Our History

Home-Start started in 1973 in Leicester, founded by Margaret Harrison who believed that supporting a family was best done in their home where it can be shaped to the needs of the family.  She realised that if parents get support and friendship from another parent, they will be better equipped to learn to cope with the many difficulties life can bring and will be able to give their children the best possible start to their own lives.  While this idea remains at the heart of our work, we have created new ways of helping parents and their children to meet the changing needs of families.

The idea that started in Leicester spread across the UK and is now a movement around the world.  There are now 22 countries on five continents that have Home-Start schemes providing support for families.  Margaret remained life president of Home-Start until her death in 2015.

Home-Start Staffordshire Moorlands was established in June 1998 and supports families from all walks of life living in the Staffordshire Moorlands district with at least one child under the age of 5 years old.  The scheme is constituted as a registered charity and is managed locally by a board of trustees.  In 2018 Home-Start Staffordshire Moorlands was awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service.

The scheme is part of the nationwide Home-Start UK network.  Home-Start UK provides extensive advice, support and guidance and ensures we adhere to a national framework of standards (Quality Assurance and monitoring).

The scheme’s most recent annual report gives an up-to-date review of the scheme’s activities.

Home-Start Staffordshire Moorlands is a voluntary organisation, committed to supporting the welfare of local families.

Helping families in the Staffordshire Moorlands since 1998

Families helped in 2024-2025

Children supported in 2024 - 2025

People volunteering their time 2024 - 2025

Who are we?

We are a registered charity supporting families with young children across the whole of the Staffordshire Moorlands’ District, including the towns of Biddulph, Cheadle and Leek.

Starting in the home, our approach is as individual as the people we’re helping; no judgement, just compassionate, confidential help and expert support.

At the heart of our work is home-visiting support, provided by volunteers.  Support is provided to families struggling with post-natal depression, isolation, physical health problems, disability and additional needs, bereavement, financial worries and many other issues.  To find out more about who we are and what we get up to, visit our Facebook page.  For information on our impact, take a look at our latest annual report.

“Home-Start raises self-confidence, improves social networks, reduces difficult behaviour on the part of the child and improves mental and physical health” – Every Child Matters Government Green Paper.

What we do

Home-Start works because our volunteers understand how hard being a parent can be.  Volunteers work alongside parents, in their own homes, to help cope with the stresses and strains of life, help resolve problems and make sure they have the support, skills confidence, practical help and strength they need to nurture their children.  We are a consent-based service and work in partnership with families who choose our support.

We provide a one-to-one support service, and we also have group programmes for families across the district that run in response to local need.

Although we work independently, being well connected in the communities in which we work is key to our success.  With the consent of families, we work closely with many statutory, voluntary and community organisations across North Staffordshire to ensure families get the help they need and ensure we reach and support families in need of help.

We create relationships with families going through difficult times in order to work towards increasing parents’ confidence, independence and resilience.

Case studies

Current vacancies

If you are interested in any of these opportunities please contact us.

Family support volunteers

Home-Start Staffordshire Moorlands supports families across the district who are facing difficulties.

Our Volunteers are trained and given expert support from our staff team so that they can provide the best support for parents and their children.  We have a range of volunteering roles to suit people with limited time availability as well as those who are able to commit to families longer-term.

Through a careful matching process, Home Visiting Volunteers can build a strong and trusting relationship with a family – support may be targetted, for as little as 4-6 weeks, or may go on for many months.

We help families from all backgrounds through their most challenging times and just a couple of hours a week can transform the lives of parents and their children.

Our Volunteers provide non-judgmental, compassionate and confidential support, giving families the right help at the right time and in a way that suits them.

By volunteering your time and experiences you can even change lives, including your own. We know from research the benefits to our volunteers; in developing new skills, building confidence and relationships and also supporting training and placements for work and study.

Visit our Volunteer Page for more information and get in touch.

Home-Start Staffordshire Moorlands is committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and the safeguarding of children and vulnerable persons.

Part Time Finance Administrator & Data Officer

Job Description: Part Time Finance Administrator & Data Officer
Home-Start Staffordshire Moorlands is committed to equal opportunities and to safer recruitment practice as an important part of safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults.

Employer: Home-Start Staffordshire Moorlands
Location: Office-based – Leek ST13 6JT, remote or hybrid working considered (to be agreed)
Hours of work: 43 hours finance PCM / 22 hours data PCM
Responsible to: Scheme Manager
Salary: NJC Scale 12-20 (£28,598 – £32,597 pro rata)
Contract:   Temporary, 6-month contract (extension subject to funding)

Job Opportunity: Finance & Data Officer (43 hours finance PCM / 22 hours data PCM)
We are seeking a proactive and experienced individual to join our small, committed team as a Finance Administrator & Data Officer, supporting both the financial administration of the charity and the development of a new data management system.  The role is split into two key areas – Finance Administrator (43 hours/week) and Data Officer (22 hours/week).  This role requires flexibility in working hours, particularly during peak reporting periods such as month-end and year-end and when additional time is needed to introduce or amend systems.

Please note, while this is advertised as a combined 65 PCM hour post, we are open to receiving applications for either element of the role separately, should strong candidates emerge for both finance and data responsibilities.

Purpose of the Role:
To ensure effective financial management and robust data systems, enabling the charity to meet its obligations to funders, demonstrate its impact, and make informed strategic decisions.

General Responsibilities

  • Attend relevant training and development sessions.
  • Promote the work of Home-Start and uphold its values.
  • Participate fully as a member of the Home-Start Staffordshire Moorlands team.
  • Undertake any other reasonable duties related to the post as required.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in the smooth operation and future development of a respected local charity.  Whether you bring finance expertise, data management experience, or both, we would love to hear from you.

Finance Administrator (43 hours finance PCM)

Purpose: To ensure the smooth and efficient financial administration of the charity, supporting accurate budget management, financial reporting and compliance with funder and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Support the Scheme Manager and Trustees in all financial matters.
  • Maintain accurate day-to-day accounts using Excel, in line with financial policies.
  • Manage invoices, payments, internet banking, and reconciliation of bank statements.
  • Process and record volunteer and staff expenses.
  • Provide regular financial reports to the Scheme Manager and Trustee Board.
  • Support budget-setting, forecasting, and funder-specific financial monitoring.
  • Reconcile petty cash monthly.
  • Oversee year-end processes and prepare accounts in line with SoRP, working with the Independent Examiner.
  • Assist with annual reporting to the Charity Commission and Companies House.
  • Calculate salaries and auto-enrol staff into the pension scheme where applicable.
  • Liaise with payroll provider (VAST), HMRC, and pension providers to ensure PAYE, NI, and contributions are made correctly.
  • Submit and manage pension data and ensure compliance.
  • Process salary and expense payments electronically.

Data Officer (22 hours data PCM)

Purpose: To lead the transition from the charity’s current Microsoft Access database to a modern, secure system (e.g. CharityLog or Lamplight) and manage the ongoing development and reporting from the new system.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead on selecting and implementing a new database system (CharityLog, Lamplight or similar).
  • Configure the system to match the charity’s services and reporting needs.
  • Migrate data from Microsoft Access with minimal service disruption.
  • Develop user guides and ensure a smooth onboarding process for staff.
  • Maintain and monitor day-to-day use of the database.
  • Ensure data accuracy and integrity, complying with GDPR and data policies.
  • Provide staff support and troubleshooting.
  • Generate reports (routine and ad hoc) for managers, trustees, funders, and other stakeholders.
  • Develop reporting templates to support evaluation and service planning.
  • Provide training and refresher sessions for staff and volunteers.

New Trustee Vacancy

We are looking for a new trustee to join our Board of Trustees.

 

Could you use your skills, knowledge and experience to help plan and oversee how we support families in our community?

Home-Start Staffordshire Moorlands is an independent, local charity, providing free, confidential support to families with young children living in the Staffordshire Moorlands District. We recruit volunteers who offer non-judgemental support, friendship and emotional and practical help to families who are struggling to cope with issues such as isolation, loneliness, disability, special needs, poor mental health, lack of confidence, poor self-esteem, the impact of domestic abuse, bereavement and those with multiple births or several pre-school children.  We are proud to have supported thousands of children and families in the past 25 years, helping them through some of the most challenging times of their lives.

Home-Start Staffordshire Moorlands is part of the nationwide Home-Start UK network. Home-Start UK provides extensive advice, support and guidance and ensures we adhere to a national framework of standards.

Trustees / non-executive directors are both charity trustees and company directors of Home-Start Staffordshire Moorlands. Their role is to:

  • Manage the business of the scheme.
  • Ensure compliance with the scheme’s charitable objects and with company and charity law.
  • Contribute to financial and business planning for sustainability and potential growth.
  • Assist with the recruitment of staff.
  • Hold the Scheme Manager to account, while supporting the staff team.

What are we looking for?

  • Commitment to the aims, principles and policies of the organisation.
  • Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees, and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
  • Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
  • Effective communication skills.
  • Experience of change management, accounting, financial management, funding, risk analysis, succession planning, quality assurance, IT development and / or human resources would be advantageous.

The trustee board meets 6-8 weekly and the meeting usually last around two hours, either face-to-face at our office in Leek or remotely via Zoom.

As a trustee, you would be using your experience and skills to help ensure that our charity is well managed and provides the best possible support to struggling families living in the Staffordshire Moorlands, helping parents to build a safe, nurturing and stimulating home for their children where they can thrive.

If you think you have what we’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you.  To find out more please get in touch. We can either send out an application pack or we can arrange an initial telephone discussion with our Chair.

Home-Start Staffordshire Moorlands is committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and the safeguarding of children and vulnerable persons.

 

Our Staff Team

Our dedicated and passionate staff team is responsible for the delivery of our services and strategy.  Together, they ensure we’re here for families when they need us most, that our volunteers are trained and supported and that our service remains effective, reaching as many in our communities as possible.

Rachel Richardson - Scheme Manager

Rachel has been working for the scheme since 2001 in various roles, including Administrator, Office Coordinator and Finance & Data Reporting Officer.  In July 2024 she was appointed Scheme Manager, bringing her wealth of experience of the scheme to the role.  Rachel leads the service, reporting to the Board of Trustees.  Rachel is responsible for the scheme’s operations, governance, financial sustainability, strategic planning and the scheme’s relationship with the wider Home-Start network and Home-Start UK.

Poppy Mellor - Family & Volunteer Coordinator

Poppy has worked with Home-Start Staffordshire Moorlands since 2015.  Before that she was a home-visiting volunteer and a Family Support Worker.

Her job involves supporting families, volunteer training and support plus working in partnership with various agencies to help families cope with the many challenges they face.

 

Kate Render - Family & Volunteer Coordinator

Kate joined the team in 2020.

Her job involves supporting families, volunteer training and support plus working in partnership with various agencies to help families cope with the many challenges they face.

 

Sarah Thomas - Group Activity Leader
Sarah’s job involves setting up groups and supporting families attending our groups across the Moorlands.

 

Paul Humphreys - Administration & Marketing Officer

Paul joined the scheme in 2023 and undertakes key administration and marketing work for the organisation.

Debby Pepper - Bookstart Worker and Family Support Worker

Deb delivers BookStart Corner visits to families in the home, promoting reading and nursery rhyme activities and gifting resources for families to keep.  She is also our resident ‘Christmas elf’ helping to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to families who need help.

Our Trustees

Our trustees are all volunteers and together they share ultimate responsibility for governing Home-Start Staffordshire Moorlands and directing how it is managed and run. Trustees ensure that our committed staff and volunteers are able to provide the best possible support for families.

Our trustees share a firm belief in the value of the work done by Home-Start Staffordshire Moorlands and come with a range of skills and experience.

Anyone interested in bringing their skills and experience to our board is invited to make contact with our Chair to discuss any opportunities or to express and interest in future vacancies: info@homestartsm.org.uk

Julie Bennett - Chair

I’m a mother and a grandmother and have lived in the Staffordshire Moorlands for over 30 years.  My background is in nursing and initially working in the hospital setting I moved to work in the community and qualified as a health visitor in 1994, working in Leek for many years.  Before taking flexi retirement in 2020 I was manager of the Family Nurse Partnership (supporting teenage parents) first in Stoke on Trent then Cheshire East.  I continue to work part time in the NHS supporting Cared for Children.

Having spent so many years working to support children and families this was something I wanted to continue in some way in retirement.  I am able to use my experience in early intervention and safeguarding to support the team as the Trustee with safeguarding responsibility.  Recognising the vital role of Home-Start in promoting family support and early intervention for children I am proud to be a Trustee.

Carol Steele - Vice Chair
Jane Armstrong - Trustee

Jane joined us in December 2024 – bio to follow.

Gareth Edwards - Trustee
I joined as a Trustee in 2020 and was delighted to join Home Start and try to support the outstanding work they undertake across the community.

I grew up in the Staffordshire Moorlands, and even after moving away it’s a place I still think of as home.  With a diverse background across 26 years in the public, charity and now the private sectors in senior and executive roles, I bring varied experience to the Trustee Board.  A Chartered Auditor and legally qualified I have run a consulting business for a number of years and currently operate as the global Head of Audit for a FTSE 100 PLC multinational.

A season ticket at Stoke and other football commitments keep my free time somewhat busy.

Liz Thompson - Trustee

I am a mother & grandmother, having lived in Staffordshire Moorlands for over 20 years. By profession I am a secondary school teacher and as a year head have had widespread experience of working with children’s social services.  In 2002 I left teaching to work in our expanding family business as office administrator and financial manager.

I joined Home-Start Staffordshire Moorlands in 2017 as a volunteer supporting families, then moved in to the office to help with the admin.  As more of the admin tasks have now moved online I am delighted to continue to support the Home-Start team as trustee with financial responsibility.

Angela Whitfield - Trustee

Angela joined us in December 2024 – bio to follow.

Become a Home-Start Volunteer Today

Home-Start’s team of trained volunteers make sure a child’s early years count. By volunteering just a few hours each week you can transform the lives of young children and their parents in your community.

 

Find out moreVolunteer application form