Robert McCall

Chair of Trustees

Robert is an experienced director with a broad background spanning multiple sectors, including construction, development, investment, finance, events, landscape design, and telecommunications. He has held executive and non-executive roles across diverse international markets. Robert hopes to support and guide Home-Start strategically through the next few years and ensure the goals set are achieved.

Hilary Nicholls

Vice Chair and Treasurer

Hilary qualified as a chartered accountant in 1985 and as well as being a mum to her two daughters, she has been kept busy over the years with part time accounting positions, and many different voluntary roles as treasurer of various organisations and charities. She joined Home-Start Guildford in 2023 knowing very little about the charity, but over the last year has become very aware of how dedicated all the staff and volunteers are in supporting the families who need our help.

Charlotte French

Trustee (Volunteer Representative)

After a career in the Third Sector, and not content to sit on her hands when she gave up working, it made sense for Charlotte to seek out voluntary roles and she became a home-visiting volunteer in 2014.  As a mother of two daughters she enjoyed sharing her parenting tips with the diverse range of families she supported and watch them grow in confidence.  In 2017 she was asked to join the board of trustees and was delighted to take on the role of looking after the volunteers, organising a calendar of training and social events.

Vicky Roberton

Trustee (Volunteer Representative)

Vicky joined Home-Start Guildford in 2016 as a home-visiting volunteer. After a few years, she became the Volunteer Representative, attending the Management Committee meetings on their behalf. In 2023 she became a Trustee jointly responsible for the care and training of the volunteers. In addition, she co-ordinates the 100 Club fund-raising scheme.

As a Mum to two teenage boys, Vicky is aware of how tricky and isolating parenthood can be with young children. She continues to support families throughout their difficulties.

Marian Holliday

Trustee (HR Lead)

Marian joined Home-Start as a trustee in March 2025. She benefitted herself from Home-Start support a few years ago when she had a young family, and remembers vividly what a huge support her weekly Home-Start volunteer was.

Marian is a senior civil servant, currently leading on women’s health and maternity policy. She is experienced in leading policy and strategy development in Government, including managing large programmes. She is a single mum to teenage twins.

Sarah Pearson

Trustee (Marketing Lead)

Sarah joined Home-Start Guildford as a Trustee in May 2025, bringing a wealth of strategic marketing expertise to help raise its profile and better communicate the vital impact it has on vulnerable families. A Guildford resident for over 15 years and mum to a teenager, she understands first-hand the value of local support networks and is passionate about reducing isolation for parents without extended family nearby.

Bryan Phillips

Trustee (Governance Lead)

Bryan brings a practical, systems‑focused approach to governance, shaped by experience supporting organisations through change, strengthening accountability, and improving the way boards make decisions. He has a particular interest in clear processes, ethical leadership and ensuring that trustees have the right assurance to carry out their duties with confidence.

He is committed to helping Home‑Start Guildford maintain strong, proportionate governance while enabling staff and volunteers to focus on what matters most: providing steady, compassionate support to families. Bryan aims to contribute to a culture where clarity, integrity, and shared purpose guide how the charity works and grows.

Phil Graham

Trustee (Fundraising Lead)

Following a 35 year marketing management career in the information technology industry, He has built up hands-on experience across the last five years in the charity sector on both a paid and voluntary basis. His experience in the sector includes fundraising/grant applications, communications, and research and campaigns. Married with three children, living in Farnham and together with his wife, help to look after our two pre-school grandsons every Tuesday in London.

Sara Metson

Ambassador

Sara joined Home-Start Guildford in 2024 as a home-visiting volunteer. She was humbled by the life changing impact that regular support from a Home-Start volunteer made.

She passionately believes in the importance of supported home visits to help families adjusting to parenthood.

She is excited to fly the flag on Home-Start’s behalf and to help raise awareness of the excellent work that Home-Start does each week, to support families that need that extra little helping hand.

Matt Padian

Ambassador

Matthew is a lawyer who spent his early career working in London before relocating to Guildford in 2016. He is now a partner at a well-known Guildford law firm. He has recently become a father for the first time and is learning to juggle a demanding career whilst raising a young child.

Matthew looks forward to helping Home-Start Guildford to achieve its goals at a challenging time for many young families.