Board member volunteer volunteer roles

English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. is seeking nominations for three Trustee and Director roles to refresh our Trustee team of 12.

English Speaking Board (International) Ltd is specialist awarding organisation exclusively creating, assessing and awarding qualifications for English Language and Oracy. Our qualifications have a duality of esteem with academic qualifications and we rank in the Top 50 of Vocational Awarding organisations in the UK by annual number of certificates awarded.

Central to the activities of English Speaking Board (International) Ltd.:

Our purpose: 

English Speaking Board wants all learners to possess the oracy and English language skills they need to achieve their aspirations. We want to stretch the most able and support the least confident and realise the potential of all by closing the disadvantage gap. 

To do this we:

Listen to our clients, understand their motivations and needs, employ talented people who want to achieve for our clients, support and validate the impact of our teachers and  financially support assessment at centres that are part of closing the disadvantage gap. 

In November 2023 we were awarded the prestigious title of Awarding Organisation of the Year by the Federation of Awarding Bodies. Please visit our website for more detail about our activities. 

Trustee team: 

The Trustee team aims to have a mix of skills sets and experience from within education (state, academies, FE and Adult Education) and from Awarding Organisations. The current vacancies are for two types of Trustees: those with educational experience (preferably FE and Adult Education) and those with AO experience. 

Generic Selection criteria: 

• Personal alignment with the purpose and willingness to act in the interests of the charity only 
• Support the charitable purpose which is the advancement of education, ensuring our activities provide public benefit 
• A commitment to give advice and guidance to review and shape the ongoing strategy of the organisation, its risk, financial and audit activities 
• Remain up to date on advice and guidance from the Charity Commission by reading advice out of meeting time 
• Attend 4 Trustee meetings per year (held on Saturdays  as two remote meetings and two in London and or Liverpool) plus the preparation time and ad-hoc email dialogue throughout the year 
• Occasionally attend major meetings, such as high-profile conference 

Technical Information: 

Eligibility 

Trustees will need to complete an automatic disqualification declaration. Should any reasons for disqualification apply they will need to seek a waiver from the Charity Commission prior to taking up a position as a Trustee.

ESB is a Company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital. The Company has charitable status. For more information, please read our Memorandum and Articles of Association.

The number of members with which the Company proposes to be registered is 50 but the Board of Trustees may from time to time register an increase of members. The subscribers to the Memorandum of Association and such other persons qualified as hereinafter provided as the Board of Trustees shall admit to membership shall be members of the Company.

There are four categories of members namely: –

•     Ordinary Members
•     Life Members (Closed)
•     Friend Members
•     Honorary Members

Trustee/Directors duties

•     To act in accordance with law, the governing documents and the objects
•     To act in the interests of the charity only
•     To act with integrity
•     To manage the charity’s resources properly
•     To use reasonable skills and care working as a trustee, applying what knowledge and experience s/he has
•     To declare and avoid conflicts of interest
•     To act within powers
•     To promote the success of the company in achieving its objects
•     To exercise independent judgement
•     To exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence
•     Not to accept benefits from third parties
•     To declare interests in proposed transactions or arrangements.

Our Trustees/Directors are not remunerated.

The term of the Trusteeship is for four years with an extension of a further four-year term to enable continuity.

The operational functions of English Speaking Board (International) Ltd are delegated to the CEO who manages the activities of 16 Head Office staff and 80 contracted markers and assessors.

We highly encourage all applicants to contact our Chair of Trustees (visit our website for details) in the first instance, if you would like to hear more about being a Trustee and Director.

Role description

The Open Spaces Society, Britain's oldest conservation body, needs additional trustees to broaden our reach.If you are keen to develop strategy and policy for creating, defending, and maintaining commons, greens, and paths, and to develop new approaches to make open spaces available to all, this role is for you. 

Trustees may be co-opted by the present board, but are expected to offer themselves for election by the membership at the first available opportunity.

Working collectively, trustees have three main responsibilities. These are to:

1 set a direction for the society,

2 ensure the society’s plans are carried out appropriately,

3 ensure the society meets its legal responsibilities.

The duties of a trustee are to:

4 ensure the society complies with its articles of association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations,

5 ensure that the society pursues its objects as defined in its articles of association,

6 ensure that the society directs its resources exclusively towards its objects,

7 in association with the general secretary, ensure that the organisation is adequately staffed, and that the staff and volunteers have appropriate support and resources to pursue organisational goals,

8 contribute actively to the board’s role of developing strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets,

9 safeguard the reputation and values of the society,

10 ensure effective and efficient administration and financial stability, 1

1 appoint the general secretary and monitor her performance,

12 act in the best interests of the society at all times.

Person specification

• Commitment to the society’s mission

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• Strategic vision

• Objective and insightful judgement

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

• Adherence to Nolan’s seven principles of public life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership).

Trustee (Non‑Executive Board Member) – Mitie Foundation

Location: UK (meetings in person at The Shard, London)
Time commitment: Approximately 4 Board meetings per year plus occasional sub‑committee/ambassadorial commitments; preparation required for papers and strategic discussion
Term: Three years, renewable once (subject to Board agreement)
Start date: April 2026

The Mitie Foundation is looking for passionate and purpose‑driven Trustees to join its Board. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals who want to use their professional expertise to make a meaningful social impact and help people across the UK access brighter, more sustainable futures.

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in guiding the Foundation’ as they enter new strategic phase, supporting inclusive employment programmes, and ensuring the charity delivers real, measurable change. You’ll collaborate with a committed Board, engage with senior leaders across Mitie, and contribute to initiatives that help people build confidence, develop skills and move into meaningful work.

Whether your background is in business, charity leadership, social value, finance, HR, community engagement or lived experience of overcoming employment barriers — your insights could influence national‑level social impact.

This is a rewarding, purpose‑led role where your contribution truly matters — helping to shape programmes, strengthen governance, and open doors for individuals who need it most.

About the Mitie Foundation
The Mitie Foundation is the independent charitable arm associated with Mitie Group which was established in 2013 to create meaningful, sustainable opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment.
The Foundation delivers programmes that improve employability, inclusion and opportunity for people facing barriers to work, collaborating with partners, communities and colleagues to create measurable social value.

Help shape a charity that unlocks potential, removes employment barriers, and creates life‑changing opportunities.

Purpose of the role
Trustees work collectively to ensure the Mitie Foundation is well governed, financially sound, and achieving its charitable purposes. The Board provides strategic direction, oversight and constructive challenge so the Foundation delivers meaningful social impact while operating with integrity and independence.

We are seeking Trustee’s within the following key areas to support and form the Mitie Foundation Board;

• Finance & Risk Trustee – bringing specialist financial governance expertise, oversight of risk management, and assurance in line with Charity Commission expectations. 

• Trustee with Lived Experience – ensuring the views, needs, and realities of the communities we serve are represented at Trustee Board level. Anticipated to Chair a lived experience working group to provide insights and feedback to inform Foundation activities and support Foundation leadership and Governance. 

• Campaigns & Events Trustee – providing expertise in public engagement, fundraising, and brand-led campaigns to support the Foundation’s growth and visibility. Anticipated to Chair a campaigns and engagement working group to provide insights and feedback to inform Foundation activities and support Foundation leadership and Governance. 

• Inclusive Hiring Trustee – contributing specialist knowledge in fair-chance recruitment and employment pathways, supporting the Foundation’s commitment to inclusive hiring and social mobility. Anticipated to Chair a referral partner working group to provide insights and feedback to inform Foundation activities and support Foundation leadership and Governance. 

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy & governance: Shape and review the Foundation’s vision, mission and strategy; ensure alignment with charitable objects and Charity Commission guidance, uphold high standards of transparency and accountability.
• Oversight & assurance: Monitor performance against strategic priorities, outcomes and impact measures; approve budgets, management accounts and the statutory report and accounts; oversee risk management and ensure compliance with governing document, law and regulation.
• Executive support & challenge: Provide guidance and robust, respectful challenge to the Head of Foundation and team; maintain a clear distinction between governance and operations; participate in leadership appraisal/objective‑setting where appropriate.
• Representation & advocacy: Act as an ambassador for the Foundation within Mitie Group and externally; use professional networks to build partnerships and unlock opportunities for collaboration, funding or volunteering; protect and promote the Foundation’s independence and reputation.
• Conduct & integrity: Promote equality, diversity and inclusion across governance and programmes; uphold the Seven Nolan Principles of Public Life—selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Person specification
The Board seeks a balanced mix of skills and backgrounds; individual trustees will bring some (not all) of the following:

• Strategic or senior leadership experience in business, charity or public sector
• Charity governance and/or financial oversight
• Expertise in one or more of: HR, social value, finance, legal, ESG, communications, or programme delivery
• Ability to analyse complex information and contribute to sound, evidence‑based decisions
• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to collaborative, inclusive Board culture
• A demonstrable passion for social impact, employability and inclusion aligned to our mission

Eligibility, standards and conflicts

• Candidates must be eligible to serve as a charity trustee under the Charities Act and willing to declare/ manage conflicts of interest, particularly given the Foundation’s corporate linkage.
• Appointment is subject to reference and other checks as appropriate to the role and the Foundation’s policies.
• Trustees are expected to prepare for meetings, attend regularly and contribute actively to collective decision‑making.

Remuneration and expenses
This is a non‑executive, pro‑bono trustee role. Reasonable expenses incurred in the course of duties will be reimbursed in line with policy.

SLOW, an award-winning charity supporting bereaved families, is excited to welcome an experienced Chair to lead our Board of Trustees, when our current Chair retires in June 2026. The appointee will be tasked with moving the organisation to the next level in delivering the sustainable growth of its bereavement services. 

The Nehemiah Project is a small charity that supports men with experience of addiction to break the cycle of addiction and crime. We do this through supported living, programmes, key worker support, rebuilding family connections and providing move-on support to aid transition to independent living. We currently operate from houses in Streatham and Croydon.

We are a Christian-based charity open to men of all faiths and none. We have a partnership with the British Association of the Order of Malta who provide expertise, funding and volunteer support.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that The Nehemiah Project (TNP) achieves its core purpose of breaking the cycle of addiction and reoffending. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that TNP has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable TNP to grow and thrive.

As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer maintains an overview of the Nehemiah Project' s financial affairs. The Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation. The Nehemiah Project is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee.

Treasurer Role

• Overseeing the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board of Trustees.
• Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• Ensuring that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented, and supporting the development of policies covering financial reserves, and cost management.
• Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity.
• Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems, regularly liaising with Chief Executive
• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process Ensuring investments and assets are maximised.
• Lead on the appointment of and liaison with external auditors.
• Oversee the development and implementation of systems for appraising, mitigating and reporting corporate risk.
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies, for example, the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities and liaising with the Chief Executive to develop the financial understanding of the Board of Trustees.

What we are looking for?

• A finance professional. A knowledge of charity finance is an advantage. Otherwise an enthusiasm to learn, drawing from sound commercial experience and an understanding of SMEs.
• A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity.
• Clear communicator with the ability to bring the financial information alive to non-finance specialists. Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, liaising with auditors
• We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

In addition to the above, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees. Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Responsibilities of all trustees

• Support and provide advice on TNP' s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee TNP' s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve TNP’s financial statements.
• Provide support and challenge to TNP’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs. Keep abreast of changes in TNP’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of TNP' s own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect TNP’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of TNP’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

Personal skills and qualities

• To be sympathetic to and supportive of our Christian ethos. Practising Christian preferred.
• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member. Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion. A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission

Trustee Role Overview

Term: 4 years, renewable up to 7 years, with possible extension in exceptional cases under the Memorandum and Articles.

Remuneration: Voluntary role; reasonable expenses reimbursed.

Meetings: Attend four Board meetings a year (in person in Putney, with remote option).

Strategy Days: Up to one per year.

Events: Four annual celebration events at our houses; Trustees are encouraged to attend where possible

Committee Membership

Trustees may join one of three sub-groups — HR, Finance, or Fundraising — which meet remotely four times a year, with occasional ad hoc support to working groups or the executive team. 

Financial Commitment No donation is required, though regular modest giving is encouraged.

More Information can be found in the Trustee Pack below.

Are you a safeguarding professional looking to make a tangible difference in the lives of young Londoners? By joining our board, you will help shape safeguarding strategy, strengthen our organisational culture and ensure that CYP continues to provide a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment for all its members.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Safeguarding Oversight: Provide strategic oversight of safeguarding and child protection across the organisation and report to the Board.
• Policy & Compliance: Ensure safeguarding and child protection policies are up to date, effectively implemented, and meet all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Advice & Support: Act as a point of guidance for the Board and staff on safeguarding matters, including responding appropriately to concerns.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR 

We need someone who is organised, communicative, and shares our values.

• Safeguarding Experience: Background in safeguarding, child protection, education, youth work, social care, or a related field.
• Local: Someone who understands the unique challenges and opportunities facing young people in London today.
• Good Judgement: Ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion and confidence.
• Commitment: A strong commitment to keeping young people safe and helping a small, high-impact organisation grow responsibly.

WHY JOIN US?

• Make an Impact: Directly influence the success of a project that changes lives in your community.
• Governance Experience: Build your CV with high-level Board experience.
• Networking: Connect with a diverse group of passionate professionals and community leaders.

We are seeking two new members to join our trustee board's Grants Committee. While this is not a trustee role, committee members will be part of a collective decision-making process to ensure that our limited resources are reaching organisations providing advice to those most underserved. Grant applications are initially reviewed by our staff team. The role of the Grants Committee is then to critically review the recommendations made by the team and make decisions about how and where funding is awarded. The Grants Committee and our Board of Trustees have the final say on where our funds are allocated.

Please see the attached recruitment pack for more information.

Role

Help clients understand and act on problems with debt, benefits, housing, or employment.

Support clients with forms, budgeting, and calls to service providers

Research solutions for clients’ problems and explain options clearly.

Our volunteer advisers talk to clients over the phone, face to face and

online to explore what issues they’ve come for help with and find

information about possible options. Advisers then help clients to

understand the information, and support them to take action.

You’ll also record case details on our computer system and spot common issues. The role offers full training and the chance to develop useful skills while making a difference in your community.

Commitment: 8 hours/week (flexible)

What you gain: Communication skills, hands-on experience and full training and support provided.

.

Make a Difference: Become a Trustee for Emmaus Greenwich!

Are you passionate about tackling homelessness and empowering individuals to rebuild their lives? Emmaus Greenwich is seeking dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help steer our vital work in London. 

Who We Are:
Emmaus Greenwich provides a home, support, and meaningful work through our social enterprises, giving people experiencing homelessness a reason to get up in the morning and a path to regain independence. 

Your Role as a Trustee:

• Help shape our strategy and ensure goals align with our vision.
• Provide governance and oversight, ensuring compliance and robust management.
• Volunteer your time (meetings are held five times a year) and potentially get involved in projects. 

Who We're Looking For:
We're keen to build a diverse board with skills in:

• Finance & Business Development
• Human Resources (HR)
• Retail & Social Enterprise
• Housing Law
• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)

Time Commitment:

Trustees at Emmaus Greenwich serve for up to three terms of three years each. The Board meets every two months, both in person and online, and also comes together for an annual in-person strategy session, usually held in winter.

There are three internal sub-committees, each focusing on a specific area of the organisation’s work. These committees also meet every two months, either in person or online, and every trustee is expected to join at least one.

Ready to Get Involved?

Whether you're an experienced trustee or taking your first step at board level, we want to hear from you! 

Join us in creating lasting change for those facing homelessness in our community!

We are looking for someone who shares our vision of shaping a recognised, valued and inclusive sport and physical activity sector that everyone can be a part of, and who is committed to the highest levels of governance, risk management and assurance.

The Audit and Probity Committee reports directly to CIMSPA’s Board of Trustees and is a crucial part of our governance structure, overseeing our risk landscape.  By ensuring that risk is adequately managed and that the organisation is governed with integrity, the committee guides CIMSPA’s strategic decision-making processes.  Alongside this, the committee provides oversight, challenge and scrutiny across a range of areas, including our internal controls and our financial performance and management. 

Specialisms

Based on the committee’ annual skills review, we have identified the following specialisms as a priority for recruitment:

• Government and policy-making

• Legal and regulatory

Therefore we are seeking to appoint a committee member with significant experience in at least one of these areas.

Core Skills

We also expect all committee members to have significant experience in one or more of the following:

• Finance

• Audit and risk

• Governance and compliance

• Our system interventions (as detailed in our strategy)

• Business and commercial

• Digital

Please note - an in-depth knowledge of the sport and physical activity sector is not essential.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Ensuring that the committee fulfils its purpose as stated in its Terms of Reference.
• Ensuring that the committee complies with CIMSPA’s Charter and Statutes, charity law, company law and all other relevant legislation/regulations as they relate to the committee.
• Managing CIMSPA’s resources responsibly and honestly, with a duty of prudence.
• Working in partnership with CIMSPA’s CEO or senior leadership team to ensure the strategic aims of the organisation are achieved as they relate to the committee, maintaining a management and oversight role.
• Ensuring that the committee is accountable.

Closing date for applications: Monday 2nd March 2026 at 9am

Provisional date for virtual interviews: Monday 16th March 2026

The role of the Governing Body includes collective oversight of the College’s activities and setting and reviewing
our strategy and mission. The governor role is comparable with the non-executive directors of a public company
but instead of being accountable to shareholders, governors are accountable for public funds. As the College is an exempt charity, all governors are charity trustees.

Being a governor is a hugely rewarding leadership role. Governors can make a real difference and give something
back to the local community.

The College is currently looking for two new governors to join the Board. We are seeking experienced individuals, who
are looking for an opportunity to use and develop their professional skills in a board-level environment.
You don’t need to have prior board experience to apply.

The Board is currently looking for two new governors will have experience of one, or more, of the following areas: FE, education, apprenticeships. 

The Board also values the diversity of our students and staff, who come from a variety of ethnic, cultural and
religious backgrounds. The Board is determined to reflect this diversity amongst our Governing Body and
encourages people from a range of backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Please get in touch if you don’t feel you have the time to join the Board but would be interested in being co-opted to one of our committees. Co-option can provide an excellent introduction to voluntary governance roles. We are currently looking for co-opted members to join our Search and Governance Commitee, Resources Committee and Audit and Risk Committee. 

Are you a member of the Methodist Church in Britain (MCB) seeking to use your skills, expertise and gifts in a new way?

Could you make a significant contribution to an important and hard-working body in the Methodist Church?

We are seeking new members to join our Audit & Risk Assurance Committee, which plays a vital role in supporting good governance within the Church. The Committee reports to the Connexional Council, which is the trustee body of the MCB.

About You

We are keen to recruit a member with operational experience of the church – this could be a minister or a lay person with significant experience of the day to day workings at church, circuit or district level. We are also looking for a member who has IT experience and can assist the committee with issues relating to AI, Cyber Security and Digital.

Working collaboratively with other members of the committee, you will bring your professional skills and experience to bear across the committee’s responsibilities. Not only will you have an understanding of the Church, you will also bring a ‘critical friend’ mindset to scrutinising the accounts and governance framework of the Connexional Council. As the Church continues to develop its mission, maintaining effective governance is a vital task.

Expressions of interest are invited from lay and ordained members of the MCB to complement the skills and background of other members of the Committee.

If you would like to speak to someone about this role then please contact HR Team.

Expressions of interest from people from ethnic minorities are especially welcome. All applications will be assessed on merit.

Closing date: 28 February 2026

Shortlisting date: 10 March 2026

Interview date: 24 March 2026 (in London)

Trustee Opportunity at Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire is seeking new trustees to help shape the future of our high-performing advice charity.

With offices in Grantham, Spalding and Stamford, plus outreach centres across the region, we support a population of 225,000 people. Last year, we helped 14,000 clients with 60,000 issues and secured over £7 million of additional income for them. We are here for everyone to help people move on with their lives.

As a trustee, you’d join a well-known, respected charity, influence strategy, strengthen governance and contribute to meaningful change. This is an opportunity to share your expertise with other professional, dedicated trustees, gain valuable experience, build on your leadership and strategy skills, and increase your employability. Prior Board experience is not required.

We welcome expertise in digital media, finance, fundraising, HR, IT, law, marketing, PR, risk management, senior management, local government, or strategy.

What do you need to become a trustee?

Trustees don’t need specific qualifications, but we expect all trustees to have six core skills:

● Insight into the organisation: considering CASL’s objects and its public benefit strategically

● Challenging constructively: clarifying facts; stimulating thought

● Analysing issues: being objective; evaluating risks; using evidence; planning ahead

● Weighing up opinions: using evidence; balancing long- and shortterm; prioritising value

● Interpersonal skills: communicating clearly; listening actively; supporting a healthy culture

● Confidence and self-awareness: collaborating with others; treating everyone with respect.

The Board also values specialist skills as assets among its members:

● experience or qualifications in:

 ‣ business or charity leadership

 ‣ equity, diversity and inclusion

 ‣ facilitation

 ‣ finance and accountancy

 ‣ human resources

 ‣ IT, AI or digital media

‣ law or governance

‣ local government

‣ marketing, PR or communications

‣ risk management, or

‣ strategy development

● past experience as a client or service user of this (or a similar) organisation

● a track record of charitable fundraising, or

● being an effective chair. 

Finally, competent trustees should have these six personal qualities to some extent, and demonstrate them in their behaviours:

● Committed - motivated, dedicated, persevering; plays an active role.

● Responsible - accountable, independent, reliable; accepts collective responsibility.

● Trustworthy - ethical, principled; is a critical friend and focuses on continuous improvement.

● Collaborative - team-oriented, approachable; builds relationships and seeks consensus.

● Confident - independent; contributes constructively and expresses opinions courageously.

● Thoughtful - curious, adaptable, open-minded; appropriately challenges the status quo

Bournemouth Foodbank is looking for committed and skilled individuals to serve as trustees.

The Foodbank is at an exciting time as we have just secured funding to develop a whole new branch of initiatives. We are a Pathfinder Foodbank, piloting new programmes for the Trussell Trust Foodbank Network.

Food poverty is a complex issue that requires a range of joined-up approaches to solve. Frontline services are vital; however, people need more than food for the next three days; they need to feel that they are seen and heard, and they need to know that they have a legitimate place in society. That’s why we are developing these new more than food initiatives and working to prevent dependency and the need for foodbanks in the future.

In order to meet the challenges ahead we are particularly keen to recruit Trustees with legal experience, fundraising, strong administrative skills and, availability to attend the Foodbank on an ad hoc basis (at least fortnightly) during weekdays. Lived experience using Foodbanks or similar crisis services, as well as anyone with a background in Health and Well Being services, or Hospitality would all be extremely valuable additions to our board of trustees.

Vital is to be committed to the vision of Bournemouth Foodbank and concerned about our local communities in BCP as well as social justice equal opportunities. You will want to be giving your time and skills to work alongside our board to shape the future services on offer to our local community and support our few paid staff team and over 150 volunteers.

The time commitment would be a few hours a month, the expectation to attend the Foodbank at least fortnightly during weekdays and some flexibility to support occasional events would be wonderful (but entirely optional).

Responsibilities

As Chair of Trustees, you will ensure that you comply with Bournemouth Foodbank’s governing documents, charity law requirements, and other laws that might apply to it. You must act in Bournemouth Foodbank’s best interest, including doing what you and the trustee board decide will best enable Bournemouth Foodbank to carry out its purpose, as well as making balanced informed decisions.

This role involves leading and overseeing the trustee board in ensuring the effective performance of its legal, regulatory and governance responsibilities. It is also an essential part of the role to support and line manage the Foodbank Chief Executive Officer, to achieve the vision/objectives of the Foodbank and to ensure there is a positive relationship between the trustee board, staff, volunteers, and any other stakeholders.

Key Tasks

Chairperson Responsibilities:

• chair trustee meetings so that the trustee board functions effectively and carries out its duties
• ensure the trustee board sets an overall direction for the Foodbank with clear objectives
• ensure that the business of meetings is dealt with, decisions are recorded and implemented, and documentation is well managed and filed diligently
• in consultation with the rest of the trustee board, recruit board members with relevant expertise and experience when required
• to ensure that there is appropriate line management in place to manage the Food Bank Chief Executive Officer (which shall include undertaking appraisals, counter-authorising financial payments including payroll etc)

Ensure an effective relationship between staff, volunteers, and stakeholders:

• to plan with the Chief Executive Officer, an annual schedule of any subcommittee/steering group meetings and other key events which trustee board members should attend
• to work alongside the Foodbank Chief Executive Officer to ensure there is appropriate communication between the trustee board and staff, volunteers, and any other stakeholders.

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

• to approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, ensure the charity does not become over-committed, and ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled appropriately
• to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate
• to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, financial statements are reviewed, and progress is evaluated
• to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries
• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, and GDPR compliance/data protection
• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings.