Social Welfare Volunteer Roles

Family Lives operate a free confidential helpline for anyone experiencing difficulties in their family or relationship.

Our volunteers take calls from parents and carers on a wide range of subjects, whether that might be issues around separation and divorce, isolation, depression, bullying and abuse, dealing with behavioural problems, etc. You can find out more about our services on our website.

We are a national service with home-based call takers county wide and we also have a call centre in Old Hatfield Hertfordshire. Once trained volunteers sign up for a weekly 4-hour shift comprising 3 hours ‘online’ followed by a debrief session with your supervisor which can lasts around half to one hour. 

We recruit volunteers with a range of backgrounds and experiences though we ask that volunteers have experience of parenting or working with children and young people, are good listeners and have a willingness to learn. Being remote it will be very important that you have a PC/laptop, plug in headset with microphone, good Wi-Fi and a private place to work from home. 

You need to be a UK resident.

Our training programme is excellent and will give you the opportunity to develop the skills needed to offer empathic support and guidance to callers whatever their circumstances; all shifts are overseen by a regular shift supervisor who provides ongoing remote support. We ask our volunteers to make a commitment of 1 year (with time off for holidays), obviously we understand that circumstances sometimes make that an impossibility but can be helpful to know at the outset that is the general expectation. 

We have call taker training sessions that run over five sessions and is done remotely connecting you via a Microsoft Teams link.

You would need to be able to attend all five sessions from one of these remote training groups and be available on four occasions to listen into calls, this can be organised remotely.

Module 1 – Wednesday 12th March

Module 2 – Wednesday 19th March

Module 3 – Wednesday 26th March

Module 4 – Wednesday 2nd April

Module 5 – Wednesday 9th April

10am to 2pm

Or

Module 1 - Saturday 8th March

Module 2 - Saturday 15th March

Module 3 - Saturday 22nd March

Module 4 - Saturday 29th March

Module 5 - Saturday 12th April

10am to 2pm

Please note that all roles offered are subject to a satisfactory DBS being obtained, you will receive details of documentation required prior to your training and this must all be in no later than the second session of your training.

Family Lives was formed over forty years ago by volunteers with the aim of ensuring that all parents had somewhere to turn before they reach crisis point.

Remote Family Support Volunteer – Live Chat

We know that the right support at the right time makes all the difference. Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families who are struggling.

Organisational values:

Mission: We build better family lives together.

Vision: Families should have access to active support and understanding. 

Values: Trustworthy, Compassionate and Collaborative

Purpose of the role: To be part of a flexible team providing empathic, caring and informed support to families, carers and others who use our services.

Live chat: is a free confidential service that is accessed via our website. Service users are offered emotional support, information and advice and guidance on a broad range of family issues.

Supervised by: The Shift Supervisor

 Activities: The volunteer will be fully supervised, supported and trained to provide the following activities:

·Provide emotional support to family members via our live chat service

·Use the Family Lives support model and tools to provide an empathic responses

·Ensure that all service users receive a high quality experience

·Sign post users to other agencies for information and additional support

·Complete conversation data records

·Alert the shift supervisor to any difficult situations

General: Volunteers should be willing to:

·Attend the relevant volunteer training

·Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the other policies and procedures of the organisation

·Participate in regular support, supervision meetings and learning sessions as agreed

For home based volunteers only:

·Volunteers will need a Laptop/PC, plug in headset with microphone, fast broadband and a private place to work from home

·Volunteers need to be IT/PC literate and confident troubleshooting should they have technical difficulties

 Time: We would be looking for volunteers to commit to one four-hour shift per week, plus attending training and supervision.

Location: working remotely from home

 You need to be a UK resident

Supervision and Support:

·Supervision during shifts

·Debrief after every shift

·1 to 1 supervision every 6 months

·Staff available outside of shift within office hours

·Annual review

The Benefits of Volunteering:

·Satisfaction in making a real and lasting difference to families who are struggling

·An opportunity to develop experience for CV and references. Family Lives is committed to helping volunteers develop their own learning and development, gaining new skills, knowledge or work experience

·Being part of a team of Family Lives volunteers and staff

·Personal development

·Opportunities to meet and interact with a wide range of people

·Out of pocket expenses reimbursed to a maximum of £10 per session if working from a centre

·Flexible hours

Volunteer Person Specification. We are looking for individuals who:

·Have experience of parenting/being in a parenting role or demonstrable experience of working with parents or children e.g. in their work, previous volunteering or a previous role

·Have an ability to respond empathically to emotional content

·Good written and verbal communication

·Have good keyboard skills and IT skills, with a minimum of 50 wpm

·Can demonstrate a willingness to question their own attitudes e.g. toward different forms of parenting

·Have a fluent, descriptive and expressive use of English

·Can remain open minded and non-judgemental

·Willing to commit to work within Family Lives’ policies, in particular our Confidentiality Policy and Risk of Harm Procedures

·Willing to commit to attending regular supervision and support sessions

·Willing to work as part of a team

·Willing to commit to a mutually agreed period or ideally a 12 months commitment to the organisation.

Typing Task Prior to Application for Live Chat

Prior to you submitting your application for a Live Chat Volunteer, we will require you to do a speed test, we ask for a minimum speed of 50 words per minute. 

Please take a screen shot and send it across with your application

You can have up to 3 attempts and decide which result you would like to forward as part of your application

Typing task

Go to the website typingtest

You are required to take the one minute typing test recording all of the results (speed, number of errors and adjusted speed).

We have remote voluntary call taker training groups the dates are below are you would need to be able to attend all 5 Modules from the training group.

Module 1 – Wednesday 12th March

Module 2 – Wednesday 19th March

Module 3 – Wednesday 26th March

Module 4 – Wednesday 2nd April

Module 5 – Wednesday 9th April

10am to 2pm

Or

Module 1 - Saturday 8th March

Module 2 - Saturday 15th March

Module 3 - Saturday 22nd March

Module 4 - Saturday 29th March

Module 5 - Saturday 12th April

10am to 2pm

Please note that all roles offered are subject to a satisfactory DBS being obtained, you will receive details of documentation required prior to your training and this must all be in no later than the second session of your training.

Our IT ReUse programme takes donated IT equipment, wipes and repairs it, and gets it into the hands of individuals in our local community who need it. We are almost entirely volunteer run, and in need of support with more advanced electronic repairs from a volunteer with experience in this field.

Responsibilities of the role:

• General repair of donated electronics
  • Specifically, solder and repair of laptop motherboards
• Finding faults in donated electronics
• Communication with workshop staff and volunteers about which items have been tested, which are to be tested, and which items need to be disposed of

 Skills required:

• Skills & experience in electronics repair, specifically laptops
• Ability and experience with soldering
• BONUS – Skills and experience with phone repair
• We are unable to provide training in this area – you must have adequate skills and experience in electronics repair and feel confident in using these to support us

What you’ll get from us:

• Training in health and safety
• Support and supervision from the IT ReUse team
• A focus on wider skills and employability development, if this is something you would like
  • 1-1 catch ups with our volunteer supervisor to support development
• Your own repairs desk in the workshop, complete with all equipment you need
• All PPE provided
• Feeling like part of the IT ReUse team, with valued passion and skills which allow us to get IT equipment to those who need it most

What we expect from you:

• A minimum time commitment of 4 hours per week
• Ideally, a set working pattern adjusted to your needs, abilities, and other commitmentS
• Being passionate, ready to get involved, and respectful of the workshop space

Who this role would suit:

• Somebody with a background and skills in electronics repairs who is looking to contribute these to a valuable cause, supporting the local community.

Do you want to make a difference in the local community in 2025? Do you have a few hours to spare weekly or monthly?

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to expand our small friendly and committed team. Our team supports various projects that help families within the food bank community. Examples include regular collections and distribution to guests of homeware and pre-loved clothing (including school uniforms ahead of new summer term and annual winter coats collection). We also organise give-outs of gifts to children for Eid, Diwali and Christmas as well as running stalls at markets and fairs. Our team also actively supports community engagement through fundraising at local events.

Hours: 

• Approx 3 hours a week average over the year - hours may vary week by week depending on your availability and needs of the projects. 

• Flexible - evenings, occasional weekend or daytime if you are available.

• Many of the projects run in July, October, November & December. 

Location: Meetings held in N22, give outs are held at the food bank (St Michael’s Hall, 37 Bounds Green Rd, London N22 8HE). 

About Bounds Green Food Bank: 

Open since June 2020, we serve over 1,300 children and adults in the community. We are committed to improving lives by providing food and essential household items to build a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow. We strive to promote social inclusion by supporting people who find themselves in a crisis situation where they need assistance to feed themselves and their families.

The Events and Project Team:

The team proactively runs and manages a calendar of planned projects and events designed to support families and guests with children. The projects are varied and team members may be involved in hands-on activities. 

The role:

• Working as a part of a small enthusiastic team to plan and organise projects through to completion.

• Being “hands on” in collecting and sorting pre-loved items ahead of give-outs.

• Greeting and engaging with guests at give-outs and members of the public at community events. 

• Helping out at community fundraising events including shaking a bucket, taking card payments or assisting with our famous tombola stall. 

Person specification: 

• Passionate about supporting the community

• Able to work flexibly

• Access to a car for occasional use with projects is desirable but not a requirement 

Benefits:

• Give back to the community - one of the NHS’ 5 Ways to Wellbeing!

• Gain access to free workshops for volunteers and upskill on a range of topics (conflict resolution, mental health first aid, arts and crafts, and more)

• Join free social events for volunteers (such as picnics, walks, games nights and celebration events)

• Gain a sense of community 

• Meet and work with  a friendly team of volunteers

We are seeking enthusiastic and experienced fundraisers to work in a brand new team. An exciting opportunity to make a real difference in over 1000 people’s lives. Help to raise vital funds through a range of fundraising initiatives including individual donations, community events and grant applications.

About Bounds Green Food Bank: 

Open since June 2020, we serve over 1,500 children and adults in the community. We are committed to improving lives by providing food and essential household items to build a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow. We strive to promote social inclusion by supporting people who find themselves in a crisis situation where they need assistance to feed themselves and their families.

The role: 

• Support fundraising initiatives including a communications campaign, individual donations, community fundraising events and grant writing.

• Build good relationships within the community and with actual and potential donors.

• Provide guidance to other teams that support fundraising initiatives e.g. the Events and Projects Team, the Communication Team and Grant Writing Team.

Person specification: 

• Experience working in a fundraising role

• Passion and commitment for the cause 

• Excellent communication skills and ability to create and maintain relationships

Benefits:

• Give back to the community - one of the NHS’ 5 Ways to Wellbeing!

• Gain access to free workshops for volunteers and upskill on a range of topics (conflict resolution, mental health first aid, arts and crafts, and more)

• Join free social events for volunteers (such as picnics, walks, games nights and celebration events)

• Gain a sense of community and meet the huge team of volunteers

Can you help us to bring in the funds we need to make the food bank a success? 

We are looking for a volunteer Fundraising Lead to play a significant role in shaping a fundraising strategy, help raise awareness of Bounds Green Food Bank (BGFB) and generate income through events, projects and fundraising activities.

We currently raise money through grants, individual donations and community projects. We would like to broaden our fundraising initiatives and are looking for someone to raise funds, meet fundraising targets, raise our profile with key funding partners, and inspire relevant groups to support us.

About Bounds Green Food Bank: 

Open since June 2020, we serve over 1,500 children and adults in the community. We are committed to improving lives by providing food and essential household items and helping alleviate household food insecurity. We strive to promote social inclusion by supporting people and families in crisis situations and needing assistance.

The role: 

• Work with the Board of Trustees to agree a fundraising strategy, including setting annual fundraising targets

• Help to develop a fundraising team

• Identify income-generating opportunities and develop projects

• Build, develop and maintain relationships to secure funding

• Provide guidance to other teams that support fundraising initiatives e.g. the Grants Writing Team, Events Team and the Communication Team

Person specification: 

• Passionate about food insecurity and reducing social isolation

• Experience working in a fundraising role, including grants, trusts and foundations

• Ability and willingness  to work to financial targets 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and attention to detail

• Able to work flexibly and under pressure

• Ability to be creative and entrepreneurial in order to find new ways to raise funds

Benefits:

• Gain access to free workshops for volunteers and upskill on a range of topics (conflict resolution, mental health first aid, arts and crafts, and more)

• Join free social events for volunteers (such as picnics, walks, creative workshops and celebration events)

• Give back to the community - one of the NHS’ 5 Ways to Wellbeing!

• Gain a sense of community and meet the huge team of volunteers

Why we want you
As branch treasure you will be key part of your local branch creating a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Maintaining and reconciling local bank accounts and recording transactions and authorised payments.
• Providing and present reports to the branch committee and to SSAFA’s central office.
• Maintaining accurate records using our on-line finance management system.
• Preparing year end accounts and financial statements including arranging an independent review.

The skills you need

• Some experience of financial administration
• Great written and verbal communication skills

What's in it for you

• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Organising and attending awareness and fundraising events within the community
• Identifying new fundraising and awareness opportunities
• Helping at events
• Delivering presentations to community groups, schools, etc through
• SSAFA’s speaker programme
• Event administration
• Social media marketing

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Happy to help
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Location: Remote

Contract: Permanent, Full Time

Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Responsible for: Overseeing and managing the Fundraising Department (including the recruitment and organisation of volunteers)

Purpose of the Role: To develop and implement effective fundraising strategies that secure vital resources for IAC UK’s charitable initiatives.

About Us

IAC is a rapidly growing charity that empowers communities worldwide through compassionate support, advocacy, and practical assistance. With a core focus on helping orphans and widows in affected regions, we address urgent needs and help build sustainable futures. Thanks to our established presence in the UK, US, and Türkiye, we deliver impactful aid wherever it’s needed most.

Key Responsibilities

1. Fundraising Strategy & Planning
   • Develop, implement, and refine a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with IAC UK’s mission and objectives.
   • Identify and explore new income streams to expand funding sources and diversify revenue.
2. Donor Relationship Management
   • Cultivate existing donor relationships and establish new donor networks to increase long-term engagement and support.
   • Create compelling cases for support, proposals, and campaigns that reflect IAC UK’s values and impact.
3. Volunteer Recruitment & Coordination
   • Oversee the recruitment, training, and retention of volunteers to support all fundraising activities.
   • Develop volunteer engagement initiatives, ensuring volunteers are well-supported and recognized for their contributions.
4. Event & Campaign Management
   • Plan and execute a variety of fundraising events, online campaigns, and community initiatives, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.
   • Manage event logistics, supplier negotiations, and campaign communications to maximize awareness and financial return.
5. Budget & Financial Oversight
   • Prepare and manage the fundraising budget, monitoring income targets and expenditure.
   • Compile regular progress reports for senior leadership and trustees, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
6. Compliance & Governance
   • Ensure that all fundraising activities comply with UK regulations, GDPR requirements, and the Code of Fundraising Practice.
   • Maintain accurate records and documentation to enable transparent reporting and auditing.
7. Team Leadership & Collaboration
   • Lead, mentor, and motivate a small fundraising team, setting clear objectives and managing performance.
   • Collaborate with other departments (Marketing, Events, Finance) to integrate fundraising efforts into the wider organisational strategy.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Demonstrable experience (3+ years) in a fundraising or development role within the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• Proven success in securing grants, major gifts, or corporate sponsorships, with a track record of meeting or exceeding income targets.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to cultivate relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills, able to manage multiple campaigns and deadlines effectively.
• Highly motivated and proactive, with a genuine passion for social impact and community development.
• Collaborative and supportive leadership style, fostering a positive, inclusive team culture.
• Adaptable, innovative problem-solver with a drive for continuous improvement.
   

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Salary: £35,000 – £40,000 per annum (dependent on experience).
• Performance Bonus: Competitive bonus structure tied to fundraising milestones.
• Remote Working: Flexible, home-based role.
• Generous Holiday Allowance: 28 days of annual leave (including bank holidays).
• Inclusive Culture: A supportive and inclusive workplace that values diversity and encourages new ideas and innovation.
   

Note: Travel for in-person meetings may be required.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter (optional) detailing your relevant experience, achievements, and motivation for joining IAC UK. 

IAC UK is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

The Connaught Trust is a charity, who support the charitable activities of units of the Army Cadet Force, the Sea Cadet Corps, the Air Training Corps, the Volunteer Cadet Corps, the Combined Cadet Force throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.  They provide funds to promote the military efficiency of all ranks serving in units of the Army Reserve, the Royal Naval Reserve, the Royal Marines Reserve and the Royal Air Force Reserves. 

The Connaught Trust are seeking two Trustees with a broad range of skills, in particular individuals with legal or marketing backgrounds/experience, to work closely as part of their Board to bring new insight and skills to set and approve the strategic direction of the charity.

What is a Trustee?

• Being a trustee means making decisions that will impact people’s lives and make a real difference to the people they support.
• Trustees help lead the charity and play a vital role in helping to define and develop the work of the charity.
• Trustees work alongside the secretary, using their skills and experience to help the charity to define and achieve its strategic aims. 
• Trustees give their time on a voluntary basis. They are not paid fees, but they can claim reasonable expenses.

 
Could this be the ideal role for me?

To be considered for this role, you will require the following:

• A commitment to the aims and objectives of the Trust and an empathy with the beneficiary group, namely adult reserve forces and cadet units of all three services. 
• Experience at working at senior level in the private, public or voluntary sectors. 
• A willingness to devote time and effort to the duties and responsibilities of a Trustee 
• Good communication skills and the commitment to attend, and contribute to, Trustee meetings. 
• Integrity, impartiality, objectivity, accountability, and the ability to respect confidences. 
• A commitment to equal opportunities and diversity. 

What's in it for you?

• Volunteering experience.
• Involvement in senior management teams and board activity.
• Working with different sets of people.
• Specific experience within the different teams.
• General management experience.
• The chance to give your expertise and time to a great cause and to further develop your skills.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law. 

These unremunerated roles are open to all. To apply for these exceptional opportunities, please submit your CV and supporting statement via the Charisma website.

If you would like to have an initial discussion with Sandra Smith, Associate Director of Charisma Charity Recruitment, prior to submitting your application please contat Charisma to arrange.

Remote locations and able to attend four meetings a year in South Hampshire

Closing date for applications:  16th February 2025
Interview date:  Saturday 8th March 2025

We are in the process of establishing our brand new Food Waste hub right at the centre of New Covent Garden Market and we would be delighted for you to get involved! 

City Harvest London rescues nutritious surplus food from farms, manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, and delivers it, for free, to over 123,000 a week via organistions feeding those facing food poverty. City Harvest rescues food, people, and the planet by preventing food waste, providing life-changing support to communities across London through food, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from waste.
City Harvest vans equally deliver to food banks, homeless shelters, hostels, soup kitchens, mental health charities, projects supporting the elderly and socially isolated, social pantries, community kitchens, refugee hostels, schools and nurseries, family centres and domestic abuse refuges. 

Now distributing free food for more than 1.2 million meals a month, the need continues to rise as the cost of living tightens its grip. City Harvest has sites in west, east and south London, and a fleet of vehicles that cover the whole of the UK rescuing food.

Our Warehouse Assistants are crucial to keeping the vans rolling and to making sure food is ready to go out to feed London. They are the packers, the stackers, the sorters, and the porters of our operation.

Every volunteering experience with City Harvest will vary, as roles assigned will depend on the time of day and the needs of the day. You could be unloading deliveries, checking and sorting food, creating mixed meal boxes for the homeless, or carrying out other warehouse tasks to help in the day-to-day running of City Harvest.

By volunteering with us for a day, individuals have the chance to make a direct positive impact on thousands of vulnerable people in London. Because of the time our volunteers donate to helping City Harvest, many Londoners facing obstacles such as homelessness, food poverty, and/or domestic abuse will have access to a nutritious meal. Not only this, but there is a significant environmental impact to our work too! The food that we rescue would otherwise go to landfill, where it would release harmful greenhouse gases as it decomposes. Therefore, your days’ work will also make a tremendous difference to both people and the planet!

A lot of our activities in our warehouse can be physically demanding, as we are sorting and packing food for delivery.

Do you have a passion for using your beautician skills and expertise to support those who have experienced crisis? People in our services would benefit from social engagement, relaxation, and joy from learning about simple treatments they could use for themselves such as hand, foot massaging, manicures, pedicures, hair styling, cutting, overall hygiene tips and routines.

We have an exciting opportunity for a volunteer to coordinate online workshops on beauty/pampering to enhance good hygiene practice, promote confidence within oneself and positive wellbeing.

What you will be doing

• Facilitate weekly sessions via zoom
• Encourage group discussions around wellbeing, self-esteem and looking after themselves
• Inspire and motivate the group to be involved in future planning/designing of the session
• Share basic beauty tips and routines with group members
• Offer relaxation techniques that can be used to de-stress and promote positive mental wellbeing

The skills you need

• A skilled and qualified beautician
• Calm and patient approach
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Trustees play a vital role in ensuring Banbury Foodbank meets its core purpose by overseeing the management and administration of the charity and ensuring that the foodbank has a clear strategy in line with our vision and goals.

What will you be doing?

Banbury Foodbank are seeking to recruit Trustees with an interest in helping others, who are willing to uphold the food bank’s values, and who can bring life experience to the board of trustees. 

Key tasks:

• To manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk and not over-commit the charity.
• To ensure the board regularly reviews its structures, roles, relationship to staff and implementing changes if and when necessary.
• To develop a long-term strategy for the food bank with clear objectives which can be monitored and adapted.
• To work alongside the Treasurer and the 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.
• To ensure the 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 wide audience of potential funders and beneficiaries and community stakeholders.
• 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.
• To act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
• To prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.
• To provide ad hoc support to the staff team and volunteers from time to time.
• To act at all times in accordance with the foodbank’s trustee code of conduct.
• The 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 food bank to continue to provide emergency food to people who find themselves in crisis. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate a:

• Knowledge of and commitment to the work of Banbury Foodbank.
• Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board.
• Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity.
• Sound, independent judgement and ability to think creatively.
• Working effectively as a team member and demonstrating a willingness to learn and develop.

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

• Fundraising
• Managing in an operational environment
• Campaigning
• Safeguarding

What difference will you make?

By supporting the governance of the food bank, you are 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 Banbury Foodbank.

Overview of the role:

Kingfisher Food bank opened its doors in 2013 and was a project founded by local churches and community groups, working together towards stopping hunger in our local area. In March 2023 the North Solihull Food Bank, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, was set up to carry on and enhance the work of the Kingfisher Food Bank. We are here to help people in crisis and offer support through the provision of emergency food parcels, by offering a listening ear, and by signposting to other agencies for more bespoke support. We have a dedicated team of over 30 volunteers.

The Secretary of Trustees is responsible for leading on the administrative duties of the food bank and Board of Trustees, ensuring that its activities are conducted within the legal requirements, with board meetings being properly administered.

Key tasks

Secretary Responsibilities:

• to attend Trustee meetings, take accurate notes and keep an accurate record of attendance at meetings, recording all resolutions passed by the Trustees.
• to ensure that there is a record of all Trustee Board correspondence 
• to ensure that details of Trustee meetings are circulated to the board together with minutes of the previous meeting.
• organise the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and ensure all relevant stakeholders are informed and post the appropriate notices and commission, collect, duplicate and issue any necessary written reports, agendas, and minutes of previous meetings.
• to prepare, in partnership with other trustees, an annual report for the AGM on the work of the food bank.
• to ensure that the annual report (to accompany the annual accounts) is produced and sent to the relevant charity regulator body (Charity Commission of England & Wales) and that the details of the charity and new trustees are updated in a timely manner.
• to periodically check the Charity Commission’s website for guidance and information and updates that may affect the Trustees or the Foodbank

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, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk, and not over-commit the charity
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate
• to ensure that key risks are identified, monitored, and controlled appropriately
• to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, and progress is evaluated
• to review and approve financial statements
• to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries
• advertise, correspond with, and interview volunteers for posts, including use of Assemble and where applicable carry out DBS checks.
• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding and GDPR compliance/data protection
• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.

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 supporting the food bank to continue to provide emergency food to people who find themselves in crisis. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• a knowledge of and commitment to the work of the North Solihull Foodbank.
• a knowledge of, and passion for, your local community.
• previous experience or an ability in: administrative procedures; writing clearly; providing clear advice on procedural and relevant legislative matters.
• excellent communication skills.
• a willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board.
• sound, independent judgement, the ability to think creatively, and to act in the best interest of the charity.
• the ability to work effectively as a team member and demonstrate a willingness to learn, develop and collaborate.

What difference will you make?

By leading on the administrative matters of the food bank board, 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, North Solihull Foodbank.