities and the wider environment in which it operates. Undertake any training or development necessary to fulfil the role effectively.

How To Apply

Thank you for your interest in this role. To apply, please send your CV and cover letter (no more than two pages) to: ENQUIRIES@HOMESTARTGREENWICH.ORG.UK


Applications will be assessed and interviewed on a rolling basis. Home-Start Greenwich reserve the right to close applications for the role if the post is filled.


Home-Start Greenwich is an equal opportunities employer and champion of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion. We recruit for the person most suited to the job and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds & sectors.


Candidates must be based in the UK, have fluent spoken and written English and the right to work in the UK. Special consideration given to local candidates based in Southeast London.


We look forward to receiving your application.


Home-Start Greenwich

Frequency

Annual

Job Reference

royalgreenwich/TP/1042/450

Contract Type

Casual

Closing Date

15 November, 2025

Job Category

Not for Profit and Charities

Business Unit

External Organisation

Location

School House Whitworth Road, United Kingdom

Level of Disclosure and Barring Service, DBS, check required

No DBS *

Posted on

03 November, 2025