Trustee Recruitment – do you have the skills we need?

Slough Foodbank Trustee – Volunteer position

About Slough Foodbank

Slough Foodbank is focused on the prevention or relief of poverty mainly in Slough and the surrounding area, in particular but not exclusively by providing emergency food supplies to individuals in need, as motivated by the principles of the Christian Faith.

Slough Foodbank believes that no one in the community should have to face going hungry. That’s why we provide three days worth of nutritionally balanced, emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis. Last year we had 4,183 referrals which provided 9,322 emergency food parcels, sadly we have seen significant increase in the past few years. In addition to providing food and basic toiletries, we try, by means of signposting and monitoring and discussions with the supporting referrer to give a helping hand through a crisis.

Job purpose

Slough Foodbank is looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm, and most of all commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking of our board. Operating on our Trustee Board you will help develop a long-term strategy for the foodbank with clear objectives which can be monitored and adapted. You will attend board meetings, review and approve policies, review financial plans and budgets, ensure risk management is effective. You will be passionate about making a difference to relieve and eradicate food poverty in Slough and the surrounding areas.

Are you excited to make a real difference in the local community?

Overview of the role:

• Support and provide advice on Slough Foodbank’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and polices and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee Slough Foodbank’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of Slough Foodbank.
• Ensure that key risks are identified, monitored, and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve Slough Foodbank’s financial statements.
• Keep abreast of changes in Slough Foodbank’s operating environment.
• Attend Board Meetings and be adequately prepared so you can contribute to discussions.

Objectives of the food bank

• To ensure that the Trustee board develop a long-term strategy for the food bank with clear objectives which can be monitored and adapted.

Other responsibilities, along with the board of trustees, include:

• Ensure the charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law.
• To help promote the organisation to a wider audience of potential funders and beneficiaries.
• To ensure the foodbank has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding and 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.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interest of Slough Foodbank.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgment and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• A willingness to lead according to our Slough Foodbank values.

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

• You will be 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 Slough foodbank.

Support

New Trustees do not need any previous governance experience as Trussell Trust will provide a full induction and training.

How to apply

To apply: Please email [email protected] using the subject title: ‘Slough Foodbank Trustee Role’, with a covering letter explaining relevant experience and CV. We would be particularly interested in hearing if you have skills in finance or as a Chair.

Slough Foodbank is a faith-based charity motivated by Christian principles, follows biblical values and has strong associations with local churches. In order to preserve the charity’s distinctiveness, the Trustees of Slough Foodbank reserve the right to make appointment of Trustees who are loyal to the Christian ethos of the charity (for example by being involved in a Christian church) where this is in accordance with provisions within Equal Opportunities legislation.

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