Wisbech Foodbank Treasurer Trustee

Role: Treasurer 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 with financial experience to join the board as a trustee, who will be able to lead on financial matters, ensuring we meet our financial obligations and help us build a sound financial strategy as we move forward. This role involves leading on the financial affairs of the food bank and ensuring that they are conducted within the required legal, accounting and good practice.

Responsibilities As a trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance of the charity 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. The Treasurer leads the financial affairs of the charity and ensures that they are conducted within required legal and accounting best practice. 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.

Treasurer’s key tasks:

● ensure the 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 relevant charity regulator body (Charity Commission of England & Wales).
• have properly appointed auditors or independent examiners, as our income is over £25K.

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.

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

About you:

We are looking for people who want to help their local community. 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

● 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

● 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.

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

● making a real difference to the running of the Wisbech Foodbank and the local community.

Impact of your role By leading on the financial matters of the food bank operation, 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 ongoing training provided byTrussell.

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.