A massive welcome to Karen Bodger, who has recently joined our Home-Start Bradford District family and brings a wealth of experience having previously worked for Home-Start UK.
Karen has recently joined our Board of Trustees and she will join a wonderful team of Trustees who form the ‘bedrock’ of our organisation. Karen took some time out of her busy schedule so we could find out all about her.
What did you know about Home-Start before you applied to be on our Board of Trustees?
I previously worked for Home-Start UK as a Quality Assurance Specialist. This involved visiting Home-Starts around the UK and ensuring that each Home-Start met quality standards and provided safe and effective support for families.
I already had an insight into the great work of Home-Start Bradford District and as soon as the opportunity came up, I applied to join the Board.
Have you been involved in the voluntary sector previously?
I’ve worked in the voluntary sector for over 15 years, both as a Project Manager and as a Quality Assurance Specialist. In my current role, I provide governance support to a number of small charities, supporting them with strategic planning, impact measurement, and quality assurance.
In my role as a Quality Assurance Assessor for NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations), I worked with a range of different organisations including schools, prisons, charities, and social enterprises. The role was both fascinating and hugely rewarding but ultimately, there’s just something very special about volunteers and the difference that they make to families, so that’s why I wanted to become a trustee with Home-Start Bradford.
What will your role on the Board of Trustees involve?
For the first six months I expect that I’ll be learning the ropes – there’s a lot to learn! I hope I’ll be able to bring my skills and experiences to the board, to use my knowledge and insight to help Home-Start Bradford fulfil its mission and to support families as they navigate the complexities of parenting.
What skills and experience will you bring to the Board of Trustees?
I would like to bring the learning from my roles within quality assurance, outcomes measurement, and governance, and I hope that my knowledge and skills in these areas will be useful to Home-Start Bradford.
At the same time, as a mum to a five-year-old, I would also like to bring my very current experience of parenting to the board. When we talk about ‘the juggle’ of parenting and the issues parents are facing now in the current climate – that’s very real to me and I can bring a family perspective to the board as well as my professional skills.
What would you say to families to encourage them to contact Home-Start Bradford for help?
I would encourage any parent who is struggling to contact Home-Start Bradford District. We all have tough times as parents, but sometimes it all gets too much, and we need a bit of support.
Home-Start volunteers are the kindest and most generous individuals I’ve met. They don’t judge, they listen, they get it, and they can help you see the light at the end of the tunnel. Don’t wait – reach out and you’ll be met by a warm heart and a helping hand.
How would you encourage someone to volunteer for Home-Start Bradford?
Volunteering brings a joy like no other; to be part of a family’s life, to sit in their home each week and help them work through what’s happening with them, is so very special. Families will never forget their volunteer!
But it’s not just the families that will benefit, volunteering can help you feel connected to your community, can build long lasting friendships, and is scientifically proven to help your mental wellbeing! The team at Home-Start Bradford are incredibly supportive – you are in safe hands from the moment you apply.
What three words would you use to describe Home-Start Bradford?
Kind, caring, and brilliant
Thanks so much Karen for taking the time to chat to us!
About Home-Start Bradford District’s Board of Trustees
Karen joins our eight strong Trustee Board, other members include:
Susan Milner, Acting Chair
Pat Trenaman, Trustee
Sarah Hinton, Safeguarding Lead
Ursula Blagg, Data Protection Lead
Chris Comey
Cassy Harrison
Tanya Marshall
If you would like to find out more about our Board of Trustees, please visit the Team section of our About us page.
