Wisbech Foodbank Fundraising & Grants Lead Trustee

Role: Trustee (Fund Raising & Grants Lead)

Where: Wisbech Foodbank

When: One online meeting per month, on a Monday evening. Trustees need to commit to supporting strategic projects outside of meetings.

Time commitment: 60-90 minutes per board meeting, in addition to approximately eight hours dedicated to other trustee tasks per month.

Overview of the role Wisbech Foodbank are seeking someone with fundraising and grant applications experience at board level, ensuring that the Board of Trustees are aware of and kept up to date with any fundraising or grant developments and build a sound fundraising strategy as we move forward. This role involves leading on fundraising affairs for the food bank and ensuring that they are conducted within good practice frameworks.

Responsibilities As a trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance of the food bank and all decisions made by the board, ensuring the organisation is well run, fulfils its mission, is compliant with charity law and that the charity is open and accountable. It is also the responsibility of the treasurer to work in partnership with the chairperson and other trustees to ensure the financial viability and development of the organisation.

Key tasks Trustee (Fund Raising & Grants Lead) responsibilities:

● to work alongside the chair, treasurer and the rest of the board to plan what level of funds are required to be generated to ensure the effective running of the charity

● to work alongside the trustee board to ensure that all grants are sought and written with the purpose of meeting the charity’s vision and objectives

● to lead on the organisation of local fund-raising opportunities to support the running of the charity, including incorporating national Trussell fund raising campaigns/events throughout the year to oversee, with operational management support, the writing of high-quality grant applications that are in line with the charity’s vision and objectives

● to regularly communicate to the rest of the trustee board via trustee meetings or any other communication, any relevant information and/or developments regarding fund raising or grant applications.

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

● approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives

● 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

● ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate

● ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled appropriately

● ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored and progress is evaluated

● review and approve financial statements

● help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries

● ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to: comply with current legislation and good practice; including employment, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding and GDPR compliance/data protection

● prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.

About you: 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:

● an understanding of, and commitment to, the work of the Wisbech Foodbank

● an understanding of rural communities in addition to a commitment to understand and support your local community

● a knowledge of, and passion for, fundraising and grant application writing

● an ability to lead on any fundraising and grants matters in a supportive and confident manner

● excellent communication and collaboration skills

● the ability to engage with others and be part of a team, as well as being organised and motivated to complete tasks independently

● willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board

● the ability to listen and engage with people from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences

● 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 board experience, and those from candidates with experience of working with Eastern European communities.

Whatever your background, we want to make sure you are supported and empowered and enjoy your time volunteering with us. We know that having volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds, with varying experiences, 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 also encourage those with lived experience of poverty to apply

Benefits of volunteering:

● feeling you are making a difference whilst volunteering with us

● meeting new people and being part of a motivated team who share a passion to eradicate poverty in our community

● building a movement of change with our volunteers, staff, and the people who use our food bank

● bringing our staff, volunteers, and trustees together to achieve our vision

● gaining a greater insight and understanding of local agencies and partnerships.

Impact of your role: By leading on fundraising and grants matters for the food bank, 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 Wisbech Foodbank.

Support: A full trustee induction is in place to support the prospective candidate within their role, as well as access to local voluntary action trustee training.

Please note:

● You must be 18 or over and must not be disqualified from acting as a trustee and declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a trustee

● Trustees are appointed for a minimum two-year term of office, renewal for a further four terms to a maximum of ten years

● This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

How to apply

For more information, an application form, and an initial discussion about the role, please contact Chair of Trustees, via email.