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About the organisation
We are a library of things (LOT), lending out a wide range of items for nominal fees. We have two missions - to create meaningful sustainability practices in our area, and to enrich the lives of people who live here. After running for almost 3 years, we all believe that sharing as a community like this is a good way to achieve both of these goals.
When you can borrow more of what you need, it means you can buy less. By providing the means for people in our region to borrow more, it encourages them as individuals to be more thoughtful about what they do buy, and it means we as a community are reducing our collective carbon footprint.
Just as important to us is how an LOT enriches the lives of local people. We are providing access to the kit involved in activities/ chores/ adventures that households might not otherwise be able to afford. Since we opened in 2023, people have used our things for a few pounds rather than buying the kit outright to clean the patio/ do DIY projects/ bake number cakes for special birthdays/ take the kids camping/ run festival stalls/ tidy the garden/ sew clothing/ look at the stars, and so many activities besides. For families that are struggling, this is a game-changer.
Our objectives then are focused on setting up a well-run, well-stocked, reliable LOT. This has involved gathering a wide range of items, based on the feedback of our community; collecting donations from individuals and local businesses' and recruiting specialist volunteers to maintain and repair our stock.
We have found that our extensive stock of equipment and its central location naturally lends itself to other activities that extend our initial missions. We run a wide range of skills- and sustainability-focused events.Every second month we hold our free, volunteer-run Repair Days. There are skills-sharing classes teaching people to crochet, knit and repair holes in clothing/ tool-sharpening events; ‘how-to’ drop-in sessions for borrowable items like the thermal imaging camera, overlocker sewing machines,and so on. It is busy, but hugely rewarding.
About the role
What we’ve found works best for us is to have one person to handle the day-to-day finances, and to have the treasurer’s skill set focused on proper accounting records/ reporting, advice on financial decisions and planning. As our treasurer, we’ll be looking to you to assess and develop our book-keeping practices; prepare financial reports; liaise with auditors and funders, and monitor compliance with regulatory requirements.
As a board, we meet about 5 or 6 times a year to solve problems, discuss planning and set goals. We enjoy doing this in person (there are many cups of tea!), but can meet remotely if needs be. We’re all volunteers, and so we’re used to working around everyone’s commitments - if it’s easier for you to meet one-on-one with the Coordinator instead of attending a particular meeting, for example, we can make that happen.
Our ideal candidate
A qualification in accounting and experience in some associated role would be ideal. Experience in working in the charity sector and awareness of the particular reporting responsibilities would also be wonderful. What’s really worked for founding board members though, and what we’re hoping to find in our new treasurer, is a real passion for social innovation, community-building and sustainability. If you’re aware that your professional skills make you valuable, but have always hoped for an opportunity for your talent for joinery/ crafting/ 3D printing/ small appliance repair/ event planning/ local group liaison/ sewing to shine, you may have found your people!
What’s in it for you
As a team, we have all been galvanised by the benefits that we see the library of things bring to our community every week - the Mum who attended her boys Christmas show despite having a fall because she borrowed our knee scooter; the young couple renovating their house who haven’t had to buy any equipment to do it; the local group of parents of Downs’ Syndrome children who borrow the silent disco for free so they can catch up while the kids dance; the dumpling chef who ran a stall to earn some start-up money and prove his concept without having to buy the gazebo, table and hot plate up front; the grandparents who pick up high chairs, bed guards and outdoor games for when the family comes to stay; the social housing tenants who maintain their gardens to the associations’ standards without having to figure out how to buy the equipment outright, and so on. If any of this sounds compelling to you, then this is the role for you.
We’ve all developed our roles according to our interests and our availability. We love a good idea and are always looking for new ways to uplift our community - as an example, we found funding for a 3D printer, which allows us to print replacement parts that can’t be sourced elsewhere and to keep items out of landfill. We’re also setting up ‘how-to’ classes to upskill people who are interested in this technology. There are opportunities for connecting with local government, community groups and national sustainability networks. If you’re keen to teach a hands-on skill you have, there is room in our schedule of events, and a ready audience. If you’re keen to learn a new skill to pass on, that is also something we’ve done. Your involvement can stay at the minimal set of treasurer tasks and responsibilities, and we would be grateful to have you providing this crucial support. But if you're curious about other ways to participate, this is the role for you.
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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