Food Bank Volunteer Roles in Durham, County Durham
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Manchester Central Foodbank are a small but rapidly-growing charity at a pivotal moment in our evolution, and we are looking for an exceptional person to take on the role of Treasurer / Trustee.
We have recently established a finance committee, to ensure effective financial controls within our organisation. You will chair this committee of volunteers to support the foodbank in achieving its financial objectives. The finance committee and trustee board both meet every 4-6 weeks. Most of these meetings are online, with an occasional hybrid meeting.
About Manchester Central Foodbank
Manchester Central Foodbank (MCFB) is a Trussell Trust-affiliated food bank, with a centre in Central, North, and East Manchester. We were established in Ardwick in 2013 by students at the Manchester Universities’ Catholic Chaplaincy, making us the first student-led foodbank in the country. Since then we have grown significantly, expanding into Harpurhey and Openshaw, but our goal to end the need for food banks in Manchester has never changed.
We are one of 6 Trussell Trust-affiliated food banks in Manchester, and one of 19 in Greater Manchester. We work closely with our colleagues across the city, to develop and work towards a strong network of support for people locked in poverty. We know that the problem of poverty cannot be solved by giving out food alone, so we work hard to give wrap-around support to our clients, and to campaign for real change in our community.
Role responsibilities
General financial oversight:
- Liaise with MCF Managers, external accountants and auditors about financial matters.
- Oversee and present budgets, accounts and financial statements to the Board.
- Ensure that robust and effective systems, policies and controls are in place for finance and investment.
- Ensure an effective system of delegation for finance is in place.
- Ensure that record-keeping and accounts meet the conditions of funders and statutory bodies
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation.
- Ensure suitable financial roles are in place to fulfil our finance function.
Financial performance, reporting, planning & budgeting:
- Advise on the financial implications of strategic and operational plans.
- Oversee regular reports on the organisation’s financial position
- Ensure effective monitoring and reporting.
- Liaise with designated staff for accounts preparation and audit, as required.
- Present accounts at the AGM.
- Advise on MCFs reserves policy and our investment policy.
Banking, book-keeping, record-keeping and payroll:
- Oversee bank account management and that appropriate systems for bookkeeping, payments, lodgements & petty cash are in place.
- Ensure everyone handling money keeps proper records and documentation
- Payment and recording of all supplier invoices
- Recording all income received
- Preparation of monthly payroll and payment of staff
- Payment of tax and NI to the Inland Revenue
- Cash-flow management
Reconciliation of bank accounts on a monthly basis:
- Control of fixed assets
- Ensure proper records are kept.
- Ensure required insurances are in place.
Our ideal candidate
You will have a background in finance, strategy, governance and risk management.
Essential
- Knowledge and experience of financial management.
- Good financial analysis skills to examine financial consequences of proposals and plans.
- Ability to think creatively.
- Ability to communicate clearly.
- Business planning and Strategy.
- All aspects of financial management, management accounts, cashflow, budgeting, payroll related activities and financial decisions.
- Presenting complex financial information to support decisionmaking.
- A commitment to support the future success of the work of the Foodbank, our aims and values
Desirable
- Either full or part finance qualified (e.g. CIMA/CIPFA/ACCA/CA AAT or finance degree).
- Knowledge of the charity sector and current fundraising and finance practice.
- Experience with accounting software Xero
- Financial experience at a senior level.
- Previous experience of working in the voluntary sector environment.
- Experience of charity finance.
- Previous experience of being a treasurer.
Why join us?
As the need for food banks has grown, Manchester Central Foodbank has committed to addressing the causes of food poverty, while continuing to deliver emergency food parcels. As part of this, Manchester Central Foodbank is involved in several projects, with various funding sources. This includes the Trussell Trust’s national Pathfinder programme, with foodbanks involved developing and delivering their own plan for reducing the need for their services locally. You will play a pivotal role in achieving our vision for the central Manchester area.
You will get to know our enthusiastic and dedicated staff, trustees and other volunteers. As treasurer and a trustee board member, you will build on your governance, leadership and strategic skills. You will also be an essential part of shaping the future strategy of the foodbank and will be able to see the positive impact on the people of Manchester.
Manchester Central Foodbank supports equality and diversity, and we actively encourage expressions of interest from people with diverse backgrounds.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees. As a Trustee of the Branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.
You will be volunteering with a small, but passionate and fun team made up of two admin staff, five retail and online sales staff, and a dedicated trustee board of five, from a range of backgrounds.
We are a highly proactive, progressive and approachable branch, with a clear vision for the future - aiming for charitable excellence, a strong community focus, and a passion to support, signpost and advocate for our pet-owning community.
Among our animal welfare activities are schemes such as assisted neutering and microchipping, welfare events such as free microchipping and clinic sessions, provision of a local pet food bank, family fun day events in aid of animal welfare, and the delivery of educational materials - created by the branch team, for our younger audiences.
We support RSPCA frontline teams within our local area, and we are always keen to take on new challenges and innovative ways to fundraise and work alongside those in our community who need our support.
The insights and skills of our trustees are the key to the future direction of the branch.
As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.
Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee
- Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
- Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
- Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
- In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Support Specialist write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
- Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
- Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.
- Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
- In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.
What we are looking for in a volunteer
We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with experience and skills in any of the following areas:
- Marketing communication including social media, PR, website;
- Fundraising including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications;
- Local community and supporter relationships;
- Hands-on experience in growing charities; and/or
- Are or have been part of the groups and communities we would like to attract.
Alongside the relevant experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.
What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee
- We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
- Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
- The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
- The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
- A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.
Ideally we would want a Trustee within the Sunderland, Hartlepool, South Tyneside, Newcastle, Gateshead or Durham area. However, the position can be done mostly via remote means - and so, you can be located anywhere in the country.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role Summary
We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who will offer strategic and supportive leadership to our highly effective, collaborative and committed Board. The Chair leads the board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, in service of the charity's vision and mission. The Chair leads in an inclusive way, supporting the Board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive. The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity.
Chair role & responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that Glass Door achieves its mission with the interests of Glass Door's guests at its centre.
Work collaboratively with the CEO, staff and volunteers to achieve our mission and optimise the relationship between the Board and Glass Doors's staff and volunteers.
Provide leadership within the Board, ensuring that it fulfills its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation and promoting governance among fellow Trustees, providing clarity around boundaries between governance, management and operations.
Plan and chair the bi-monthly board meetings and the AGM, with colleagues as appropriate and liaise with the CEO, Company Secretary and Governance Trustee with regard to setting up meetings, agenda items and annual report content.
Facilitate meetings ensuring all have equal involvement in discussions, clarifying any uncertainties, confirming decisions made and actions to be taken and ensuring effective time management of meetings whilst providing appropriate periods of discussion and reflection.
Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for Glass Door when required.
Support Glass Door functions and events eg attendance at supporter events.
Support the Head of Fundraising & Major Donors with the cultivation of high-level donors, occassionally attending meetings where value can be added.
Represent the Board at staff Town Hall meetings.
Support the team liaising with partner churches and statutory authorities as required and be the public face of Glass Door in the local community.
Liaise with the CEO and he Board to keep an overview of the charity's affairs.
Provide supervision and support to the CEO as necessary in addition to planned monthly/bi-monthly 'catch up' meetings and, with the People Trustee, lead the CEO's annual performance review.
To act as final stage adjudicator for disciplinary and grievance procedures if required.
What we are looking for
Experience of being a Trustee, ideally in the third sector, and an understanding of the legal responsibilities and liabilities of a Trustee/Director.
A keen sense of strategic purpose.
Strong leadership skills, able to foster and promote a collaborative team environment and an inclusive and collaborative leadership style; able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.
An ability to facilitate, mediate, influence and respect the confidences of colleagues. The ability to listen and engage effectively. You are comfortable with challenge and debate and are able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment.
Excellent presentation and communication skills.
Advocate and ambassador - possess gravitas to lead the organisation and be able and willing to champion Glass Door.
Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to Glass Door's guests and ensure that the interests of our guests drive the decisions of the Board.
A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
A willingness to devote necessary time and effort to your duties as Chair and be available and responsive (e.g. when things sometimes 'come up' that require the Chair to advise, support or give consent to).
What's in it for the new Chair?
Our vision is a world where no one has to sleep on the streets of London and we're working every day to achieve this. Your role as Chair will offer you an incredibly reqarding experience to use your skills and collaborate with the rest of the Board and staff members for the benefit of people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.
For more information please see the full role description and Glass Door information pack attached,
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.