About the organisation
“The foodbank was there when we really needed it, it was an absolute lifeline.”
Our food bank is a project founded by local churches and community groups, working together towards stopping hunger in our local communities. We now operate 3 food banks in Skelmersdale and 1 in Burscough. Between us, we have helped thousands of people who are in a crisis situation.
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. Whether its a food parcel or chat, there is a food bank open 5 days per week to help.
We also have a wonderful team who are available most days to help you with debt advice, benefits assistance and other forms of support.
About the role
Skelmersdale & District Foodbank are looking for someone with accounting experience to join the board as a trustee to advise on financial matters, ensure we meet our financial obligations, and help us build a sound financial strategy.
What will you be doing?
The Treasurer leads the financial affairs of the charity and ensures that they are conducted within required legal and accounting best practice, working with the Chairperson and other trustees to ensure the financial viability and development of the organisation.
Treasurer’s key tasks:
Ensure the 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 relevant charity regulator body (Charity Commission of England & Wales); have properly appointed auditors or independent examiners, as our income is over £25K
Other responsibilities, along with the board of trustees, include:
To approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
To manage the charity’s resources responsibly and efficiently, ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk, and do not over-commit the charity
To ensure the charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law.
To ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled appropriately
To ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, progressed and evaluated and ensure the charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law
To ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding and GDPR compliance/data protection
To prepare for, regularly attend, and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.
Acting with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
Serving as an additional promoter of the food bank in the community, promoting the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries, and present on behalf of the food bank at meetings and conferences as and when required
Our ideal candidate
We are looking for people who want to help their local community. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:
A knowledge of and commitment to the work of Skelmersdale & District Foodbank
A passion for combating poverty within Skelmersdale and its surrounding areas
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
Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
Willingness to speak their mind
The ability to think creatively
Applications are particularly welcome from people who live or work in West Lancashire and who reflect Skelmersdale’s diverse community.
Whatever your background, we want to make sure you are supported and empowered and enjoy your time volunteering with us. We know that having volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds, with varying experiences, can help to make what we do as effective as possible. As such, we welcome all applicants regardless of age, religion or beliefs, disability, ethnic background, gender reassignment, sex, or sexual orientation
What’s in it for you
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 Skelmersdale & District Foodbank.
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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