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.
We provide a minimum of three days’ emergency food and support and can also connect you with other local organisations that offer different kinds of assistance. Although based in Littlehampton we cover a much wider area, including East Preston, Rustington, Angmering and Arundel. In 2024 we gave food and toiletries to 2,965 people in our local community.
Every day, people in our area go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. People are referred to Littlehampton & District Foodbank by a variety of local organisations, including Children & Family Centres, schools, Housing Associations, Turning Tides, Mind and Citizens Advice. Littlehampton & District Foodbank is more than somewhere to get emergency food. It is a welcoming, friendly place where local people can share their stories and be helped to find ways out of their crisis, whatever that may be.
About the role
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 conventions. It is also the responsibility of the treasurer to work in partnership with the chairperson and trustees to ensure the financial viability and development of the organisation.
Key tasks
- Ensure the trustee board fulfils its financial responsibilities.
- Ensure that the food bank has proper systems for budgeting, financial control, insurance, and reporting.
- Inform the trustee board members of the finances of the food bank by written report, at least on a quarterly basis ensuring that the board have a clear picture of the financial health of the food bank.
- 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 Charity Commission of England & Wales; Have properly appointed auditors or independent examiners (on income over £25k); Are reported on an annual basis at annual general meetings (AGMs).
- To ensure the Trustee board develop a long-term strategy for the food bank with clear objectives which can be monitored and adapted.
- To work alongside the trustee board to ensure the organisation’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined (on income over £25k) and made publicly available when necessary.
- Ensure your charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law.
- To ensure appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations as well as looking after contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects.
- To help promote the organisation to a wider audience of potential funders and beneficiaries.
- To ensure the food bank has appropriate procedures to: comply with current legislation and good practice; including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
- Act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
- To serve as an additional promoter of the food bank in the community.
Our ideal candidate
- A knowledge of and commitment to the work of the 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 (book-keeping)
What’s in it for you
Benefits of volunteering
- Using your existing skills to make a difference.
- Meet new people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the local community.
- Make a real difference to the running of the food bank.
Impact of your role
By leading on the financial matters of the food bank 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 Littlehampton foodbank.
Support
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.
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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