Referrers Information

This page is for professionals who refer clients to Slough Foodbank and may need a recap of our policies, processes and expectations. We will also share updates, petitions and sign-ups here and via email.

Creating and Issuing E-Vouchers

As a referrer, you create the e-voucher and pass the code to the client to redeem at any of our distribution centres.

Please ensure you do the following:

  • Suitably and as extensively as possible complete the “Referred Person’s Current Situation” section. This information is essential for ensuring we support clients safely, appropriately and with dignity.
  • Give the client the voucher code (Exxxxx-xxxxxx) by text/email, or ask them to write it down.
  • If the client wants it, print a hard copy for the client at the point of referral.
  • Check on any clients whose voucher remains unfulfilled or not collected.
  • If you have requested an Energy/Fuel voucher for your client, inform them that they MUST bring the following with them to the Foodbank –
    • ID confirming they live at the same address that is recorded on our system (e.g., driving licence, council tax bill, utility bill, rent book)
    • Proof they use a top-up system, including their key and an annual statement from their energy provider (sent once a year by email or post)
    • If they do not already have this proof, they must request confirmation from their utility company. Without the required evidence, we will not issue a fuel top-up voucher

About the E-Referral System

The Trussell e-referral database is used nationwide across the network.
All guidance below relates specifically to Slough Foodbank and our operating area.

Please do not share your login details. If colleagues also need access, ask them to email us so we can set up their account safely.

Key Points to Remember

1. Dependents

  • Please only record dependents of the client on the voucher.
  • We are receiving a number of referrals listing multiple adults; unless an adult is financially dependent on the client, they should not be included.
  • If additional adults require support, they should be assessed individually.

2. Parcel Collection

  • Vouchers are intended for clients in immediate food poverty and should be redeemed within 7 days of being issued.
  • Slough Foodbank operates a zero-tolerance policy on abuse. If your client is known to be aggressive, violent or intoxicated, you as the referrer must ensure a safe collection process—for example, arranging for a professional to accompany them or for someone else to collect on their behalf.

3. Distribution Centres

  • Clients (or someone on their behalf) may collect from any Slough Foodbank distribution centre,
  • The addresses and opening times of our distribution centres can be found here

4. Delivery

  • Slough Foodbank relies on volunteer drivers to make home deliveries and can only offer delivery in very limited circumstances and in line with Safeguarding requirements (e.g. clients experiencing exceptional mobility or safeguarding barriers).
  • If delivery is not appropriate or not available, please ensure “collection” is selected.

5. More Than Six Vouchers

If you see that a client has already had six or more vouchers, please give consideration to issuing further vouchers 

We need to ensure:

  • There is no risk of dependency.
  • Multiple agencies are not issuing vouchers without coordination.
  • Any additional support is considered in the context of the client’s full circumstances.

Our shared aim is always to support clients toward stability, not long-term reliance on food parcels.

Slough Foodbank Key Principles

To receive assistance, clients must meet the following criteria:

  1. The client is in immediate food poverty, with little or no food and insufficient means to purchase adequate food.
  2. Their situation is due to an identifiable, current crisis.
  3. Their circumstances are known directly to your agency, or you will signpost them immediately to the appropriate supporting organisation.
  4. The client has not already received six parcels for the same crisis, unless further support has been agreed with Slough Foodbank.
  5. The client is actively engaging with our signposting support or advice service.
  6. Please make sure you review each client’s full record, including any recent updates, before issuing further vouchers
  7. We all work together to ensure the responsible stewardship of public donations and resources.

Thank You

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

If you have questions or concerns, or if your team needs further guidance, please contact us by phone or email.

Please share this information with colleagues who refer on your behalf.