Treasurer and trustee

Background                                                                                             

Established in August 2012, Cirencester Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust’s UK network of over 1,200 foodbanks, which provide food to people in crisis in their local areas. The foodbank covers an area of approximately 210 square miles of the South Cotswolds. 

The foodbank is a charitable incorporated organisation, and as such is regulated by the Charity Commission.  As at November 2024, the foodbank is governed by a board of seven trustees and has seven members of staff and approximately 100 active volunteers.  The board of trustees meets quarterly and also operates through five subcommittees (finance, governance, communications and marketing, strategy and personnel).  Trustees also act as Treasurer, Secretary and Safeguarding Lead.       

When: 

Approximately 4 board meetings per year (Mar, Jun, Sep and Dec) and up to two trustees away day events per year (expected to be half day events, held in working hours). Pre-meeting reading and post-meeting actions and other ad hoc tasks to support the board and staff team.  

Time commitment: 

Averages out at approximately 3-4 hours/week

Key tasks

Responsibilities:

·       Ensure the trustee 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 Charity Commission of England & Wales.

-        Have properly appointed auditors or independent examiners (on income over £25k).

-        Are reported on an annual basis.

·       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 develop a long-term financial strategy. 

·       To work alongside the board to ensure the organisation’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for 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.

About you

·       A knowledge of and commitment to the vision and values of Cirencester Foodbank and the Trussell Trust. 

·       Previous experience or an ability in:

o   financial accounting and reporting procedures.

o   communicating financial information to those who may have little or no financial background 

o   keeping all financial records up to date (book-keeping)

·       A team player willing to actively participate in all areas of the foodbank’s governance activities in a supportive and confident manner.

·       A willingness to learn new skills and support the staff and volunteers

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 foodbank.

Impact of your role

·       By leading on the financial matters of the food bank operation, you are part of providing a vital support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Cirencester Foodbank. You will be contributing to the foodbank’s vision of a community without the need for a foodbank. 

Support

A full trustee induction is in place to support the prospective candidate within their role, as well as access to training opportunities to develop in your role as a trustee. 

Application

Please submit your interest to get a full recruitment pack.