Following a search led by Prospectus, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Grigg as the new Chief Executive of Home-Start UK.
A child’s earliest years are irreplaceable. Yet today’s families are facing considerable challenges, from mental health difficulties to financial pressures, loneliness, cultural barriers or a lack of support networks.
The Home-Start network is there for parents when they need it most, because childhood can’t wait. Home-Start UK supports nation-wide local Home-Starts to provide a network of trained volunteers and expert support to help families through their most challenging times and ensure the best possible start for their children.
They were looking for a Chief Executive to maximise both Home-Start UK’s and the local Home Starts’ engagement, reach and impact. The new Chief Executive would build impactful relationships with government, donors and the media to increase understanding of the challenges faced by families, whilst raising the profile of both positive parenting and Home-Start’s crucial, unique work to support it.
We searched for a values-driven leader with a track record of building influential relationships that increased profile and secured beneficial outcomes. As well as being driven to improve the lives of families living in challenging circumstances, the CEO would need to work flexibly across the UK and have the energy and resilience to lead a 200 strong network.
Peter Grigg was appointed to the CEO position in October 2019, from his role as Director of External Affairs at The Children’s Society. Peter brings 20 years’ experience working for charities and the public sector addressing a range of social issues facing children and young people in the UK. With a track record of leadership, Peter brought substantial experience of policy, campaigns and public affairs as well as marketing, communications, innovation and service design. At The Children Society’s Peter had developed the strategic framework, led significant change and impact, and raised the profile and influence of the charity.
Chair of Home-Start UK commented:
“Prospectus consistently showed that they understood the kind of candidate we were searching for, and why. They set a tight timetable but kept to it and the recruitment went very much as planned. They made what can be a stressful process, as hassle-free as possible, and the team were professional, flexible and warm”.
Peter also commented:
“The team did a great job. They were open, transparent and supportive all the way and I genuinely felt they were looking for the right candidate and the right fit, and not just to fill the role”.
