Trustee - Long Eaton & Sawley Foodbank

Key Tasks

Trustees ensure that the foodbank acts in accordance with its purpose and with charity legislation, and that good governance, best practice policies and rigorous financial supervision are in place. They are required to work collaboratively, with other trustees and with the staff and volunteers of the foodbank, and other external agencies.

• Embrace the organisation’s vision, mission and values.
• Ensure the foodbank has appropriate procedures to comply with its governing document, current legislation and good practice including; employment; health and safety; equal opportunities; safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
• To work alongside the Treasurer and the trustee board to ensure the foodbank’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined (on income over £25k) and made publicly available when necessary.
• Ensure focus on strategy, performance, risk and assurance rather than operational matters.
• Act with integrity, making objective decisions without undue influence by special or personal interests.
• Ensure openness and accountability, build public trust and confidence in the foodbank’s work and legitimacy in representing beneficiaries and stakeholders.
• Uphold collective responsibility of the board.
• Act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
• Ensure the principles of equity, equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded in Long Eaton & Sawley Foodbank and help deliver public benefit.
• Help promote the Long Eaton & Sawley Foodbank to a wider audience of potential funders and in the community to both donors and beneficiaries.

Trustees may also undertake additional work for the charity between meetings subject to their availability and skill set.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty whilst support the foodbank to continue to provide emergency food to people who find themselves in crisis. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• A commitment to the work of Long Eaton & Sawley Foodbank.
• A knowledge and passion for your local community.
• Passion for our vision and goals.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board.
• Independent judgement and ability to think strategically.
• Able to work effectively as part of a trustee team, contributing and considering others’ views.
• Able to commit the time and effort required.
• Bring relevant capabilities that help the board perform its role effectively and achieve Long Eaton & Sawley Foodbank’s vision.
• Understanding and commitment to principles of equality, equity, diversity and inclusion.

The foodbank would particularly welcome applications from those with experience in one (or more) of the following areas: 

• Human Resources;
• GDPR;
• Health & Safety.

We know that having volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds 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; we particularly encourage applications from people with lived experience of poverty, and those who live or work within the local area.