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.
Glasgow South West Foodbank was founded by local churches and community groups, working together towards alleviating hunger in our local area. We opened in December 2013 with three branches and currently have three – two of the originals plus one newer one. We 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 6601 emergency food parcels (to April 2023). 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
We are seeking four new trustees to become members of our board. Trustees ensure that the food bank acts in conformity with its purpose and with charity legislation, and that good governance, best practice policies and rigorous financial supervision are in place. They will be required to work collaboratively, with other trustees and with the staff and volunteers of the foodbank, and other external agencies.
Responsibilities:
- To help ensure, alongside other trustees, the effective governance and financial management of the charity in accordance with relevant legislation.
- To help set the strategic direction of the charity, and oversee progress against the objectives set.
- To prepare monthly and annual management accounts for the board and for the development manager to enable decisions to be taken with up to date and accurate information.
- To approve payments and ensure that suppliers and contractors are paid timeously.
- To ensure the foodbanks four staff are paid timeously, alongside pension and NI contributions.
- To ensure our charity is actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements.
- To help ensure appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations.
- To help promote the organisation to a wider audience of potential funders and supporters and in the community.
- To act with integrity, care and skill, giving time, thought and energy to their role.
- To help ensure that the foodbank delivers an effective and compassionate service to all those who may need it in the South West of Glasgow, from whichever part of the community they come.
Our ideal candidate
We are looking for people who share our commitment to delivering the best possible compassionate and non-judgemental service to some of the most disadvantaged people in Glasgow. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:
- Clear commitment to supporting the delivery of the best possible compassionate and non-judgmental service to some of the most disadvantaged people in Glasgow.
- Experience of producing management accounts.
- Experience of provision/ oversight of payroll services.
- Some understanding of issues around poverty, even if not in depth, and willingness to extend that.
- Experience at a management, senior or professional level within the third, public or private sectors in a financial management related role.
- (Ideally, but not essentially) experience of involvement in non-executive boards in the third, public or private sector.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning the needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and volunteers.
- Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity.
- Integrity, sound independent judgement and an ability to think creatively.
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 your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Glasgow South West 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.
