Wisbech Foodbank Marketing Lead Trustee

Role: Marketing Lead Trustee

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 who will actively support the board and the food bank team to focus on the strategic activity that will help reduce the need for our services locally. Alongside wider trustee responsibilities for the overall governance of the food bank, you will support the Chair of Trustees in engaging staff, volunteers and the general public with our vision, values, and strategy.

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 Marketing Lead Trustee to work in partnership with the chairperson and other trustees to build, establish and strengthen our external networks and maintain positive relationships between our trustees, staff, and volunteer teams.

Key tasks:

Marketing and Communications Lead Trustee Responsibilities:

● support the Chair of Trustees in engaging staff, volunteers and the general public with our vision, values, and strategy

● support with establishing and maintaining positive relationships and communications between our trustees, staff, and volunteer teams as we deliver our local strategy

● build and strengthen our networks and collaborations with other anti-poverty organisations, local decision-makers and politicians

● to share Together for Change information, resources, and training opportunities available through Trussell with our trustees, staff, and volunteers

● provide guidance and suggested best practice for internal and external communications shared by the food bank

● proactively engage in wider food bank network trustee clusters and forum meetings to share good practice and learning with other food banks.

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.

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

The skills you need: 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:

● 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

● experience of working in a marketing or communications related role

● a passion for the food bank’s vision and strategy

● a willingness to communicate and engage with internal and external audiences, with the confidence to do so ● 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.

What’s in it for you:

● 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 the development of a marketing strategy for 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 Wisbech Foodbank.

Support

A full trustee induction is in place to support the prospective candidate within their role, as well as access to ongoing training provided by Trussell.

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.