Trustee (Fundraising & Grants Lead) - Middlewich and District Foodbank

Trustees play a vital role in ensuring Middlewich and District Foodbank meets its core purpose by overseeing the management and administration of the charity and ensuring that the foodbank has a clear strategy in line with our vision and goals.

What will you be doing?

As a trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance of the food bank 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. 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.

Key tasks

Trustee (Fundraising & Grants Lead) responsibilities:

• to work alongside the Finance Committee, treasurer and the rest of the board to plan what level of funds are required to be generated to ensure the effective running of the charity
• to work alongside the trustee board to ensure that all grants are sought and written with the purpose of meeting the charity’s vision and objectives
• to lead on the organisation of fundraising opportunities to support the running of the charity, with a specific focus on engaging with business and corporate partners
• to lead on incorporating national Trussell fundraising campaigns/events into the food bank’s fundraising calendar
• to oversee, with operational management support, the writing of high-quality grant applications that are in line with the charity’s vision and objectives
• to regularly communicate to the rest of the trustee board via trustee meetings or any other communication, any relevant information and/or developments regarding fund raising or grant applications.

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, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk, and not over-commit the charity.
• to ensure that key risks are identified, monitored, and controlled appropriately.
• to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, and progress is evaluated.
• to review and approve financial statements.
• 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 and any trustee away days.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• an understanding of, and commitment to, the work of the Middlewich & District Foodbank
• a knowledge of, and passion for, fundraising and grant application writing
• an ability to lead on any fundraising and grants matters in a supportive and confident manner
• experience of liaising with business and corporate partners and the development of fundraising relationships
• 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.

It is not necessary to have previous board experience as training and support will be provided. This role could support someone taking their first steps to develop wider board level and governance experience

Whatever your background, we want to make sure you are supported and empowered and enjoy your time volunteering with us. We know that having volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds, with varying experiences, can help to make what we do as effective as possible. As such, we welcome all applicants regardless of age, religion or beliefs, disability, ethnic background, gender reassignment, sex, or sexual orientation. We also encourage those with lived experience of poverty to apply.

What difference will you make?

By leading on fundraising and grants matters for the food bank, 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 Middlewich & District Foodbank.