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.
Greenwich Foodbank is a project founded by local churches and community groups, working together towards stopping hunger in our local area. We have ten foodbank centres across South East London, including sites in Blackheath, Eltham, Erith, Greenwich, Kidbrooke and Woolwich.
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 180,801 meals to over 20,000 people (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 by working with other local partners to support people in need.
About the role
GFB are seeking someone with experience of working in a financial role to join the Board as a Trustee, who will be able to 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 GFB 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 GFB, 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.
Key tasks:
All Trustees:
- Embrace the organisation’s vision, mission and values.
- Ensure the charity complies with its governing document and charity law.
- Ensure focus on strategy, performance, risk and assurance rather than operational matters.
- Act with integrity, making objective decisions without undue influence by special or personal interests.
- Ensure openness and accountability, build public trust and confidence in GFB’s work and legitimacy in representing beneficiaries and stakeholders.
- Uphold collective responsibility of the board.
- Commit sufficient time and energy to the role of trustee and make reasonable use of own skills and experience to support the work of the board and GFB.
- Ensure the principles of equity, equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded in GFB and help deliver public benefit.
Specific to the Treasurer Trustee:
- Oversee the financial affairs of GFB 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.
- Review management and statutory accounts are produced on time.
- Ensure that organisation risks are reviewed by the board annually.
Trustees may also undertake additional work for the charity between meetings subject to their availability and skill set.
Our ideal candidate
We are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty whilst support the food bank to continue to provide emergency food to people who find themselves in crisis.
Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:
- Experience of working in a financial role such as a qualified & experienced accountant or banker. However, previous experience as a charity treasurer is not essential.
- Lived experience in Greenwich Borough
- Passion for our vision and goals.
- Independent judgement and ability to think strategically.
- Able to work effectively as part of a trustee team, contributing and considering others views.
- Demonstrate the 7 principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
- Able to commit the time and effort required.
- Bring relevant capabilities that help the board perform its role effectively and achieve GFB’s vision.
- Understanding and commitment to principles of equality, equity, diversity and inclusion.
What’s in it for you
By leading on the financial matters of the food bank operations, 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 Greenwich Foodbank.
A full Trustee induction is in place to support the prospective candidate within their role, as well as access to local voluntary action Trustee training. Although this is an unpaid voluntary position, reasonable travel expenses are reimbursed.
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.
