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.
Our foodbank is a project founded by local churches and community groups, working together towards stopping hunger in our local area. We opened in 2014 and are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.
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 over 3800 emergency food parcels in the last year. In addition to helping people by providing emergency food, it is our aim to help people out of poverty. We do this by signposting to other support agencies and providing a kind, empathetic, service to those visiting our foodbank.
About the role
Overview of the role:
Fallowfield and Withington Foodbank are seeking someone with experience of working in a financial role to join the Board as a Trustee, who will be able to prepare accounts, advise on financial matters, ensure we meet our financial obligations and help us build a sound financial strategy as we move forward. As a Trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance of Fallowfield and Withington Foodbank and all decisions made by the board, ensuring the organisation is well run, fulfils its mission, ensuring compliance with charity law and that the charity is open and accountable.
Responsibilities
All trustees are responsible for setting the strategic direction for Fallowfield and Withington Foodbank, ensuring alignment to our values, defining goals, setting organisational policies, agreeing financial plans, evaluating the charity’s performance and ensuring good relationships amongst the trustees and with the senior staff.
All Trustees:
- Ensure that the Foodbank has in place a clear strategy, plans, vision & values.
- Ensure that the charity is accountable, is actively complying with statutory reporting and accounting requirements and the law, and that financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined and made publicly available.
- Develop effective ways to communicate with staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, funders, partners and the wider public; encourage transparency and accountability.
- Help promote the Foodbank as widely as appropriate, including to audiences of potential funders and beneficiaries.
- Ensure appropriate financial plans and budgets are in place; monitor contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects.
- Ensure the Foodbank has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice; including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding, and data protection.
- Ensure an understanding of, and commitment to, the principles of equality, equity, diversity and inclusion.
Specific to the Treasurer Trustee:
- Oversee the financial affairs of the foodbank, ensuring that they are conducted with probity and transparency.
- Ensure the board receives sufficient information to carry out its financial responsibilities.
- Ensure that the charity has robust and effective financial controls.
- Ensure appropriate financial policies.
- Ensure an annual budget is provided for board approval.
- Prepare quarterly accounts for the board and annual accounts for the Charity Commission.
- Ensure that organisation risks are reviewed by the board annually.
- Be part of any sub-groups to the Board as appropriate
Our ideal candidate
We are looking someone who wants to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty whilst supporting the food bank to continue to provide emergency food to people who find themselves in crisis. Our ideal candidate would demonstrate:
- Experience of working in a financial role. However, previous experience as a charity treasurer is not essential.
- A commitment to the work of Fallowfield and Withington Foodbank.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board.
- Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity.
- Sound, independent judgement, and the ability to think creatively.
- Working effectively as a team member and demonstrating a willingness to learn, develop and collaborate.
What’s in it for you
By supporting the governance of the food bank, you are part of a team providing a vital holistic support function in the local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Fallowfield and Withington 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.
