Jo Mason is the new Co-Chair of Home-Start West Berkshire, bringing extensive experience in leadership, service management and organisational change, alongside a strong belief in the difference that practical, compassionate support can make to families.
In her professional life, Jo works at the University of Oxford, where she has been Head of Childcare Services for almost ten years, leading services that provide high-quality childcare and support for University families. This has given her a strong understanding of the importance of accessible, trusted support for parents and children.
She is also Head of Partnerships, with responsibility for people strategy and engagement, bringing together teams and stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, develop people and create positive working environments. Across both roles, Jo has a strong focus on people: listening to what they need, building relationships and helping services and teams evolve and thrive.
Outside her career, Jo is a parent and is passionate about contributing to the community in which she lives. She was drawn to Home-Start West Berkshire by its simple but powerful approach: supporting parents, in their own homes and communities, through the realities and challenges of family life.
What’s something about you that might surprise people?
I’ve been a single parent since my daughter was two – she’s now 28 – and much of my career has been built alongside raising her. Like many parents, I’ve had to juggle work, childcare and family life, often without there being an obvious or easy answer. That experience has shaped me enormously and has given me a very personal understanding of just how important the right support can be at different stages of family life.
What’s the best piece of parenting advice you’ve ever received… or ignored?
It’s not so much advice I was given, but something I’ve learned along the way: your children can be very different from you – and that’s absolutely OK. As parents, I think one of the hardest things can be giving them enough freedom to discover who they are and find their own path, while making sure they always know you are there when they need you. For me, it’s about being a constant source of love and support without trying to choose the path for them.
What are you most looking forward to about being part of the next chapter of Home-Start West Berkshire?
I’m really looking forward to working with people who are so passionate about what Home-Start West Berkshire does, and building on everything that has already been achieved. It’s clear how much commitment and care has gone into making HSWB the organisation it is today, and I’m excited to play a part in its next chapter.
I’m also keen to support the organisation wherever I can, particularly around funding and building strong partnerships. Like many charities, having a secure and sustainable future is so important, and I hope I can help strengthen the relationships and opportunities that will enable HSWB to continue being there for local families when they need it most.