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Letchworth Foodbank is seeking an inspiring and strategic Chair of the Board to lead the next chapter of our growth.
We have a clear mission: the prevention or relief of poverty in Letchworth, Hitchin and Baldock in particular, but not exclusively, by providing emergency food supplies and financial support to individuals in need and/or charities or other organisations working to relieve poverty.
Receiving donations and grants of over £200,000 per annum, the Foodbank distributes over 40 tonnes of food and £50,000 of food vouchers every year to those that need it most.
Our strategy is not to stand still, but to increase our reach and impact, and we require a Chair that shares our ambitions and will help drive a clear strategy forwards with the Trustees, working closely with the Foodbank Director.
What are we looking for?
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A Chair with knowledge of and commitment to tackling and relieving poverty.
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Experience in leadership, governance, and board-level roles (charity or voluntary sector preferred).
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and unite people.
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An understanding of the challenges faced by small charities and grassroots organisations.
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A strategic thinker with sound judgment and an inclusive leadership style.
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An understanding of safeguarding, equality, and community engagement principles.
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Experience of financial management and a broad understanding of charity finance issues.
At Letchworth Foodbank, we champion diversity. We welcome applicants from all walks of life, valuing diverse perspectives that enrich our work.
#Chair #Leadership #Endfoodpoverty #Chair of the Board of Trustees
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
At a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.
The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.
The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield.
We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.
We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:
- Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
- Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
- Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.
About the Role
All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.
Effective Trustees support our work by:
- ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
- ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
- approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
- appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
- constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
- actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.
Maximise benefit entitlement, ensuring access to expert advice, improving the capability of advisers, disseminating information and influencing policy




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.