About the organisation
Brent Foodbank has been operating in Brent since 2011 and is part of the Trussell Trust network of foodbanks throughout the UK.
The food bank is currently owned and operated by the Trussell Trust, however moving forward, Brent Foodbank will be becoming a CIO, and whilst it will still be part of the wider Trussell Trust network, the food bank will be governed by it’s own board of trustees.
What does Brent Foodbank do?
We work closely with local support agencies, faith and community groups towards stopping hunger in our local area and ending the need for foodbanks in the UK.
Everyday people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. Foodbank clients bring their voucher to a foodbank centre where it can be redeemed for three days’ emergency food. Volunteers meet clients over a warm drink or free hot meal and are able to signpost people to agencies able to solve the longer-term problem.
Where does Brent Foodbank operate?
Brent Foodbank currently operates from the Kingsbury Centre, Lindsay Park Baptist Church, The Mall, Kenton, London, HA3 9TG
How will Brent Foodbank operate moving forward?
Once Brent Foodbank’s board of trustees has been recruited, trustees will receive training and support to undertake their role. Brent Foodbank will also be forming as a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation).
Trussell Trust will continue to provide funding support for Brent Foodbank during their first year of independent operation.
About the role
Where: Brent Foodbank
When: At least 6 board meetings per year.
Time commitment: Approximately 3 hours per week
Overview of the role: This role involves leading on the financial affairs of the foodbank and ensuring that they are conducted within the required legal, accounting and good practice conventions.
It is also the responsibility of the treasurer to work in partnership with the chairperson and trustees to ensure the financial viability and development of the organisation.
Key tasks
Treasurer Responsibilities:
Ensure the trustee board fulfils its financial responsibilities.
Ensure that the food bank has proper systems for budgeting, financial control, insurance, and reporting.
Inform the trustee board members of the finances of the food bank by written report, at least on a quarterly basis ensuring that the board have a clear picture of the financial health of the food bank.
Ensure that financial reports:
Are comprehensible and properly discussed at trustee board meetings.
Are provided in the proper format and at the proper time, as required by the relevant charity regulator body (Charity Commission of England & Wales, Charity Commission of Northern Island or OSCR etc).
Have properly appointed auditors or independent examiners (on income over £25k).
Are reported on an annual basis.
Objects of the food bank:
To ensure the Trustee board develop a long-term strategy for the food bank with clear objectives which can be monitored and adapted.
Other responsibilities, along with the board of trustees, include:
To work alongside the trustee board to ensure the organisation’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined (on income over £25k) and made publicly available when necessary.
Ensure your charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law.
To ensure appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations as well as looking after contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects.
To help promote the organisation to a wider audience of potential funders and beneficiaries.
To ensure the food bank has appropriate procedures to: comply with current legislation and good practice; including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
Act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
To serve as an additional promoter of the food bank in the community.
Our ideal candidate
- A knowledge of and commitment to the work of Brent foodbank.
- Respectful of other’s opinions and experiences, and good at listening.
- Enjoy collaborating as part of a team and carrying out tasks with others.
- Experience in financial accounting and reporting procedures.
- Strong skills in communicating financial information to those who may have little or no financial background
- Experience in keeping all financial records up to date (book-keeping)
What’s in it for you
Benefits of volunteering
- Using your existing skills to make a difference.
- Meet new people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the local community.
- Make a real difference to the running of the food bank.
Impact of your role
- By leading on the financial matters of the food bank operation, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Brent foodbank.
Apply for the role
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Please provide a cover note if it is requested in the role description. Applications which are personalised, setting out your motivations for volunteering for the organisation and relevant skills/experience, are far more likely to be successful.
