About the organisation
Cirencester Foodbank was formed in 2012. It covers around 210 square miles of the southern section Cotswolds.
We work to support local people who are referred to us in crisis and ensure that no-one goes hungry by providing three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food. Alongside the food we also provide other essentials such as household, hygiene, baby and pet products.
Our work also involves developing initiatives, and providing support, that resolve the underlying crisis that has led local people to need foodbank support. Working in partnership with other agencies, organisations , groups and Churches, we work to end the need for foodbanks in the South Cotswolds. Our foodbank is a project founded by local churches and community groups, working together towards stopping hunger in our local area.
The foodbank is a charitable incorporated organisation, and as such is regulated by the Charity Commission. As at March 2023, the foodbank is governed by a board of six trustees and has one full time and six part time staff and over 100 active volunteers. The board of trustees meets quarterly and also operates through five subcommittees (finance, governance, communications and marketing, strategy and personnel). Trustees also act as Treasurer, Secretary and Safeguarding Lead.
We are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.
About the role
As a trustee you are responsible for the governance of the foodbank and setting the strategic objectives. You will ensure that the charity’s activities further its purpose of relieving hardship in Cirencester and the surrounding area.
Responsibilities:
· To manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk and not over-commit the charity.
· To ensure the board regularly reviews its structures, roles, relationship to staff and implementing changes if and when necessary.
· To develop a long-term strategy for the food bank with clear objectives which can be monitored and adapted.
· To work alongside the Treasurer and the 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.
· To ensure the 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 wide audience of potential funders and beneficiaries and community stakeholders.
· 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.
· To act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
· To prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.
· To provide ad hoc support to the staff team and volunteers from time to time.
· To act at all times in accordance with the foodbank’s trustee code of conduct.
Our ideal candidate
Our ideal candidate would demonstrate the following skills and qualities:
· A knowledge of and commitment to the vision and values of Cirencester Foodbank and the Trussell Trust.
· A team player willing to actively participate in several areas of the foodbank’s governance activities in a supportive and confident manner.
· A willingness to learn new skills and support the staff and volunteers
· Cirencester Foodbank is particularly interested in applicants with the following experience:
o lived experience of poverty or experience of working in the field of poverty relief
o finance or accounting
o communications
o IT skills
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.
· Enhance your knowledge of issues in the community relating to poverty.
· Make a real difference to the running of the foodbank.
· Enhance professional skills such as decision making, communications, teamwork and critical analysis and boost your employability.
Apply for the role
Please provide a short cover note setting out your motivations for volunteering for the organisation, any relevant skills/experience and why you think you might be a suitable candidate.
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