Trustee - Colchester foodbank

The mission of Colchester Foodbank is to “prevent or relieve poverty in Colchester and the surrounding area, in particular but not exclusively by providing emergency food supplies”.

Over the last few years the food bank has grown substantially in response to rising demand, and last year provided 20,000 food parcels to adults and children through 11 satellites in and around Colchester. In addition, it signposts clients to specialist agencies who may be able to help with specific problems.

Colchester Foodbank is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and a franchise of the Trussell Trust, a community of food banks that share best practice and expertise, and campaigns nationally for policies to address the underlying causes of food poverty. Colchester Foodbank actively drives those campaigns locally.

As a Trustee you will play a vital role by ensuring that we are meeting the demand for our services, providing help and support to people in crisis in the local community as well as providing strategic direction for the charity.

Key tasks

We are looking for additional trustees with the strategic skills to help guide the Foodbank, with a passion and commitment to the delivery of the foodbank’s mission, and to ending food poverty in the UK.

We would welcome applicants with experience in one (or more) of the following areas:

• Charity/Third Governance
• Strategy development
• Property management and acquisition
• Fundraising
• Social Media / Communications

Trustees may also undertake additional work for the charity between meetings subject to their availability and skill set. This may include for example attending meetings, training etc.

About you

Potential trustees must be ready to accept collective responsibility for ensuring that the foodbank acts in conformity with its purpose and with charity legislation, and that good governance, best practice policies and rigorous financial supervision are in place. They will be experienced in working collaboratively, with other trustees and with the staff and volunteers of the foodbank, and in providing support and challenge to the co-directors.

We would welcome applications from current volunteers and partner agencies, but are also keen to hear from any candidate who wants to help their local community in working towards the eradication of food poverty whilst also currently providing food to people who find themselves in food crisis situations. We are looking for a balance between those who know us already and those who will bring fresh thinking.

Colchester Foodbank is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from those of all faiths and of none.

Impact of your role

By supporting the governance of the food bank operation, 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 Colchester Foodbank.