About the organisation
“The foodbank was there when we really needed it, it was an absolute lifeline.”
We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. That’s why we provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis. We are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.
The Edinburgh South East Foodbank is a Christian charity that seeks to care for people in our community that find themselves in the greatest need. Our foodbank is a project founded by local churches and community groups, working together towards stopping hunger in our local area.
We do not want anyone to experience food poverty. So we make it our business to help people at the time of crises and provide help to move forward. Our operations focus on three key aspects:
- Providing emergency food to those in crisis.
- Signposting effectively to other supportive services.
- Directly helping people find long-term solutions to their issues.
Through a network of local referral partners we provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in hardship; last year we gave out 3195 emergency food parcels
About the role
Edinburgh South East Foodbank are looking for someone with financial experience to join the Board as a Trustee to advise on financial matters, ensure we meet our financial obligations, and help us build a sound financial strategy. 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 frameworks.
Key tasks:
- ensure the Board of Trustees fulfils its financial responsibilities
- ensure that the Foodbank has proper systems for budgeting, financial control, insurance and reporting
- inform the trustee board members of the finances of the Foodbank by written report, at least on a quarterly basis ensuring that the board have a clear picture of the financial health of the Foodbank
- 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 (Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator)
- have properly appointed auditors or independent examiners (on income over £25k)
- are reported on an annual basis at annual general meetings (AGMs)
Other responsibilities, along with the board of trustees, include:
- to approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
- to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, ensure the charity does not become over-committed, and ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled appropriately
- to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate
- to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, financial statements are reviewed, and progress is evaluated
- to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries
- to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, and GDPR compliance/data protection
- to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.
Our ideal candidate
We are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:
- a knowledge of and commitment to the work of the South East Edinburgh Foodbank
- previous experience or an ability in:
- financial accounting and reporting procedures
- communicating financial information to those who may have little or no financial background
- keeping all financial records up to date
- a sympathy towards the faith position of the South East Edinburgh Foodbank as a Christian charity
What’s in it for you
Benefits of volunteering:
- feeling you are making a difference whilst volunteering with us
- meeting new people and being part of a motivated team who share a passion to eradicate poverty in our community
- building a movement of change with our volunteers, staff, and the people who use our Foodbank
- bringing our staff, volunteers, and trustees together to achieve our vision
- gaining a greater insight and understanding of local agencies and partnerships
By leading on the financial matters of the Foodbank 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, the South East Edinburgh Foodbank.
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.
Thank you, your application has been submitted
Please enter all required information!
Opportunity Filled!
It looks like this volunteering role has already been taken. But don't worry, there are plenty more ways you can make a difference!
Welcome to Charterpath!
We specialise in connecting finance professionals with meaningful volunteer opportunities at charities in need of support. If you're eager to use your skills for a great cause, we're here to help you find the perfect match.
Explore more volunteer roles here and don’t forget to join Charterpath (for free) for more opportunities, exclusive events and more.